Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, PA: What It Is and What to Do There

Lehigh Parkway is a large public park along the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and it is best known to visitors as a place for walking, biking, and fishing—plus it is home to the Museum of Indian Culture, the oldest Native American heritage museum in Pennsylvania. It suits anyone looking for an easy outdoor outing in the Lehigh Valley, and it can be paired with a museum visit if you go on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The details below cover what the parkway offers, how to visit the museum inside it, and what to plan for.

What and Where Lehigh Parkway Is

Lehigh Parkway is part of Allentown's park system, running along the Little Lehigh Creek. Its defining features are its paved and unpaved paths, the creek itself, and open green space that makes it a common spot for jogging, cycling, walking dogs, and picnicking.

The Museum of Indian Culture sits within the parkway at 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown, PA 18103, which is the most concrete address to use if you are navigating to the parkway for the museum.

What You Can Do in the Parkway

• Walk or bike the trails. The path network follows the creek and is the main reason people come.
• Fish or watch the creek. The Little Lehigh is a well-known trout stream in the region.
• Picnic and relax. Open lawns and shaded areas make it a low-key outing.
• Visit the museum. The Museum of Indian Culture is located inside the parkway and anchors a visit with something indoors and educational.

Visiting the Museum of Indian Culture

The museum describes itself as a member-supported, volunteer-run, non-profit resource center founded in 1980, focused on Native American cultures—especially those of the northeast, and also throughout the western hemisphere. It has operated for over 45 years and offers exhibits, programs, internships, and community events.

Hours (as listed by the museum): Friday through Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm. Closed major holidays.

Contact:

• Address: 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown, PA 18103
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 610-797-2121

What to See Inside

• Guided tours covering the cultural heritage of the Delaware/Lenape Indians and other Northeastern Woodlands tribes.
• Artifacts and cultural items, including agricultural tools and trade goods.
• Hands-on activities such as fire-starting kits, pump drills, and atlatls (spear-throwers).
• Rotating inter-tribal exhibits with American Indian artistry from across the western hemisphere—beadwork, tomahawks, basketry, pottery, dance regalia, and more.
• A featured exhibit, "Warrior Spirit: Journey of the Native American Warrior."

Educational Programs

The museum offers on-site and off-site programs for public and private schools, homeschoolers, colleges, youth groups, social groups, businesses, and libraries. If you are planning a group visit, contact the museum directly using the phone number or email above to discuss scheduling.

Events and Membership

• The Roasting Ears of Corn Festival, a Native American festival, is held in August.
• Membership includes free admission to festivals, free museum admission, discounted workshops, and a 10% discount on gift shop purchases.
• The museum is fundraising to build a village; details are available through the museum.

Practical Tips for Combining a Visit

• Time your trip around museum hours. The parkway is open for recreation, but the museum is only open Friday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, so a weekday visit means outdoors only.
• Use the Fish Hatchery Road address for navigation to the museum entrance.
• Check ahead for group visits. Tours and educational programs are arranged through the museum, so call or email before bringing a class or group.
• Confirm holiday closures. The museum is closed on major holidays.
• Pair the parkway with the museum for a half-day outing: trails and creek first, then the exhibits.

Quick Reference

For current program schedules, festival dates, and membership details, contact the Museum of Indian Culture directly, since those specifics can change season to season.