|
Don't Miss the Many Lancaster Family MuseumsA great thing about the Lancaster family museums is that they can provide an educational experience while truly be entertaining for the entire family. I actually find it very difficult trying to choose some of my favorite Lancaster family museums. In my opinion, most of the museums in Lancaster County are fun places which stimulate the senses as well as the mind. Many offer an interactive experience where you can explore an Amish farm or Amish village; observe traditional arts & crafts being created by local Lancaster artisans; and, sample the local culinary delicacies. In any case, many of these Lancaster family museums involve walking among some of the prettiest scenery in Pennsylvania. That alone makes for a superb family experience. Here are some of the Lancaster family museums which I feel will appeal to kids of all ages. Please keep in mind that there will be some overlap with some of the other categories of museum that I've included on this site. Also, some of the places mentioned may not fall within the strictest definition of what a museum is generally thought to be. The Lancaster family museums selected here are sites where I feel that your family is most likely to learn about the region's fascinating cultures and as well as others subjects --- while having loads of fun at the same time.
Candy and Food Museums Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery Legend has it that, in 1850, a hobo had hitched a ride from a train that ran behind Julius Sturgis' bread bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Looking for a job and something to eat, he immediately followed the smell of freshly baked bread until he arrived at Julius' bakery. Although Julius couldn’t offer the man a job, he extended his hospitality and invited the hobo to sit down at the family dinner table. In return for this act of kindness, the hobo gave Julius a pretzel recipe. Julius had never baked pretzels and was full of doubts. He decided to test the recipe on his wife and fourteen children. The result was a whopping hit, and Julius added pretzel baking to his business. In 1861, eleven years after he baked his first pretzel, Julius stopped making bread and established the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. Today this famous Pretzel bakery is still going strong. It also doubles as a popular Lancaster family museum. During your visit, your family will have the opportunity to tour the original pretzel bakery, learn how to twist your very own pretzel, see delicious soft pretzels being made on the premises and shop for delicious treats and souvenirs in this historic bakery store. Wilbur Chocolates Candy Americana Museum Although the factory is not open for tours, the museum provides an interesting exhibit of tools used to make the candy; antique signs; old-fashioned candy packaging and more. There is even a movie explaining the process of how the chocolate is made. And, in case you're wondering, there is a gift shop where you can buy as much candy as you please.
Farm MuseumsThe farms open to visitors in Lancaster County can be defined as museums in the very broadest sense of the word. However, I wanted to include some of them in this little subsection of "Lancaster Family Museums" because I feel like they will provide some educational (yet, very fun) insight into the culture and lifestyle of the region. Since agriculture is such a vital part of the social and economic make-up of the region, I think it is essential to check out some of the farms for an enjoyable way to increase your understanding of Lancaster County. If you plan on staying in Lancaster County for a few days, you may want to stay in of the farms that also serve as Bed and Breakfasts. Usually the proprietors of these farms Bed and Breakfasts go out of their way to provide your family with an intimate first-hand look into life on a farm. They often even allow your kids to help out with the chores such as helping to milk cows, gathering eggs, and feeding the goats, sheep, calves, and pigs. Cherry-Crest Farm There is plenty of fresh food and, throughout the year, there are special events such as the Harvest Festival, Sweet Corn Festival, and the Potato Fest. Be sure to budget at least 4-5 hours for your visit so you don't miss anything. Lapp Valley Farm Interactive Learning Museums Hands-On-House Lifestyle Museums The Americana Museum of Bird-in-Hand Landis Valley Museum This Lancaster family "museum" convincingly portrays how rural Pennsylvania Dutch life was like. Your family will witness authentic demonstrations on a variety of activities such as gunsmithing, blacksmithing, weaving, lace making, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and more. Furthermore, there are many special events held throughout the year such as the Pennsylvania German Christmas celebration known as the Days of Belsnichel; Harvest Days; and the Herb Faire which is the largest sale in Pennsylvania of rare, traditional plants and herbs.
Lancaster Railroad MuseumsAlthough all the museums listed in the Railroad museums section would be fun for the whole family, I've selected four places which I feel would provide the most enjoyment for the entire family. Strasburg Railroad Your family can have lunch aboard the dining car or you can disembark at the Groff's Picnic Grove and take another train back to the station. During the nine-mile ride, you can choose from different restored coaches including the plush parlor car, the Marion as well as an open-air observation car. Additional activities designed specially for the kids at this unconventional Lancaster family museum include:
Rough and Tumble Engineers Museum
Additional activities at the Rough and Tumble Engineers Museum include rides aboard the museum's Shay Railroad which will take you around the vast museum grounds; the "Little Toot RR" which is a miniature steam engine especially designed for young kids; and Model Engineering where those interested in steam and internal combustion engines can learn about building miniature engines. The Choo Choo Barn Please note that the Choo Choo Barn is closed each year from January through March. This is so the museum can completely clean their display, repair any broken parts, and add new features and layouts. National Toy Train Museum The National Toy Train Museum building resembles a Victorian Era railroad station and the walls are literally lined with rows of shelves with even more toy locomotives and rail cars. Your entire family will have the opportunity to help operate this Lancaster family museum's five train layouts. Each large layout represents a different period of the 20th Century and boasts an interesting array of period accessories and extensive scenery. Train videos run continuously on a large screen television system.
Science MuseumsThe North Museum of Natural History and Science If you are interested in learning about other Lancaster County museums, see also the following. Please note that since the themes of the museums often overlap, some of the museums may be listed under more than one category.
You and your family will be enlightened and entertained by what you discover.
|
