Before there were televisions and movie theaters, people entertained themselves with magic lantern shows. Bring your camera! After your ride, check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (directly across the street) and the Choo Choo Barn with hand-built animated figures and trains. It wont take a lot of time, but itll leave a big impact. And if you're a local Lancastrian looking for some staycation ideas, check out the list above. It has a rich history that traces its roots back to Dutch, German and English influences, and its also popular among the Amish and Mennonite communities. Mount Joy, PA 17552, 35 S. Willowdale Drive Our friendly Senior Center staff will be glad to introduce you to our programs. Read on to learn about the best ways to fill your days when you visit Lancaster. Build it Your Way! Its been ranked as one of the scariest tourist attractions in Pennsylvania by outlets like USA Today and the Travel Channel, and its right there in Lancaster County when youre traveling to southeast PA. A dark corn maze will make you question every step. Its an important site for Pennsylvania Germans and a fun attraction for Lancaster tourists. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
25+ Top Things to Do on Weekends in Lancaster, PA - LancasterPA.com Lancaster has an artistic flair, with an array of art galleries and exhibits on Gallery Row in the downtown Arts District.
Things to Do - Explore Retirement Living The perfect stop for all ages! As a bonus, if you decide that youre in the mood for tilt-a-whirls after all, youll get a discount ticket price to the best amusement park in Pennsylvania! Pennsylvania It doesnt get more vintage than a genuine relic of the past, and it can offer a romantic date or fun family outing for travelers in Lancaster.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lancaster - Tripadvisor Longs Park has a petting zoo where visitors of all ages can make furry friends. The Lancaster Science Factory is the perfect family-friendly activity. This establishment offers such a fun and immersive experience that your children wont even believe that its a museum. You can download a map of the Ale Trail on the Discover Lancaster website. Explore Valley Forge National Historic Park on this private, 4- or 6-hour driving tour from Philadelphia. Pick-up and Drop-off locations are the groups choice. Address: 23 N. Market St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Another notable attraction in Columbia is the Turkey Hill Experience, which combines the craft of ice cream making with the joy of eating it. By Kathryn921. Explore historical landmarks, museums, and even local dessert parlors What's Included Snacks Meeting And Pickup Meeting point East King Street Garage 150 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA Open in Google Maps Please park in the East King Street Parking Garage. The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continually-operating railway in Pennsylvania, so its definitely one of the top places to visit in Lancaster. Demuth Museum. Offerings include a large array of theaters, historical sites, and local Amish culture. With exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this unique science center. This area appeals to all ages and interests. Lititz Springs Park is a gorgeous place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lancaster. You dont have to spend a lot of money or hire an expensive travel guide. You can create an amazing itinerary with nothing more than these suggestions! By circlestar246. The amusement park is designed to be a family-friendly destination for people visiting the Lancaster and Philadelphia area. You can even pick up some handcrafted clothes and blankets at the gift shop. It is heavily used during the summer months and is the perfect place for a relaxing morning or evening stroll. Address: 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Previous patrons say they appreciate the hilarious and interesting productions, including shows from a bygone era. Itll work off some of the calories that youve been consuming at the farmers market! As the largest shopping mall in Lancaster, PA, it covers a staggering 1.4 million square feet of retail space, and it boasts more than 170 shops across multiple stories. Book an overnight stay in a one-room Amish schoolhouse or 18th-century inn, and enjoy special experiences that include an Amish farmland tour, ice cream socials, cornfield picnics and wine tastings. Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, giant swing and more! Join our tour to understand the complex history and lifestyle San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. Theres a restroom, laundromat and country store for the essentials, and a game room with free WiFi will provide entertainment for the kids when youre busy. The class will work predominantly from still life but on occasion, the instructor . If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster, PA, these are just a few attractions that will ensure an unforgettable vacation. Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Kids Free Entry 23 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. See the current mud sale schedule for this year as well as images and videos. Columbia, PA 17512. Address:2857 Lincoln Hwy A, Ronks, PA 17572, USA. 246 N. Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA 17579, 717-344-2488 Visit Website Learn More Coupon Map Reviews Video A is For Amish Buggy Rides Shop til you drop at the Park City Center. Address:23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. Lancaster's rock, fossil and mineral Bible History Exhibits is located at 2827 Lincoln Highway 2827 Lincoln Highway East, PO Box 98 Take a horse-drawn buggy ride to explore the Amish countryside, a place where tightknit families live without modern conveniences and follow the same traditions their ancestors have for hundreds of years. If you dont have time for the full experience at the Field of Screams, you can sign up for bite-sized frights like a haunted hayride or horror-themed escape room. Other theaters include the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, which offers musicals and concerts with an all-American buffet meal that changes with each performance, and the American Music Theatre, which hosts traveling acts such as Riverdance. Address:301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA. They settled in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they still have a substantial population in the Lancaster area. Visitors to this science museum say it's fun for all ages, including adults. Its activities can get a little messy, but its all in the name of STEM education! Enjoy 45 minutes aboard a real steam train. Enjoy authentic trains and railroaders, shops, dining and other fun extras at the historic East Strasburg Station. