Lancaster County offers a wide range of discoveries: Pennsylvania German culture, railroad history, performing arts, and trails through river landscapes. When planning, consider practical differences such as the season, trail length, and difficulty.
Cultural History and Railroads
The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum presents the material culture and heritage of the Pennsylvania Germans from 1750 to 1940. It is the state’s largest museum devoted to early Pennsylvania German life. The Harvest Days fall festival features traditional crafts, seasonal foods, music, and hands-on activities for all ages. Event dates and programs may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
The Ephrata Cloister offers another perspective on history: founded in 1732, this historic religious community developed remarkable architecture, its own music, important publications, and exceptional art. At the Fulton Theatre, stage productions meet architectural history. Built on the foundations of a jail dating to before the American Revolution, the theater offers a mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals.
The Strasburg Rail Road is another of the region’s notable railroad attractions. It is considered America’s oldest independently operated short-line railroad and offers a 45-minute train ride through Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County’s Amish region. The ride duration is an operational detail that may change; check before your trip. Visitors interested in railroad history can take self-guided tours of America’s railroad heritage at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
River Views and Outdoor Trails
Lancaster County Central Park covers 544 acres and has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For help choosing a specific route, check the latest trail information. The 224-acre, wooded Susquehannock State Park offers a different landscape: its plateau in southern Lancaster County overlooks the Susquehanna River. The Overlook Trail leads to viewpoints overlooking the river.
Trails vary considerably in surface and difficulty. The flat, paved Northwest Lancaster County River Trail runs through Chickies Rock County Park. It offers a scenic 22-mile loop with several parking areas and access points. By contrast, the Turkey Hill Trail is a strenuous 3.7-mile hike. It climbs along a ridge above the Susquehanna River and offers two viewpoints. These details can help you plan for different trail profiles; current trail information may change.
For a spring outing, the Gamber Wildflower Trail is another option: it is about 1.7 miles long and is used for spring wildflower walks. Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve is also known for its spring blooms, particularly its ephemeral spring wildflowers. More than 50 bird species regularly visit the area. If you’d rather focus on trees, the 11-acre Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum is home to more than 100 tree species.
More Things to Discover
The attractions range from rides to local markets. Dutch Wonderland has more than 35 attractions, rides, and events, including Duke’s Lagoon water play area. Its offerings and program may change, so check what’s currently available before your visit. Founded in 1889, Lancaster Central Market hosts several celebrations each year. More than 40 shops and dining establishments cluster around the Jam & Relish Kitchen at Kitchen Kettle Village.
Discover more destinations: Columbia, Smoketown, Christiana, Lancaster, New Holland, Ephrata, Ronks, Manheim, Elizabethtown, Bird In Hand, Lititz, Denver, Millersville, Mt Joy, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Reinholds, Gordonville, Mountville, Narvon, Salunga-Landisville, Willow Street.
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