Business & Tech
Great Escape: Dutch Springs
Enjoy summer's last gasp at Dutch Springs, a water park that's fun even for landlubbers.
Mother Nature, say it ain’t so! Around the Lehigh Valley, I can hear pencil sharpeners revving and children sighing. It’s official. Summer is ending.
But it’s not over quite yet. And although we adults spend most of our days in cube land (or in a similarly stressful work environment), regardless of the season, I say we relish the last whispers of August with the gusto of a 7-year-old. And you know what that means ...
It’s all about the water park, baby. Dutch Springs, to be exact. Founded in 1980, the aquatic adventure park has something for everyone – even landlubbers. Yep, that’s right. If you’re not into swimming, just enjoy the view from the top of the Dutch Springs rock climbing wall and high ropes course, which soars two stories into the sky. If nothing else, the core strength-building will certainly help you should you change your mind and decide to don a bikini later in the day.
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For the water babies among us, take a deep breathe and plunge into your 50-acres of aquatic escape. Scattered throughout the fresh water, you’ll find enormous, inflatable playthings, from slides to igloos and rafts. Bounce, lounge and paddle your way to relaxation. To work on your tan while still enjoying the water, pop over to the rental area and check out the paddle boats (best with a buddy) and kayaks.
Looking to go a little deeper? Turns out, Dutch Springs is one of the largest fresh-water dive sites in the nation. Now, you can’t get your certification through the park, but it is a great place for divers and divers-in-training to practice without trekking to the ocean. The spring is fed from an underground aquifer that seeps through limestone, filtering the water to provide 20- to 30-foot visibility, making it ideal for divers.
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All that aside, Dutch Springs is just plain cool. Where else can you swim through a helicopter, suspended underwater? You’ll also float past shipwrecks, a school bus, a fire truck and an airplane. Not to mention all the colorful species of fish and other aquatic creatures.
Once your muscles tell you your adventure has come to an end, unwrap a picnic lunch in the campground, enjoy the view and toast to another lovely summer and one more great day.
Where: Dutch Springs, 4733 Hanoverville Road, Bethlehem
Escape begins: Daily! Hours and cost vary by activity. Visit www.dutchsprings.com for a full list of activities, schedules and prices.