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Today, theres only one theater where you can find authentic magic lantern shows, and its located in Lancaster, PA. Its run by a single showman as part of the local Amish Experience. Get lost in the corn maze; take a wagon ride around the property; make some new friends at the petting zoo. This landmark motel lets you spend the night in a historic caboose that's been remodeled to serve as a retreat for couples and families. 63. Arriving in Amish Country allows you to step back in time to enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace. They can learn how steam engines work; they can watch steam mills and textile processes in action. Make sure you bring your appetite if you visit. Lancaster, PA 17602-1601. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum | 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster Railroad Museum of PA | 300 Gap Road, Strasburg Ephrata Cloister | 632 West Main Street, Ephrata Spring and Fall ArtWalk | May & October | Downtown Lancaster Long's Park Summer Music Series | June - August | Route 30 & Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster Previous visitors of Renningers rave about their experiences, noting that it's open on Sundays only. Once you gaze into the eyes of a wild wolf hybrid, however, youll realize that it was worth the extra gas. Favorite attractions include Merlin's Mayhem, a family-friendly roller coaster; the Flying Trapeze swing ride; and Exploration Island, with lifelike dinosaurs. The absolute best thing about the Turkey Hill Experience is the taste lab.. Lancaster City is home to a renowned creative community of studio artists, artisans, gallery spaces, and performing arts venues. for tickets. Youll pass fields, cliffs, crags, ravines and rock formations as you make your way to various observation points. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Its especially breathtaking when you fly over the picturesque farmlands of Amish country, and thats exactly what youll get when you book a tour with Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Rides. Its one of the most fun things to do in Lancaster, PA, especially when you need to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Maximum 4 people per class, children 10 years and over are welcomed. Highlights of this Self-Guided Audio Tour It allows Your email address will not be distributed. 2022 2. This is convenient if youre looking for Lancaster attractions to fit into a busy schedule. You can take a self-guided driving tour of Lancaster's covered bridges with five different routes outlined by Discover Lancaster. Read More, How did the Battle of Gettysburg affect the small bustling town, &the people who called it home? By BingofLancaster. It might be Annie; it might be Saturday Night Fever. All things considered, however, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater makes for a great date night. Its founder, the late Robert Fulton, grew up in the area and is largely credited with the idea to propel boats by steam. By FamilyTime23. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Who are the Amish and why do they live like that? Featured breweries include Lancaster Brewing Company, Black Forest Brewery, Artifice Ales and Mead and, a bit farther afield, Tregs Independent Brewing, one of the top things to do in nearby Hershey. Bird in Hand, PA 17505. Address: 1 Hartman Bridge Road, Lancaster, PA 17602. If youre looking for unique places to visit in Lancaster, consider the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. You can also donate to various charitable causes that are championed by the staff. Take a buggy ride down dirt roads; explore the barn, stable and one-room schoolhouse. Marvel at elaborate model train displays or climb aboard a train pulled by a full-sized, steam-powered locomotive. If youre looking for points of interest in PA, try the only place in the entire state where you can find this sort of vintage wonder. His first train set was a modest thing that he built with his two-year-old son, but the pair made a lifelong hobby out of it, and their trains wound up taking over the family basement. The Interactive Adventure for Young Historians For example, chowchow pickles vegetables in mustard, and scrapple is made with cornmeal and pork scraps. This new experience combines history and craft beer so participants can plunge into a cool learning experience. In addition to its everyday exhibits, the Lancaster Science Factory also hosts a number of classes, clubs and workshops. Amish attractions in Lancaster, PA Romantic things to do Outdoor activities Farm attractions Entertainment Live theatres Amish buggy rides Amish country tours Group attractions Petting zoos Escape rooms Free things to do Events Mud sales Things to do by town There's so much to explore at the area's only museum for 35 S. Willowdale Drive, Suite 1818
15 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Lancaster, Pennsylvania Churches & Cathedrals. Take a guided tour of an authentic 1840's Amish farmhouse At Artifice Ales & Mead, we specialize in Food and Beer Take a trip down memory lane with Barry's collection of 3504 Old Philadelphia Pike The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is the perfect place for an outing with the family. Willow Street, PA 17584.
