If you’re visiting Pennsylvania and looking for things to do around Lancaster County, it won’t take long to discover something in your interests. While there are plenty of things to do in the heart of Lancaster, we also included some things within the county that are 30 minutes away or less. Take the time to enjoy driving through the countryside and seeing the beautiful scenery.
Fun for the Whole Family
Pennsylvania is full of wonders and experiences. We hope by exploring the options below you’ll find something your entire family can enjoy.
- AAA Buggy Rides: Take 35-65 minutes to ride a buggy through the countryside, covered bridges, and farms. Amish All Around Buggy Rides are free for Children 2 & under!
- Sight & Sound Theatre – Ronks, PA: Each year from March until December, Sight & Sound Theatre showcases a live on-stage reenactment of the most widely known stories of the Bible across a 300-foot panoramic stage. Each show is immersive in visuals, sound, and acting. This has become one of the top three theater destinations in the country.
- Cherry Crest Farm – Ronks, PA: Open from the end of May until the beginning of November, Cherry Crest Farm is a blast in each season. Offering animal encounters, entertainment, corn mazes, festivals, and yummy foods this adventure farm has been around since 1996. The farmers running Cherry Crest strive to offer wholesome family fun, education, and memories.
- The Strasburg Railroad – Ronks, PA: Take a journey on an authentic steam train on the oldest continuously operating railroad in America. This train passes through 2,500 acres of Lancaster County’s Amish Country. Which experience would you like? President’s Car, First Class, Dining, Open Air, or Coach? You can also book one of the special events at Strasburg Rail Road. From themed rides to holiday events, there’s something for every one year-round.
- Refreshing Mountain – Stevens, PA: A family-friendly outdoor adventure located right in Lancaster County. Most “high adventure activities” can be experienced by anyone 5 years of age or older. Refreshing Mountain offers ziplines, obstacle courses, a wildlife center, escape rooms, a community pool, and more. Axe throwing is also available for those 13+.
Unique Stays
There are plenty of great hotels and cottages around the area. However, if you want a novelty experience, we believe these stays will make for an unforgettable trip.
- Cartoon Network Hotel – Lancaster, PA: One of the most unique and colorful experiences right in town – this stay is centered around the many popular TV shows of Cartoon Network. The CN hotel is right next to the Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park. It’s a hot pick among the kids and cartoon-loving adults.
- Red Caboose Motel – Ronks, PA: Stay in one of 38 refurbished caboose. Each train car is furnished with accommodations for a good night’s sleep and includes a controlled climate, a private bathroom, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wi-Fi. There are different caboose size options to fit your crew.
- Verdant View Bed & Breakfast – Paradise, PA: Stay on a family-operated farm to experience the quiet countryside. You can book rooms in the 1896 farmhouse or the Little White House and each unit includes private attached bathrooms. Monday through Saturday you’ll be served a family-style farm breakfast and you can join in all the Verdant View Farm activities throughout the week.
- Stone Gables Estate – Elizabethtown, PA: At Stone Gables Estate there are 7 lodging options available and each is unique in theme. You can choose to stay in the spacious and luxurious Klein Mansion. If you love all things circa 1950, kick back in the bright and fun Rockin’ Retro. They also offer 5 other unique cozy houses.
Dive into History and Culture
Pennsylvania is full of early American history. This state is the birthplace of two American presidents and was called home by many who fought during the American Revolution. It also became the settling place of many German immigrants and the central hub of Amish culture. We highly recommend checking out these historical and cultural sites to see how the past has shaped the present.
- Historic Rock Ford – Lancaster, PA: Visit the historic mansion of Edward Hand, the adjutant general of George Washington during the American Revolution. The four-level house has been restored and furnished to match the sources preserved by the Hand family. We encourage you to also explore the grounds and the John J Snyder Jr Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Please note when making a reservation that this historic site is open seasonally.
- The Amish Village – Ronks, PA: Featuring an 1840s farmhouse, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and smokehouse market, this tour experience covers a 12-acre Amish community. There’s plenty to discover with each tour package they offer. Plan to spend at least 3 hours on site. (We recommend making a reservation.) When you visit the Amish Village, you’ll experience the Amish lifestyle from 300 years ago.
- Old Windmill Farm – Ronks, PA: Want a better understanding of 21st-century Amish culture? This has been a Travelers’ Choice on Tripadvisor for over 4 years. The Amish farm offers interactive tours where you can milk cows, gather eggs, meet some friendly livestock, and tend to the garden. The Amish farmers at the Old Windmill Farm recommend making reservations. They are not open on Sundays but are open year-round.
- Ephrata Cloister – Ephrata, PA: Experience the Ephrata historic monastic community established in 1732. Founded by Conrad Beissel, this was a refuge from worldly distractions and a place of spiritual preparation. The members of this cloister created beautiful works of art, farmed, and harnessed other crafts that sustained their community. Though it was tucked away from worldly persuasion, this religious community created a lasting impact.
Don’t Forget to Check Out the Museums
The list of historical places to visit goes on and on. If you’d like to explore more, you won’t have to look far to find museums and historical sites around the area. One honorable mention is the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum: the largest Pennsylvania German Museum.
Local Craftsmanship
While you’re looking for things to do around Lancaster, why not take home quality local and Amish-made goods? Better yet, make King’s Amish Furniture one of your stops. We have some of the best Amish furniture in the area, and we ship across the US.
- King’s Amish Furniture – Lancaster, PA & Intercourse, PA: Our family-run Amish furniture store is located in both Suite 601 at The Shops@Rockvale in Lancaster and our main store in Intercourse. Regardless of which location you visit, you’ll always be greeted by our friendly staff and the warm woody scent of the furniture on our showroom floor. We offer a wide variety of wood species, colors, and styles from history-rich traditional to the latest modern trends. Read more about what to expect when you visit King’s Amish Furniture.
- Lancaster Central Market – Lancaster, PA: Having been established in 1730, this is still one of the oldest public markets in America. They are open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with over 65 local vendors all under one roof. At the Lancaster Central Market, you can shop for home goods, wellness products, fresh produce, dairy, meats, and so much more.
- Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction – Ephrata, PA: Every Friday, you can shop local produce, antiques, handmade furniture, Amish baked goods, clothing, jewelry, and more. Sporting over 60 acres, Green Dragon is a unique indoor-outdoor shopping experience paired with their flea market auctions.
Explore Lancaster Today
There are plenty of things to do in Lancaster County and beyond. Thank you for reading our suggestions and we’re sure you’ll find plenty more to do than just the things we’ve listed. We hope to see you around sometime soon!