Map Of Lancaster County, Pa Travel Guide
Introduction
Lancaster County, PA is a beautiful and historic destination in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. With its idyllic countryside, charming towns, and rich history, it’s no wonder that Lancaster County is a popular vacation spot for visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local cuisine, immersing yourself in the Amish culture, or enjoying outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Lancaster County. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Top Attractions
There are many must-see attractions in Lancaster County, including the Amish Farm and House, the Strasburg Railroad, and the Lancaster Central Market. The Amish Farm and House offers a glimpse into the Amish way of life, with tours of an authentic Amish farmhouse and barn. The Strasburg Railroad is a scenic train ride through the countryside, with stunning views of the rolling hills and farms. And the Lancaster Central Market is a historic indoor market with over 60 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
Hidden Gems
For those looking to get off the beaten path, Lancaster County has plenty of hidden gems to discover. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers tours of their facility, where visitors can see wolves up close and learn about their behavior and conservation efforts. The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market is a smaller, but equally charming, market that offers fresh produce, crafts, and homemade foods. And the Conestoga Trail is a beautiful hiking trail that winds through the countryside, with stunning views of the Susquehanna River.
Food Scene
The food scene in Lancaster County is not to be missed, with its famous Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and farm-to-table restaurants. The Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a popular spot for all-you-can-eat Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, while the Belvedere Inn offers upscale farm-to-table dining in a historic mansion. And for dessert, don’t miss the whoopie pies at the Bird-in-Hand Bakery.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of ways to save money in Lancaster County. Many of the attractions, such as the Amish Farm and House and the Strasburg Railroad, offer discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance. And for a cheap and delicious meal, head to the Lancaster Central Market for a hot sandwich or a slice of pizza.
Outdoor Adventures
Lancaster County is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its beautiful countryside and many parks and trails. The Lancaster County Park offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas, while the Susquehanna River is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. And for a unique outdoor adventure, try a hot air balloon ride with the US Hot Air Balloon Team.
Historical Landmarks
Lancaster County is steeped in history, with many landmarks and museums to explore. The Ephrata Cloister is a National Historic Landmark that was founded in 1732 by a group of German settlers. The Landis Valley Museum offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania Dutch life in the 18th and 19th centuries, with historic buildings and exhibits. And the Lancaster County Historical Society has a museum and library with collections of artifacts and documents related to Lancaster County history.
Family-Friendly Activities
Lancaster County is a great destination for families, with a variety of activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged. The Dutch Wonderland amusement park has rides and attractions for all ages, while the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm offers a corn maze, pedal carts, and farm animals. And for a hands-on learning experience, the Lancaster Science Factory has interactive exhibits and workshops for kids.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover in Lancaster County. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery offers tours and workshops where visitors can learn how to make their own pretzels. The Turkey Hill Experience is a fun and interactive museum that explores the history and science of ice cream. And the Landis Woods Park is a quiet and peaceful park with hiking trails and a butterfly garden.
Natural Wonders
Lancaster County is home to many natural wonders, from the rolling hills and farmland to the Susquehanna River and beyond. The Lancaster County Conservancy has several nature preserves and hiking trails, including the Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve with its beautiful waterfall. The Lakeview Drive-In is a drive-in theater that offers stunning views of the stars on clear nights. And the Cherry Springs State Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, where visitors can see the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
Vibrant Nightlife
While Lancaster County may be known for its peaceful countryside, there are still plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a night out. The Federal Taphouse has over 100 beers on tap and a lively atmosphere, while the Tellus360 is a music venue and bar with live music and events. And for a unique experience, try the Escape Room Lancaster, where groups work together to solve puzzles and escape a themed room.
Local Markets
Lancaster County is famous for its local markets, where visitors can find fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. In addition to the Lancaster Central Market and the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, there are many other markets to explore. The Green Dragon Farmers Market is a large outdoor market with over 400 vendors, while the Roots Country Market offers fresh produce and antiques.
Beaches and Mountains
Lancaster County may not be known for its beaches or mountains, but there are still some great options for those looking to explore the outdoors. The Pocono Mountains are a short drive away, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and skiing in the winter. And for a beach day, head to the Jersey Shore or the Delaware beaches, which are both within a few hours’ drive.
Cultural Immersion
The Amish culture is an important part of Lancaster County, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in it. The Amish Experience offers tours of an Amish farm, as well as a multimedia theater experience. The Amish Village offers guided tours of a recreated Amish home and schoolhouse. And the Amish Country Homestead is a historic house museum that explores the Amish way of life.
Art and Music Scene
Lancaster County has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. The Fulton Theatre is a historic theater that hosts plays and musicals, while the Ware Center is a contemporary performing arts center with music, dance, and theater performances. And for art lovers, the Lancaster Museum of Art has a collection of over 3,000 works of art, from contemporary to historic.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore Lancaster County is on foot, and there are many walking tours to choose from. The Lancaster County Art Walk is a self-guided tour of downtown Lancaster’s public art installations, while the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour explores the city’s architecture and history. And for a spooky experience, try the Ghost Tour of Lancaster, which takes visitors on a lantern-lit tour of haunted sites.
Architectural Marvels
Lancaster County is home to many beautiful and historic buildings, from the iconic Lancaster County Courthouse to the stunning St. James Episcopal Church. The Fulton Opera House is a historic theater that has been in operation since 1852, while the Central Market House is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. And the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site is a museum that explores the lives of two important figures in Lancaster County history.
Historical Sites
With its rich history, Lancaster County has many important historical sites to explore. The Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-visit for Civil War history buffs, with its battlefield tours and museum. The Hans Herr House and Museum is a historic homestead that dates back to 1719, while the Ephrata Cloister is a National Historic Landmark that was founded in 1732 by a group of German settlers.
Biking Routes
Lancaster County is a great destination for cyclists, with its beautiful countryside and many scenic biking routes. The Conestoga Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail that winds through the countryside, with stunning views of the Susquehanna River. The Enola Low Grade Trail is a 28-mile rail-trail that runs through Lancaster County and offers beautiful views of the countryside. And the Lancaster Junction Trail is a 1.7-mile paved trail that runs through the city, with views of the Conestoga River.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, Lancaster County has many wellness retreats to choose from. The Melt Spa by Hershey is a luxurious day spa that offers massages, facials, and other treatments. The Inn at Leola Village is a charming and historic inn with a spa, pool, and fitness center. And the Destination Relax