Northampton’s history is told not only through its buildings and museums: trails, bridges, and former industrial sites also reflect the region’s development. At the same time, forests, wetlands, rivers, and agricultural land shape the park, trail, and open-space system of Northampton County. It comprises 24 county-owned parks, trails, and conservation areas. You can plan your discoveries around a wide range of themes—from landscapes and outdoor activities to colonial and industrial history.
Trails through forests, wetlands, and river landscapes
At Louise W. Moore Park, walking and hiking trails pass exercise stations; there is also a trail for cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Wy-Hit-Tuk Park provides access to the 60-mile Delaware Canal State Park and serves as a starting point for the D&L Trail. Both places connect parkland with longer trails, while Bear Swamp Park offers a shorter nature experience: a boardwalk loop about 0.8 kilometers long runs through the wetland. Those interested in archery will find a target range, the Hunt Course, and an Olympic Field there.
Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp Park & Archery Complex covers 251 acres of forests, wetlands, and waterways connected to East Fork Martin’s Creek. Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center also offers a varied landscape: its 1,168 acres include forests, fields, and streams. A trail made up of connected loops leads from Henry’s Woods to the remains of the village of Jacobsburg on State Park Road. Those who would rather explore nature-related topics in depth can look to the center’s guided outdoor activities, hands-on programs, environmental education offerings, and special events, which are designed for all age groups.
For birdwatching, Archibald Johnson Conservation Area has informational panels and a viewing blind. An unimproved former access road serves as a pedestrian entrance and riverside trail along a stream. Historic remnants of a spring and pump house offer another point of interest. The area lies within the Dutch Springs Natural Heritage Area and the Monocacy Creek Greenway. Minsi Lake has an accessible fishing pier. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake; two launch ramps with adjoining parking areas round out the amenities. Check the latest lake advisories before your visit.
Bridges, village remains, and architectural history
M. Opp Bridge is a stone arch bridge built over Fry’s Run in 1824. It has been designated as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Nor-Bath Trail offers another view of historic transportation routes: it follows the route of the Northampton and Bath Railroad, a branch line that operated for 77 years. A trail connection to Nor-Bath Trail runs through Wayne A. Grube Memorial Park; stone remains of the historic Howertown Hotel are also located there, on Willowbrook Road.
In Jacobsburg, the story continues from village remains and trails to weapons manufacturing: at Jacobsburg National Historic District, you can learn about a colonial arms manufactory. The famous Henry rifle was once made here. At Moravian Historical Society, you can see Gray Cottage, built in 1740 and the oldest surviving Moravian building in North America. The society offers tours, exhibitions, and public events. Check program details and reservations before your trip.
Museums and traces of the industrial age
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites cares for eight buildings that either belong to the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site or are considered associated properties. The organization also preserves 20 significant historic sites. Visitors can explore the grounds of Burnside Plantation without a guide; Historic Bethlehem also offers a self-guided Heritage Trail Tour. This provides access to the city’s history through both individual historic sites and an independent walking tour.
The National Museum of Industrial History is housed in the former Electric Repair Shop on the Bethlehem Steel site. Its exhibitions, interactive hands-on activities, and programs explore industrial history and the present day. The Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum focuses on another part of industrial development: it tells the story of the impact of more than 5,000 employees at five plants built between 1889 and 1982. Its collection includes more than 2,000 donated artifacts.
The Sigal Museum is the leading local history institution in Northampton County. Its significant collections include artifacts from before European settlement, decorative arts and textiles, agricultural tools, and colonial furniture. The museum offers interactive exhibitions, self-guided and docent-led tours, special programs for children, and lecture series on local and American history. Its 45-minute Historic Easton Walking Tour covers Lenape roots, colonial beginnings, the Victorian heyday, and Easton’s development as a diverse urban community. Check program details and reservations before your visit.
A local market as a seasonal highlight
Northampton Farmers’ Market offers locally grown foods and specialty products. It takes place under the pavilions at Municipal Park, 1401 Laubach Avenue in Northampton. Street parking and parking lot spaces are available near the historic Block House. As market offerings are seasonal, check the details before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bethlehem, Easton, Wind Gap, Union County, Allegheny, Lackawanna, Montgomery, Jefferson County.
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