Things to do in Lancaster County
With do many exciting things to do in Lancaster County, where should you start? Well, that's a tough question. It depends.
How long do you plan to stay? What are your interests? Are you bringing the kids? Is this your first visit or your hundredth?
Are you a history buff and like to explore fascinating cultures? Are you interested in shopping for unique Pennsylvania Dutch folk art or, perhaps, purchasing mainstream name-brand goods at a fraction of what you would pay at home?
Lancaster County is for the entire family. Choose from the many family-oriented things to do in Lancaster County. A leisurely horse and buggy tour along an old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch town is a great experience. How about trying to milk a cow at a traditional working farm? Spend an afternoon at a candy factory or attend a local minor league baseball game.
Would you prefer to dine at a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant or enjoy a romantic evening with dinner at an elegant 4-star restaurant followed by the theater or a concert?
Would you rather explore one of the first-rate museums and art galleries or, perhaps, relax at a spa or over a game of golf?
Whatever your interests, you'll never run out of things to do in Lancaster County!
Please scroll down and take a look at a summary of some of the Lancaster County activities and attractions in store for you and your family.
Amish and Mennonite Culure
Of course one of the biggest Lancaster County attractions is the culture. Millions of people throughout the world are fascinated by the Mennonite and Amish people. During your stay you will see Amish men and boys working on their fields or Amish families traveling on their horse-and-buggies. By all means be respectful.
Dining
Without a doubt
Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking
is a major and inexpensive Lancaster County attraction. Many people take an afternoon excursion to the region just to feast in one of the great smorgasbord restaurants serving an abundance of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking at a low price.
Farmers Markets
The air is alive with the bright colors of apples, corn and tomatoes; the aroma of fresh-baked pastry; and, the sounds of farmers chatting with their customers. Farmers Markets are part of the culture and history of Lancaster County. Not only can you stock up on the
freshest produce,
meats, and baked goods in Pennsylvania Dutch Country but you will also have loads of fun as you explore these traditional markets.
Shopping
Another of the popular things to do in Lancaster County is shopping. Whether you're simply window shopping or hunting for some real bargains for antiques, Amish furniture, or local crafts, you won't go home disappointed and, most likely empty-handed. For huge saving on name-brand goods, you can't go wrong visiting on of the region's popular
outlet stores.
Country Auctions
Auctions are a community event and part of a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of commerce and a traditional source of socializing for the community. Country auctions are a great way to observe people and learn about the culture during your visit. If you can overcome your shyness to bid, you can find some great bargains on local crafts, including some beautiful
Amish quilts
and high-quality locally made Amish furniture.
Town-Hopping
If you have a bit more time, why not explore one of the charming country towns in the region. It is very pleasant - especially after a hearty meal - to take a leisurely stroll through one of the small towns. Throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country you will find idyllic small towns and villages complete with old stone mills and family-owned country shops selling selling home-made candy and toys. One of the convenient features of exploring Lancaster County is that no given town is more than one-hour away by car.
Museums
The museums of Lancaster County will recreate for you colorful stories of religious freedom, the growth of 19th Century railroad travel, the struggles of early American farm life, and the development of Lancaster County society from the 1700's to the present. Best of all, the museums are fun for the entire family. From the Wilbur Chocolate Factory in
Lititz
to the Choo Choo Barn in
Strasburg
to the interactive North Museum of Natural History and Science located in
Lancaster City,
your entire family will be entertained for hours as you learn about the fascinating history and culture of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Lancaster Farms
Another popular thing to do in Lancaster County is to spend a few hours in one of Pennsylvania Dutch Country's traditional working farms which offer visitors a wide variety of "agri-tainment" from farms tours to farm animal petting zoos. From hay wagon rides to giant hay chute rides.
Outdoor Recreation
Are you coming for the natural splendor of the region? There are plenty of parks to visit, sites to camp out, trails to hike through and lakes to sail along or fish from.
Wineries and Microbreweries
Visiting one of the Lancaster Wineries is an enjoyable way for the family to spend an afternoon. Whether you choose to take a wine tour, picnic on the grounds, or attend an evening concert beneath the stars, you're bound to experience something different. Likewise, visiting the historic Lancaster breweries is an enjoyable way for you to learn how beer is made as well as sample some local, homemade beverages. As an added plus the wineries and microbreweries of Lancaster County offer special events throughout the year such as art exhibits, tours, and live musical concerts as well as many many fine, atmospheric restaurants, shops, and family-friendly holiday activities.
For more things to do in Lancaster County, take a look at some of the
special events
taking place this year.
Return to Welcome to Lancaster County Home Page from
Things to do in Lancaster County
