National Museum of Industrial History
Bethlehem, PA · 1 hour 6 minutes from Reading · Under $20 a person

Plan the day
The National Museum of Industrial History is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Bethlehem, PA, set in the former Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant.
The museum occupies a Bethlehem Steel building and covers steel, textiles and the 1876 Centennial Exposition with artifacts from the Smithsonian's 1876 industrial collection and hands-on interactives. Free parking sits in the nearby SteelStacks Ruins lots, first Wednesdays are half price for seniors, first Thursdays half price for students, and on Sundays children under 12 get in free with a paying adult. Children 6 and under are always free.
Before you go
Limited free parking in the SteelStacks Ruins East and West lots, with paid parking at the NCC Fowler Center lot or Polk Street Garage. Food stays out of the galleries, but outside food is fine in the Education Center. Strollers are welcome, and large bags go in the free coat closet.
Coming up
Steel Weekend 2026 is October 10 and 11, 10 am to 5 pm, with smithing, hot riveting and steam hammer demonstrations; Trunk or Treat follows October 27 and a Flashlight Tour on November 6.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.





