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Plan Your Visit to Steel Ice Center
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Plan Your Visit to Steel Ice Center

Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem Star overlooking the city at night

The Bethlehem Star โ€” a landmark symbol shining above the city just minutes from Steel Ice Center

Welcome to Steel Ice Center

Steel Ice Center welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year โ€” from hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions to Learn to Skate classes, public skating sessions, camps, clinics, and local events. Whether you’re spending a weekend at the rink or just dropping by for a skate, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the arena and the surrounding Bethlehem area.

From nearby hotels and dining to shopping and family attractions, we’ve gathered helpful resources to enhance your experience โ€” whether you’re a player, skater, parent, spectator, or first-time visitor.

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Historic Hotel Bethlehem exterior with holiday decor

Historic Hotel Bethlehem โ€” one of the regionโ€™s top-rated hotels and a centerpiece of the cityโ€™s charm

Where to Stay

All hotels listed below are popular with Steel Ice Center visitors โ€” from hockey families and skating competitors to public skaters and local event guests. All are within 5 miles of the rink.

Legend:
โญ Hotel quality    ๐Ÿšถ Walkable to rink    ๐Ÿพ Pet-friendly    ๐Ÿฅž Breakfast    ๐Ÿณ Kitchenette    ๐ŸŠ Pool    ๐Ÿงบ Laundry
๐Ÿงผ Housekeeping    ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ Fitness    โœˆ๏ธ Near ABE    ๐ŸšŒ Free shuttle    ๐ŸŽฎ Arcade    ๐ŸŽฐ Casino
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Outlets    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dining    ๐ŸŽ„ Holiday decor

  • Comfort Suites Bethlehem ๐Ÿšถ โญโญยฝ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 0.4 miles
    Closest hotel to the rink โ€” walk to Steel Ice Center, dining, and South Side shops.
  • Hyatt Place Bethlehem ๐Ÿšถ โญโญโญ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 0.5 miles ๐Ÿฅž ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ ๐Ÿงผ ๐ŸšŒ
    Modern hotel in the heart of downtown โ€” close to Main Street shopping and dining.
  • Historic Hotel Bethlehem โญโญโญโญ โ€” 0.8 miles ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐ŸŽ„
    Iconic, award-winning hotel โ€” perfect for visitors wanting a luxury experience in historic Bethlehem.
  • Wind Creek Hotel โญโญโญ โ€” 0.9 miles ๐Ÿ›๏ธ ๐ŸŽฎ ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐ŸŽฐ
    Resort experience with outlets and casino attached โ€” close to rink and entertainment.
  • Candlewood Suites โญโญยฝ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 1.3 miles ๐Ÿณ ๐Ÿงบ ๐Ÿ‹๏ธ
    Great option for extended stays โ€” kitchenettes and laundry on site.
  • Holiday Inn Express โญโญยฝ โ€” 2.3 miles ๐Ÿฅž ๐ŸŠ ๐Ÿงผ
    Reliable family-friendly choice โ€” includes breakfast and pool.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites โญโญยฝ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 3.6 miles ๐Ÿฅž ๐ŸŠ ๐Ÿงบ
    Consistent quality and amenities โ€” very popular with youth sports families.
  • Homewood Suites โ€“ Bethlehem Airport โญโญโญ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 4.2 miles โœˆ๏ธ ๐ŸšŒ ๐Ÿณ ๐Ÿฅž ๐ŸŠ ๐Ÿงบ
    Full suites with kitchenettes โ€” ideal for teams or families flying into ABE.
  • Homewood Suites โ€“ Center Valley โญโญโญ ๐Ÿพ โ€” 5.4 miles ๐Ÿณ ๐Ÿฅž ๐ŸŠ
    All-suite option near premium shopping and dining at The Promenade Shops.

๐Ÿจ Tip: Book early for the best rates โ€” popular event weekends at Steel Ice Center can fill fast.

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Main Street Bethlehem lit at night with dining and shopping

Main Street Bethlehem โ€” home to some of the areaโ€™s best dining, steps from historic charm and local culture

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Where to Eat

Great food options are just steps away when you visit Steel Ice Center. Whether you’re here for a tournament, public skating, a family event, or a local program โ€” these local favorites offer delicious choices to fit any schedule or appetite.

๐Ÿ’ Fast & Inside the Rink

Icehouse Snack Stand โ€“ Located inside Steel Ice Center

  • โ˜• Fresh coffee
  • ๐Ÿฅช Hot breakfast sandwiches
  • ๐Ÿซ Grab-and-go snacks

Perfect for early skates, mid-day refuels, or staying warm between sessions.

The Steel Pub ๐Ÿšถ โ€“ Rinkside dining with East Rink views

  • ๐Ÿ‘€ View the game while eating
  • ๐ŸŽถ Live music Friday & Saturday nights
  • ๐Ÿ” Full menu, drinks, family seating

Steps from the rink โ€” no reservations needed, just walk over.

๐Ÿฅž Mornings: Coffee & Brunch
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Family & Group-Friendly Dining
๐Ÿฅ‚ Upscale Options for Adults
๐ŸŒ International Cravings
๐Ÿฆ Sweets & Treats

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Bethlehem holiday market with lights and star decorations

Bethlehemโ€™s boutique shops and festive markets offer unique finds year-round โ€” just a short walk from the rink

Where to Shop

Looking to explore Bethlehemโ€™s walkable downtown? Main Street and Broad Street are packed with locally owned boutiques, nostalgic treats, and one-of-a-kind finds โ€” all just minutes from Steel Ice Center. South Side shops add an artsy, offbeat vibe just across the bridge.

