Wildlands Conservancy – Get Out! For Wellness: Housenick Memorial Park

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Wildlands Conservancy Staff

Housenick Memorial Park

We’ll walk the new Orange Trail through the south meadows as well as the usual trails.

But first, we’re honored again to have historian John Marquette divulge fascinating details about Janet Johnston Housenick’s grandfather, Archibald Johnston Sr, a vice president at Bethlehem Steel. In 1918, Johnston became the first mayor of the united Cities of Bethlehem and South Bethlehem. This enchanting estate was built in 1923. The property includes a 17-room Georgian Colonial style mansion, boathouse, and tennis courts. Janet Housenick, who died in 2005, bequeathed these 55 acres to Bethlehem Township.

The Monocacy Creek, famous for its “high-quality” trout habitat, flows through the property. This summer, Wildlands will be removing dams and improving flow conditions in the creek here.

We can’t go inside the mansion, but for a virtual tour inside, go to Bethlehem Township, Parks & Trails. Scroll down to “Janet Johnston Housenick….Park,” and read: “To view our virtual tour and for more information click here.”

The trails are stroller friendly. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress appropriately for the weather. NO pets allowed. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot.

This walk is free and is part of the Get Out! For Wellness series, in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network. Please register online at: https://engage.wildlandspa.org/calendar/event/69.

ADDRESS: 3811 Christian Spring Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020 GPS: 40.67241, -75.35186

DIRECTIONS: Take Route 22 to Route 191. Exit onto Route 191 S/Nazareth Pike/Linden Street. Go south on Rt. 191/Linden Street for 0.4 miles to Christian Springs Road. Turn sharp right onto Christian Springs Road and go 0.1 miles to entrance of Housenick Memorial Park on your left. Drive to the parking lot on the right where we will meet.

Questions: Arianna Kohler, AKohler@wildlandspa.org