Sand Island

Recent Addition to Sand Island.

Sand Island is the safer alternative to enjoying the Lehigh River near Allentown. Taking back roads along the river you can make it from Canal Park to this location in about ten minutes. I have never had a problem with break-ins or items stolen off of my car here. I would suggest at any location though that you do use caution hiding valuables and always locking your doors when away from your vehicle.
       Despite it's name Sand island is park of the mainland and you can even take the trail from Canal Park to the so called island without crossing any body of water. The canal makes it seem like an island, but isn't. The park is broken up into two sides, east and west. Sand Island west is pictured above and offers ample parking, a new boat launch and plenty of fishing access to both the river and the canal. Sand island East still has a lot of parking, but can sometimes be full, it offers the Ice House, a performing arts center, tennis and basketball courts, and a portage access to the river, which is not always maintained. You can also get a glimpse of Bethlehem Steel from the very end of the east side, pictured below.
       During certain times Sand island can have restricted access. Musikfest and an Octoberfest are both held on and around Sand Island. If you have ever been to one of the main concert events at Musikfest, you probably have been on the island. I have seen several shows in the past here including Sugar Ray and Parliament Funkadelic. So some years they do have interesting shows.     
   

Remnants of Bethlehem Steel.