Core Stops & Local Favorites
  • Moravian Book Shop โ€” The oldest bookstore in the U.S. โ€” full of charm, Moravian stars, and unique gifts.
  • Main Street & Broad Street โ€” Independent shops, seasonal dรฉcor, photo-worthy storefronts.
  • SouthSide Arts District โ€” Galleries, artisan shops, fashion boutiques, and creative finds on South Side.
  • Bethlehem House Gallery โ€” Fine art gallery featuring local and national artists โ€” upscale and walkable.
  • Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom โ€” A foodie favorite โ€” oils, vinegars, and gifts on Main Street.
  • Donegal Square โ€” Irish imports โ€” woolens, jewelry, and Celtic gifts โ€” a downtown staple.
Kid Favorites & Treats
Holiday & Boutique Finds
  • Dear Santa โ€” Year-round Christmas boutique โ€” festive charm for all ages.
  • The Paisley Sun โ€” Cozy apparel, gifts, and locally made goods.
  • The Foo Foo Shoppe โ€” Playful dรฉcor, soaps, and seasonal finds.

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Local Essentials

Need to make a quick stop for snacks, supplies, or pet support during your visit? These nearby options have you covered:

Grocery, Pharmacy & General Supplies
Dog-Friendly Support
  • Monocacy Dog Park โ€” Fenced off-leash park with agility equipment.
  • The Puppy Palace โ€” Daycare and grooming for dogs โ€” ideal for traveling families.

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SteelStacks illuminated at night in Bethlehemโ€™s historic South Side

SteelStacks โ€” the iconic blast furnaces and cultural heart of Bethlehemโ€™s historic South Side district, just steps from Steel Ice Center

Things to Do Between Skates

Thereโ€™s always more to explore when visiting Steel Ice Center. Whether youโ€™re in town for an event or spending the day at the rink, these local highlights and fun outings are just minutes away:

๐Ÿ›๏ธ ArtsQuest & South Side Culture
๐ŸŽฏ Family Fun & Group Activities
  • Captured LV Escape Room โ€“ High-energy challenge for groups of all ages.
  • SkyZone โ€“ Dodgeball, trampolines, and climbing โ€” great for kids with energy to burn.
  • B Social โ€“ Duckpin bowling, arcade games, pinball, and casual dining โ€” close to the rink.
  • Steel City Bowl & Brews โ€“ Bowling, laser tag, and arcade โ€” fun for families and groups.
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Wind Creek: Entertainment & Family Options
๐Ÿท Parent-Friendly Recharge Spots
๐ŸŒฟ Outdoor Walks & Scenic Spots
  • Hoover-Mason Trestle ๐Ÿšถ โ€“ Elevated walkway with views of Bethlehemโ€™s blast furnaces.
  • Monocacy & Illickโ€™s Mill Parks โ€“ Wooded trails and a creekside path โ€” ideal for a break between sessions.
โ›ธ๏ธ On-Ice Fun for Non-Players
  • Public Skate at Steel Ice Center โ€“ Rentals available โ€” fun for siblings and friends to get on the ice.

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Lehigh Valley Phantoms AHL hockey game at PPL Center

PPL Center โ€” home of the AHLโ€™s Lehigh Valley Phantoms and a top Lehigh Valley entertainment venue

Greater Lehigh Valley Adventures

Have extra time between skates or staying a little longer? These family-friendly destinations are all within 20โ€“35 minutes of Steel Ice Center โ€” perfect for a weekend outing or post-event fun.

๐Ÿ’ PPL Center โ€” AHL Hockey

PPL Center โ€” Home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms โ€” top-level AHL hockey action just 20 minutes away.

๐Ÿงช Da Vinci Science Center

Da Vinci Science Center โ€” Interactive exhibits, STEAM fun for all ages โ€” Allentown โ€” about 20 min from Steel Ice Center.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

The Promenade Shops โ€” Outdoor shopping, family dining, modern movie theater.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Crayola Experience

Crayola Experience โ€” Creative fun and interactive play โ€” especially great for younger siblings โ€” Easton โ€” about 25 min from the rink.

๐Ÿฆ“ Lehigh Valley Zoo

Lehigh Valley Zoo โ€” Winter-friendly zoo with outdoor fun โ€” about 35 min from Steel Ice Center.

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Getting Here & Travel Tips

Steel Ice Center is easily accessible whether you’re coming from across the Lehigh Valley, driving in from the region, or flying in for an event or tournament.

Driving & Parking
  • Highways: Rt. 22, Rt. 33, I-78 โ€” easy access from all directions.
  • Travel Time: Under 2 hours from NYC or Philadelphia.
  • Parking: Free on-site parking at Steel Ice Center.
  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft readily available in Bethlehem.
Flying In

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) โ€” just 15 minutes from Steel Ice Center โ€” offers nonstop flights from major cities.

  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Atlanta (ATL) โ€” Delta
  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Charlotte (CLT) โ€” American
  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Chicago-Oโ€™Hare (ORD) โ€” United
  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Sarasota โ€” Allegiant
  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Newark (EWR) โ€” United

Rental Cars: Onsite rental car services available at ABE:

Free Airport Shuttles: Offered by:

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Map: Plan Your Visit

Use the interactive map below to easily locate Steel Ice Center and nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions:

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Contact Steel Ice Center

Have questions about your visit? Weโ€™re happy to help!

๐Ÿ“ž Phone: 610-625-4774

๐Ÿ“ Location: Steel Ice Center โ€” 320 E. 1st St, Bethlehem, PA

We look forward to welcoming you to Steel Ice Center โ€” enjoy your visit!

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