Bethlehem Steel Plant Tour — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Discover the Bethlehem Steel Tour in Pennsylvania

Walk in the footsteps of America’s industrial giants on the Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Led by expert guides from Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, this immersive experience explores the monumental ruins of the once-mighty Bethlehem Steel plant — the company that built America’s skyscrapers, bridges, and battleships. Visitors trace the rise and fall of the steel industry while standing beneath the towering blast furnaces that still dominate the skyline at SteelStacks.

Why it’s special: The Bethlehem Steel site is one of the most visually striking industrial landmarks in the country. The guided walking tour brings history to life through powerful storytelling, vivid artifacts, and firsthand accounts of the men and women who shaped the 20th century with steel.

History/Story of Bethlehem Steel

Founded in 1857, Bethlehem Steel grew from a regional iron works into the nation’s second-largest steel producer — supplying beams for the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Hoover Dam. At its height, the company employed over 30,000 workers and fueled America’s industrial dominance. When the furnaces went cold in 1995, the site was reborn as SteelStacks, a cultural and arts campus preserving the legacy of American steelmaking for future generations.

What You’ll See & Do on the Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour

• Walk beneath the towering blast furnaces that defined Bethlehem’s skyline

• Learn how raw materials were transformed into molten steel

• Hear stories about the immigrant laborers who powered the plant for over a century

• See relics of the rolling mills, ore bridges, and blast furnaces up close

• Explore SteelStacks — a stunning cultural campus blending industry and art

Hands-On Elements: Observation-based tour with close-up views of machinery, relics, and interpretive displays.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged throughout the site.
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum shop featuring Bethlehem Steel memorabilia, books, and local crafts.

Pricing of the Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour

General Admission:

• Adults: $18

• Seniors (65+): $16

• Students & Children (7–17): $12

• Children under 6: Free

Group Tours: Available for schools, clubs, and organizations by reservation.

Practical Info for Visiting Bethlehem Steel

Duration: 75–90 minutes
Format: Guided outdoor walking tour
Schedule & Seasonality: March–December; weekends and select weekdays (check online calendar)
Audience: History buffs, families, engineers, photographers, and industrial heritage enthusiasts
Accessibility: Outdoor walking tour with paved paths; some uneven terrain
Safety & Restrictions: Comfortable shoes recommended; dress for weather
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Custom group tours and educational programs available
What to Bring/Wear: Walking shoes, water, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, café, and free parking at SteelStacks
Closures & Downtime: Closed in winter and during major festival events

Nearby

• Hoover-Mason Trestle Walkway — elevated path offering panoramic furnace views

• National Museum of Industrial History — Smithsonian-affiliated museum nearby

• ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — live music, film, and cultural events year-round

FAQs About Visiting the Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour

Do I need to book in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended, as tours often sell out during weekends and festivals.

Is the tour outdoors?
Yes — the entire tour takes place outdoors along the SteelStacks site and Hoover-Mason Trestle.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged — the furnaces make for incredible shots.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the walking tour is suitable for ages 7 and up.

What’s the best time to visit?
Spring and fall offer ideal weather, with evening tours providing dramatic sunset lighting on the furnaces.