ABOUT
The History of Lake Hydra
Lake Hydra, located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley on the northern side of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a diver’s paradise with a rich and unexpected history.
From Quarry to Legendary Dive Site
Originally, from 1933 to the 1970s, the site was home to the Portland Cement Company, which mined limestone and manufactured cement. Over decades of excavation, a massive 55-acre, 105-foot-deep quarry was created. To continue operations, the company constantly pumped out water from the spring-fed site. However, when the plant shut down and the pumps were turned off, nature reclaimed the land—crystal-clear spring water flooded the quarry, forming the stunning lake we see today.
The Birth of a Diving Destination
In 1980, the property was purchased with the intent of opening a fish hatchery. However, fate had other plans. A local diver, captivated by the lake’s pristine waters, approached the owner for permission to dive. Word spread quickly among the diving community, and soon, this hidden gem became one of the premier dive training sites in the Northeastern United States. For over four decades, it thrived as a beloved recreational dive facility and water park, attracting thousands of divers, families, and water enthusiasts.
A Threatened Legacy
After 41 successful years, the original owners decided it was time to retire. In 2021, commercial real estate developer Trammell Crow purchased the 95.5-acre property with plans to close off the lake and build warehouses. The news sent shockwaves through the diving community and the Lehigh Valley, as it meant losing not just a world-class dive site but also an economic and recreational asset that had been part of the region for generations.
Lake Hydra Rises
Amidst the uncertainty, one voice stood out—Ken Kraft, an avid scuba diver with deep ties to the area. Determined to save the lake, he reached out to Trammell Crow’s NE Business Unit Vice President, Matt Nunn, who was also eager to give back to the community. With the help of Jim Folk, a fellow diver and local business owner, Lake Hydra, Inc. was officially founded in 2024.
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Today, Lake Hydra is more than just a dive site—it’s a sanctuary for divers, first responders, and adventurers alike. Not only does it continue its legacy as a premier dive training facility, but it also offers free access to firefighters and first responder organizations for critical team training.
A New Era for Diving in the USA
Lake Hydra stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. What was once at risk of vanishing forever has been transformed into the most exciting and sought-after diving destination in the country.
Thanks to the dedication of those who refused to let it be lost to development, Lake Hydra is now poised to inspire the next generation of divers and underwater explorers for years to come.
Come dive into history—come dive Lake Hydra.
FIRST RESPONDER TEAMS
USE OUR LAKE AT NO COST, MON-WED
Lake Hydra is proud to serve our community by offering free entry to Fire Fighter and First Responder Organizations using the lake to train. If your First Responder or Fire Fighter Team would like to train at Lake Hydra for free, please contact us to schedule a team training event.
organizations
CONTACT US FOR PRICING
Lake Hydra stands out as the premier destination for scuba diving training, serving educational institutions and organizations throughout the Northeast. Our facilities are available to scuba schools, drawing participants from locations as distant as Florida, Texas, Ohio, and even up to Maine. Beyond our support for dive schools, we also provide complimentary access to first responders and search and recovery teams for their training needs, ensuring they are well-equipped for their vital responsibilities.
