Trip Planner: USA / Pennsylvania / Bethlehem / Historic Sites / Burnside Plantation

Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem

(50+ reviews on the web)

Historic Site Tourist Spot

The Burnside Plantation is a 6.5acre plantation in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It is also known as the James Burnside Plantation and Lerch Farm. The plantation is located southeast of the intersection with Eaton Road, on Schoenersville Road.HistoryJames Burnside bought a 500acre tract of land from John Stephen Benezet in 1748. Burnside sold a group of Moravians in 1751. In 1758, Burnside's widow sold the remaining to the Moravian Church. The Church leased the plantation to individual farmers from 1765 to 1845. The plantation was sold to Charles A. Luckenbach, who sold it to William Lerch in 1853. It stayed in the Lerch family until 1928, when it sold and was divided between the Hafleighs and the Birks. Lehigh County bought the plantation in 1986 and leased it into a private corporation "to restore, develop, and manage as a living and natural history resource". It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 1990. The museum is an affiliate within the Smithsonian Affiliations program.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Shelly C

We have been to Burnside many times for quiet afternoon retreats as well as the exciting Blueberry Fest in mid July. Our schools' third graders also visit here for field trips about Colonial life. It'... more »
mly0202

We went for the apple and the blueberry festivals. Such a nice old time way to spend the day. Leave your cell phone behind and step back in time! Awesome!!! more »
repairinfo

The Burnside Plantation is an actual farm that was started many years ago by the Moravian people who moved into Bethlehem. The buildings are original and historical in nature. Th property was once a w... more »

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Kat M

Pennsylvania is known for it's history and hidden gems, but there is one place that is small but beautiful hidden among the apple trees and surrounding nature. Burnside Plantation has an amazing story behind it's rustic barns and butterfly gardens. The plantation is spacious and beautiful. The barns are big and solid surrounded by fields of apple trees and topped with smaller gardens of butterflies and flowers. During the apple festival we experienced some pleasant country music, fresh fruits, cooking tips, and the most amazing apple cider slushies we have ever tasted. If you are ever in the area, Burnside Plantation should be on your list. You'll be amazed at how much history is wrapped up in such a quaint little place. This isn't a thrill seeking adventure, its more for learning, historical and relaxing moments with the family.

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John Marquette

Aside from the Plantation's historic and cultural importance to the region, the property is beautifully situated atop a low hill along the Monocacy Creek. A couple of acres of gentle slope separate the barns, house, and gardens from the creek. A great green place to stroll and play.

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Cheryl Patino

I had no idea this place existed but found it randomly turning down a dirt road. It's quaint and rustic but be careful in the driveway as the holes are tremendous and there's no way to really steer around them.

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Sucks to be you

This is a nice place to stop an see . the house in side is like a trip back in time . The Barn is where they house the police horses.

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Scott Calkins

Very cool place. Was here for a wedding, an awesome time

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