Macungie is a charming township with a vast history in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh County.
It serves as Lehigh County’s second oldest borough, making it a haven for history buffs.
Its proximity to Allentown makes Macungie a convenient travel destination to explore.
At the same time, it’s a two-hour drive north of Philadelphia.
It’s also a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Newark.
Macungie’s unique name came from the Lenape Indian phrase, “The Feeding Place of the Bears.”
Historically, Macungie became the settlement for German immigrants in Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
This township’s long history remains visible today through its parks, museums, and ruins scattered throughout the community.
So, check out the best things to do in Macungie, Pennsylvania, before heading to this fascinating township.
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Bear Creek Mountain Resort, located along Doe Mountain Lane, is a famous mountain resort in Lehigh County.
Skiers frequently visit it from Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia.
This mountain ski resort offers a premium skiing, tubing, and snowboarding experience.
It encompasses over 330 acres of top-notch skiing trails and other outdoor facilities.
Situated a few minutes away from Macungie’s downtown area, it is unique among other locations because it’s open year-round in summer or spring.
Aside from skiing during winter, this mountain resort is also famous for other activities.
You can enjoy hiking, archery, Segway tours, biking, and disc golf activities at this mountain ski resort.
If you’re looking for fun and adventure in Macungie, Bear Creek Mountain Resort is your go-to place.
Kalmbach Memorial Park along Cotton Street is Macungie’s favorite outdoor recreation area.
Late industrialist Frederick Kalmbach Sr. established this park back in the day.
The German-born Kalmbach founded the Electric Furnace Man in the neighboring town of Emmaus.
Today, this memorial park in Macungie offers a wide array of programs and activities for everyone.
Aside from being a vital community park, it also offers art classes, historical programs, and health and wellness events.
Kalmbach Memorial Park offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it an excellent place to visit for relaxation.
Locals love to hike; it has various walking trails through lush wooded areas.
In addition, you can continue visiting Kalmbach’s 1850s restored house, which now hosts various events in the community.
The Macungie Institute, situated along East Main Street, is the township’s main events center.
It’s where you’ll witness all of Macungie’s social, educational, and cultural activities.
This place is where you can catch community events such as theater shows, concerts, contests, birthday parties, and weddings.
It also holds a unique history.
In 1856, this place served as a public school; thus, it earned its name, the Macungie Institute.
Back in the day, the school aimed to promote and stimulate literature among youngsters in the community.
However, the school closed in 1860 due to insufficient funds.
It reopened in 1862 after the borough school district bought it.
The institute eventually became a high school building that closed down in 1989.
It then converted into the Macungie Institute everyone knows today.
Macungie Memorial Park is a 42-acre community park located on Poplar Street, near the township’s businesses and attractions.
The Macungie Park Association currently runs the park, which features excellent amenities.
This memorial park has picnic pavilions, a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gymnasium, and meeting rooms.
The park has substantial tree-shaded areas, perfect for hanging out with your travel buddies if you’re looking for a cost-free place to visit in Macungie.
With all that in mind, Macungie Memorial Park is an exciting place to relax and have fun.
Macungie is home to the world-renowned Allen Organ Company, where you’ll find its massive manufacturing and mailing factory along Locust Street.
This company is renowned worldwide for its world-class musical organs.
Many of the massive organs you see in churches, concert halls, and auditoriums were manufactured by this company.
The Allen Organ Company’s regular public concerts and demonstrations make it exciting to visit.
These performances feature its massive musical organs through its 400-seater auditorium every spring and fall.
Overall, this place is fascinating and mesmerizing to visit, whether or not you’re a fan of musical organs.
The Macungie Train Watching Platform along Mill Street is a fascinating attraction in the township.
It lets you see various trains passing through Macungie’s central railway system.
In addition, it has a flower park, a fountain, a pavilion, and a viewing platform wherein the public can safely see trains passing by.
The Macungie Train Watching Platform is a haven for rail and train fans who want to see various trains passing through the area up close.
It is indeed a one-of-a-kind place in Macungie if you want a relaxing and cost-free activity to enjoy.
You can spot many trains and take photos of them.
At the same time, you can relax at its pavilion and enjoy the view.
The Buckeye Tavern along Brookside Road in Macungie is not your typical watering hole.
This tavern has been open since 1735, making it an important historical landmark in Lehigh County.
Like most taverns, it serves delicious food and drinks for locals who have wanted to unwind for generations.
Originally opened as a hotel in 1735, this place transformed into a famous tavern known for its exemplary service.
The Buckeye Tavern has creepy stories that might fascinate you.
According to its employees and patrons, countless alleged paranormal activities have happened here.
If you’re looking for a unique Macungie experience that will send chills down your spine, this is your go-to place.
The Brookside Country Club is a family-oriented country golf club along Willow Lane.