36 Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania - US News & World Report 2004-2023 Cool Destinations. You can wander through everything from jam stores to pottery barns while getting a firsthand look at the art, heritage and culture that make up the community. Check out this list. Address:510 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA. Each town has a slightly different atmosphere and culture to it. While many of the caboose rooms sleep two, three or four people, the Large Family Caboose and Baggage Car sleep six guests, plus there is a refrigerator and microwave. Located at the Mennonite Life Visitors Center, the Indoor, air-conditioned Farmers Market in Lancaster, PA 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA Family Attractions - Fun for the Whole Family! But lets be honest. Unearthed Beauty. If youre a fan of thrills and chills, you can test yourself with things like ziplines, climbing towers and obstacle courses. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. One of the top botanical gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is the place for anyone who enjoys flowers or unusual plants. By now, you've hopefully found some activities to do and points of interest to check out during your trip to Lancaster County. There are both weekday and weekend tours, and theres even a special full moon tour where you can walk the sanctuary at night. The little ones will enjoy running, jumping, climbing, sliding and swinging on the various play structures. This living history museum is home to a Pennsylvania German Village with historic buildings, which feature a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. 3. Only minutes away from rolling farmlands and the clip-clop sound of horses and buggies, youll find the bustling city of Lancaster (population 59,000). It'll give you a great sense of culture that you're probably not used to. Pennsylvania hasnt had wild wolves in more than 100 years, but you can still observe them at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Its a non-profit organization that houses, treats, tracks and rehabilitates wolves and wolf hybrids in the greater northeastern area. Gettysburg, PA 17325. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, Lancaster, Visitors can shop at a farmers market, enjoy horse-and-buggy rides, book a hot air balloon ride over the Amish countryside or sit down to enjoy some authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking including shoofly pie, a local favorite. It dedicates more than 1,700 square feet to hundreds of displays of trains, trams, locomotives and other hallmarks of Lancaster, PA. If youre looking for fun things to do around the city of Lancaster, put this magical little theater on your weekend schedule.
Fun Things To Do Outdoors in Lancaster, PA Lancaster, PA 17602. The Pennsylvania Dutch have a long, fascinating history, and they played such a crucial role in the founding of Lancaster that it would be a shame to visit the city without learning more about them. The names are legendary. ST39306. Lancaster's 1719 Museum helps visitors learn about what life was like for earlyMennonite settlers and Native Americans in the area hundreds of years ago.
See Lancaster, PA Dutch Country: Attractions, Amish, Events (2023 You can also explore a pumpkin patch, shoot a paintball gun or zip down a water slide. At the same time, however, Lancaster is also a thriving tourist town.
Some things are just plain cool, and magic lantern shows are a great example. Making homemade pretzels, visiting a clock museum and staying in a hotel that resembles a steamboat are just a few of the many unique things to do in Lancaster. Guided tour of the Herr's Snack Food Factory. James Buchanan's Wheatland is made up of a Federal-style mansion and several outbuildings on more than 150 acres of land. Discover Lancaster's living heritage on Lancaster's original 90-minute bus tour. Its a very versatile vacation spot, which is why we consider it one of our top 10 attractions near the city of Lancaster. Lititz Fire & Ice Festival 2023s Annual Celebration in Lititz, PA, Halloween & Oktoberfest Activities in Lancaster County, About Columbia, Marietta, and the River Towns, Eastern Lancaster County (including New Holland, East Earl, and Churchtown), Shopping in Lititz Small Town Charm & Many Unique Shops, Paradise, PA Hotels, B&Bs, and Campgrounds, attractions and things to do in Lancaster, Things to do in Eastern Lancaster County, PA, Things to do in Southern Lancaster County, PA, Traveling to Lancaster County, PA for Activities. The Fulton Opera House is the oldest working theater in the United States. Lovers of live entertainment should check out the many local theaters in the Lancaster area, each of which rolls out its own selection of rotating shows. At Americas oldest short-line railroad, enjoy a 45-minute ride, aboard an authentic steam train. Read More, This tour offers a great assortment of trails tailored to meet the ability of the riders. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. Visitors to Wheatland praise the guided tours and the beautiful decor and furnishings found in the mansion on the property. Address:454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA. Get out and enjoy the many fun things to see and do throughout Lancaster County for all ages: Mud sales are a Lancaster County tradition - social events and auctions that raise funds for local volunteer fire departments. These impressive displays combined hand-drawn images with old-fashioned light machines to captive audiences around the world. Address: 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543, Tags: Travel, Pennsylvania Vacations, US Vacations. Are you traveling to Lancaster in the fall? Here are just a few of the top things to do in Lancaster, PA. 1. Luxurious jewelers share the floor with quiet bookstores and colorful toy shops; the food court is equally balanced between fine dining and indulgent fast food. Hand dipped ice cream, outdoor seating, play area. The museum in particular gets high marks for its beautiful natural setting.