6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Allentown – A Town Famous for Its Ice Hockey!

Allentown is a town located in western Pennsylvania, just next to New York. The town’s center is situated on the west side of the Lehigh River. Being in the suburbs, it offers a variety of activities including fishing, and you can buy fresh produce at the local farmers’ market. In addition, at Coca-Cola Park local residents enjoy baseball games, creating a lively and spirited town. Here, we introduce some of Allentown’s tourist attractions.

1. Coca-Cola Park

Coca-Cola Park is the home of the Ironpigs in the Lehigh Valley and is located on the eastern side of the Lehigh River along American Parkway. This small ballpark features both a two-story infield seating area and an outfield seating area, and is also capable of hosting night games. Despite its small size, exciting features such as fireworks contribute to an exhilarating experience. The ballpark at dusk is especially beautiful, as the inner seating area is bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

The mascot of the Ironpigs, a pink pig, appears in the stands, offering hugs to children and showcasing a strong spirit of service. With the enthusiastic local support from Allentown, the stands are filled with many tourists and locals alike.

2. America On Wheels Museum

This museum exhibits automobiles and motorcycles and is dedicated to all things related to wheels. Car enthusiasts will be thrilled to see a collection of classic cars from yesteryear. Exhibits include classic cars that first appeared soon after the Industrial Revolution—vehicles with low heights resembling modified carriages—and nostalgic automobiles.

At the America On Wheels Museum, you can closely explore the history of the automobile’s development. With exhibits maintained in excellent condition and meticulously polished, this museum is an ideal destination to reminisce about the past—even if you’re not an automotive enthusiast. In addition to sedans, the museum also displays trucks and early racing cars. There is even a rare exhibit featuring vehicles built with just the chassis and engine, which are considered the original prototypes in automotive history. Enjoy an engaging and fascinating experience in Allentown!

3. PPL Center

In Allentown, a town close to Canada, ice hockey is very popular. At the PPL Center, you can enjoy not only ice hockey games but also basketball matches and live theater performances. Located on the west side of the Lehigh River in the center of town, the PPL Center is a local entertainment hub. On game days, it fills with families and tourists alike.

When the United States faces Canada in ice hockey, many tourists and local Allentown residents get excited by the top-level play of American ice hockey—expect heart-pounding, intense games. At the PPL Center, friendly staff dressed in flashy orange costumes warmly welcome you. In Allentown, ice hockey is particularly popular and provides a wonderful way to enjoy the cold winter season.

4. Li'l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery

Located on the northwestern side of Allentown near the Little Lehigh River, the Li'l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery is set in a serene, rural area along Route 78. Surrounded by woods in a peaceful setting, this facility specializes in trout farming, where you can feed the fish and even interact with them.

You do not need to bring your own feed as it can be purchased at nearby outlets such as the White Schneider House or conveniently from vending machines. Because it is extremely rare to see wild trout surfacing on the water, feeding them provides a unique opportunity to observe these precious fish in action. The concrete tanks, about 30 cm high and arranged neatly in several rows, clearly demonstrate the well-maintained environment for trout cultivation.

The area around the nursery is lush with green lawns, making it an ideal tourist spot for children to play and for adults to relax away from the bustling city. Enjoy an escape into nature in Allentown at this delightful spot.

5. Allentown Farmers Market

Located in the town center near Muhlenberg University is the Allentown Farmers Market. Housed in a vast brick complex, the market welcomes you with cheerful drawings by children displayed at the entrance. The interior corridors are clean and well organized, with glass cases showcasing fresh meats and vegetables. From candies and other snacks to a wide range of culinary items, the market is a one-stop shopping destination for all your food needs. It is a vibrant shopping spot popular with many tourists.

With a large parking area, the market is extremely convenient. In winter, when Allentown experiences lows of 1 to 2°C, the shops are indoors. Some outlets have uniquely decorated storefronts that offer an enjoyable window-shopping experience. The market typically operates from Thursday to Saturday, so plan your visit accordingly.

6. Allentown Art Museum

The Allentown Art Museum, which exhibits works by renowned Impressionists such as Cézanne and Gauguin, is located near West Linden Street along the Jordan River. On the first floor, you’ll find oil paintings framed in golden frames along with displays of Western-style clothing such as Chinese garments. Among the three-dimensional art pieces, there is an artistic display of copper musical instruments—one installation, featuring a series of short rods arranged in a circle, produces sounds reminiscent of an alarm when struck.

Another piece consists of a series of thin, 1-meter tall rods arranged in a circle that, when shaken by the wind, create a soothing sound like that of rustling trees. A final installation features dozens of long rods with small cup-like attachments at their tips; when these cups gently tap one another, they produce sounds akin to church bells.

On the second floor is an educational zone where visitors can try their hand at painting, thanks to programs supported by the museum.

The museum also has a shop selling postcards and related merchandise, making it a perfect memento. This art museum is an engaging destination for both children and adults.

◎ Summary

Allentown is a town where ice hockey reigns supreme more than baseball. Due to the local climate, where winter temperatures often fall below freezing, indoor sports have thrived. The farmers market and other facilities have been designed with the winter climate in mind, and the town’s attractions change with the seasons: in summer, you can feed trout at the nursery; in winter, enjoy ice hockey or basketball games. Being a compact town, moving around is convenient, and tickets for games are relatively easier to obtain compared to larger cities. Whether you’re a sports fan or a lover of unique local experiences, Allentown’s attractions provide a variety of enjoyable activities. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant and engaging town!

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