It primarily aims to provide guests with a memorable experience.
Unlike your typical golf course, this one offers various amenities that guarantee visitors a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The 18-hole, par-71 golf course’s focal point features over 6,534 yards.
This golf course highlights the scenic landscape featuring Lehigh County’s natural beauty.
If you’re up for a golf session on your trip to Macungie, Brookside Country Club is a recommended place to stop by.
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Lock Ridge Park is located along Franklin Street in the neighboring town of Alburtis, three miles west of Macungie.
This place is an outdoor historical landmark featuring the preserved portions of the famous Lock Ridge Ironworks furnaces.
The furnace was renowned in the mid-1800s as it produced railroads and iron horses through nearby raw materials used for iron-making.
During its height of operation, the furnace provided thousands of jobs in the region.
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Today, the area where the furnace operates is far from its noisy and smoking hot atmosphere.
What greets you upon arriving at this place are the melody of birds, the rustling branches against the wind, and the tranquil atmosphere.
Aside from outdoor activities like hiking, it’s also a fascinating place to dig into history.
Discover the fascinating backstories of the furnace’s ruins and old buildings while exploring the vast Lock Ridge Park.
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Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve is in Emmaus, about five miles northeast of Macungie.
This nature preserve is a sanctuary for various local wildlife and native plants in Lehigh County.
At the same time, its south mountain trails are a popular outdoor destination for hikers and climbers.
They usually climb to the summit for a challenging outdoor activity.
At the same time, they head up there to appreciate the natural beauty from above.
The trail going up the mountain’s summit comprises huge boulders, stones, and wooded areas.
However, it’s relatively accessible for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers.
Suppose you’re looking for a fantastic outdoor adventure while in Macungie; Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve is the best place for you.
The Lock Ridge Furnace Museum is adjacent to the 59-acre Lock Ridge Park in Alburtis.
Featuring a combination of outdoor and indoor exhibits, it houses all artifacts, including equipment, documents, photographs, and other memorabilia of the 1800s Lock Ridge Iron Company.
The Lehigh County Historical Society currently runs this museum and provides guided tours to visitors.
It’s an excellent place to visit once you explore Lock Ridge Park.
You can check out various sections of the old furnace, which have interpretive signs.
At the same time, you can take gorgeous photos of the unique scenery that combines old building ruins and nature’s beauty.
Creamery Park, located along Spring Creek Road in Alburtis, encompasses over 56 acres of green open space and park amenities.
It serves as Alburtis’ official community park, with a pavilion that comes with picnic tables, a kitchen, and other amenities.
However, most locals love to spend their day at this park in Alburtis to break a sweat and get active.
Creamery Park has four soccer fields, a four-series fitness center, walking trails, and other sports facilities.
With all that in mind, it’s an ideal place to get fit or have a lovely picnic with your loved ones.
Vynecrest Winery in Breinigsville, 13 minutes north of Macungie, is one of the top wine producers in the region.
This winery produces over 22,000 gallons of wine annually, or about 85% of the wines from Lehigh Valley.
It was opened in 1974 by owners John and Jan Landis, who planted 50 grape vines on their five-acre farm in Breinigsville.
While visiting Vynecrest Winery, you can taste six-estate bottled wines, the best-of-the-best wines they offer.
At the same time, you can shop for a bottle or two to bring back home from your trip to Macungie.
Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park in Breinigsville is a famous outdoor recreation area in Lehigh County.
It is well-known by many locals as an excellent place to sweat it out and get fit through its various hiking and biking trails.
The park has numerous trails intended for hikers and bikers.
The trails take you to wooded areas and open fields with a fantastic view of nature.
At the same time, each trail available has various technicalities depending on how seasoned you are regarding hiking or biking.
If you have the energy for more outdoor adventure, Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park is an excellent place to go.
Lower Macungie Township Historical Society has been preserving the history of Lehigh County since 1989 through its historical and educational programs.
This group based in Emmaus has been responsible for the series of restorations of the centuries-old buildings throughout Lehigh County.
At the same time, they also provide public guided tours through the county’s most famous historical attractions.
Suppose you’re looking for fascinating history in Macungie and other parts of Lehigh County; this group helps you learn about the area’s history and the surrounding region.
Lower Macungie Township Historical Society also has its museum in Emmaus, filled with exhibits, interpretive signs, and artifacts from the area’s iron mining and agricultural heritage.
Macungie is an ideal destination for travelers from Allentown, Philadelphia, and New York.
Despite being part of the suburban area of Allentown, Macungie retained its charming sleepy town appeal with loads of hidden gems to explore.
This small township is ideal for everyone, especially those fascinated with history.
At the same time, you’ll be amazed at its unspoiled natural beauty.
Lastly, don’t forget to bookmark this list of the best things to do in Macungie, Pennsylvania, as your handy itinerary.
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