Housenick Park: Where Nature Meets Local History

This article was last updated in November 2023.

The walking trails at Housenick Park guide you around a historical mansion, along a peaceful creek, and through an open field. This Lehigh Valley park is a birdwatcher’s favorite and a gem of a place because of the historical component and creekside tranquility — plus, it’s just a few minutes from Route 22 and downtown Bethlehem. There are several paved and unpaved paths (each less than .7 of a mile) — with some inclines (in a couple of spots) — that you can combine to get in a beautiful walking workout while enjoying the inviting setting. The Orange Trail opened in 2023, extending the distance to enjoy the property.

Two Parks in One Space

Although you enter the Housenick Memorial Park (and parking lot), the spaces you’ll be enjoying while walking the trails are really two parcels managed by different municipal entities: 

• the Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Park of Bethlehem Township consists of the stately mansion built in the early 1900s and the surrounding 55 acres, and the 
• the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area of Northampton County includes a wooded creek path.

You’ll see signs informing you that you are leaving one section and entering another — but if you’re not noticing the signs, you might not have a clue. (At least I didn’t at first).

The Park’s Trails

Today’s park consists of a fraction of Mr. Johnston’s vast area of land holdings of the time, but there’s plenty of space to enjoy. Some paved trails meander through two fields and around Mr. Johnston’s large former home. Just outside the house is an overlook with two benches. Once there, peer down the hill through the trees, and you’ll see Monocacy Creek, a tributary of the Lehigh River. 

From the upper level, a partially paved trail takes you downhill and hugs the creek. By the creek, you’ll pass ruins of a boat house, lime kilns, a tennis court, a pump house, and a cement bridge spanning the creek. A bird blind was added to this trail in recent years.

When visiting, you’ll no doubt come across birdwatchers, with binoculars in hand, searching the trees for some feathered friends. (I’ve seen robins, bluejays, and cardinals and heard other birds — camouflaged by tree leaves — on my walks here.) 

Enjoying Nature & History

While on foot in this complex, you’ll hear some sweet sounds of nature (a babbling Monocacy Creek and birds serenading you in the trees above). A bonus is that you can imagine what life must have been like for the prominent Archibald Johnston family who lived here in the first half of the 20th century. Mr. Johnston was Bethlehem’s first mayor, a top executive at Bethlehem Steel, and an area philanthropist. Johnston’s grand home (the outside of which has been refurbished) sits on the upper level of the park; the ruins of other buildings are down the hill near the creek’s banks. 

While strolling by the house, gazing at the architectural details on its exterior, I envision the family welcoming visitors to their stately mansion perched up on a hill. How striking the entrance must have been for those approaching the home. And I’m sure the family enjoyed opening all the glass doors of the sunroom to capture a refreshing breeze on a warm summer evening, savoring nature’s beauty beyond the room,  and maybe walking down the steps just outside that led to the creek — perhaps to cool off by dipping their feet in the water.

Admission

• Free! 😁

Accessibility/Facilities

• Two paved paths lead from the parking lot: one takes you around the house and gazebo, and the other prompts you through a large open field first. (There are also partially paved paths along Monocacy Creek.)
• There are no concessions, so bring along water on warm days.
• There’s a porta-potty by the parking lot.

Park Map

Location

Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Park 3811 Christian Spring Rd, Bethlehem

Directions

From Route 22, take the Nazareth Pike/Route 191 exit. Proceed south (left turn off the Route 22 ramp) for less than .5 miles. Turn right on Christian Springs Road. Turn left into the park, about .2 mile from Route 191. Proceed to the parking lot.

Brief History of the Park

Long before it became a park, this was the home of Bethlehem’s first mayor (1917-1921), who also worked in the top ranks of Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Constructed in 1923, the 22-room (6,000 square foot) home overlooks Monocacy Creek. (The outside has been refurbished; the interior restoration work has not been completed, and visitors are not permitted inside.)

As mayor, Mr. Johnston worked to join three boroughs into the city of Bethlehem.  Also, he championed the building of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge that spans the Lehigh River and joins the two sections of the city’s downtown; today, that bridge is one of three that connect the north and south sections of the city.

After retirement, Mr. Johnston became a self-professed gentleman farmer and continued his philanthropic work in the community until he died in 1948. One of his granddaughters, Janet Johnston Housenick ended up owning the property and, in time, made plans to share some of it with the community. In fact, she gave 36 acres (the part that included the area around Monocacy Creek) to the county in 1986; this became the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area. At her death in 2005, she gifted the house and the surrounding 55 acres to Bethlehem Township for use as a public park: the Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Park.

Conservation Efforts

Besides being a beautiful setting for a walk, this area includes a conservation area. In fact, not far from the parking lot, there’s an informational sign explaining the benefits of naturalized stormwater drainage basins used in the park. Native plants and wildflowers grow in the natural basin, and their deep root systems help trap pollutants and sediment from washing into the creek. You will no doubt notice other areas where conservation efforts are underway.

Nearby Attractions

There’s lots to enjoy in Pennsylvania. Here are some ideas:

• Big Pocono State Park, Poconos
• Bushkill Falls, Poconos
• Colonial PA Plantation, outside Philadelphia
• Covered Bridge Tour of Bucks County
• Covered Bridge Tour of the Lehigh Valley
• Gettysburg Visitor Guide
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Lehigh Valley
• Hickory Run State Park, Poconos
• Jacobsburg State Park, Pocono area
• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
• Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
• National Museum of Industrial History, Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Tour
• Philadelphia: Fairmount Park’s Unique Colonial Mansions & Their Stories
• Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Promised Land State Park, Poconos
• Ricketts Glen State Park, Poconos
• Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
• Tyler State Park, Bucks County
• Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
• Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County

Final Thoughts

Housenick Park is tucked away just west of Nazareth Pike/Route 191 in Bethlehem Township. As mentioned, you’ll surely enjoy a relaxing walk in the tranquil natural setting while walking along the creek. Having said that, you’re bound to also hear the traffic sounds from Route 22 (especially on the blue trail that winds through a field), just a short distance away. Ignore the traffic noise, and you’ll surely savor what’s closest to your eyes and ears in the central part of the park. 

Comments

Feel free to leave a comment about other great spots in the area. Your ideas could help fellow travelers. Thanks!. 🙂