Trip Planner: USA / Pennsylvania / Bethlehem / Burnside Plantation

Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem

3.7

#10 of 18 in Things to do in Bethlehem

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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Burnside Plantation Reviews

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53 reviews

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4.1

By All_Points_Images On September 10, 2017

Though we have been to Burnside numerous times for other events today we were there for the Apple Festival. Great food and the gardens and historic tour of the buildings are not to be missed. Check ou... more »
By Joann V On September 6, 2017

This plantation has a guided tour of the home with tidbits of life long past. They also have a blueberry Festival in July with craft and food vendors. There are also things for the children to do. more »
By Shelly C On April 10, 2017

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 »

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By Dave H On October 9, 2017

Nice place to walk around. It would have been better if the main house was open for touring. PS, we were there on the Weekend.

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By Kat Mahoney On April 17, 2017

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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By kai chan On September 17, 2017

Could be sooo much better if dog owners didn't bring their dogs and be disgusting.

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By Lisa Donchez On October 21, 2017

Visited Burnside for it's apple festival. Very nice event, very nice venue.

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By quin B On October 18, 2017

I felt a connection to this place... Nicely preserved, history at it's best..

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