Lancaster, the seat of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, is a great weekend destination. I like its diverse choice of historical attractions, museums, tours, markets and restaurants. Attend a music festival in Long's Park, visit Dutch Wonderland with kids, sample local food at the Central Market, take a tour of the Amish Farm and House, and don't forget The Phillips Museum of Art.
Lancaster, PA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Take a hot air balloon ride over Amish Country
- For History Buffs: Tour Wheatland, the home of President James Buchanan
- For Shoppers: Explore Lancaster Central Market
- For Couples: Take a horse-drawn buggy ride through the countryside
- For Families: Visit Dutch Wonderland
Best Time to Visit Lancaster, PA
The best time to visit Lancaster is from April to October, when you can enjoy spring blooms, summer farm tours, and beautiful fall foliage. Fall is especially popular for harvest festivals and farmers markets.
How to Get to Lancaster, PA
- If you are traveling by car: Lancaster is conveniently located off US-30 and Route 222, about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 2 hours from Baltimore.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Keystone Service runs daily between Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia (with connections to NYC).
- By Air: Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is about 40 minutes away, with additional options in Philadelphia (PHL).
Where to Stay in Lancaster, PA
- The Lancaster Arts Hotel is a boutique hotel downtown
- Fulton Steamboat Innis a family-friendly themed hotel
- The Wilbur Lititz is a historic luxury hotel
Best Things to Do in Lancaster, PA
1. Have a Picnic in Long’s Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Start your visit in Long’s Park, an 80-acre area situated in the northwest corner of Lancaster. Every year the park hosts numerous events and it is one of the top Lancaster attractions.
Most notably are a season-long music festival, a barbecue competition, as well as a fine arts exhibit.
In addition to these events, Long’s Park also has tennis courts, fitness trails and a beautiful spring-fed lake.
If you have kids, head to the playground, check out the petting zoo and have a picnic.
Route 30 & Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, 717-735-8883
2. Enjoy the Rides at Dutch Wonderland
Next head to Dutch Wonderland, also known as a “Kingdom for Kids”.
Have fun at this family-friendly amusement park with over 30 rides. I like the Dukes Lagoon which is a tropically themed water park that is open during the summer and includes tipping buckets and bubblers.
Dutch Wonderland also has shows which are open to all visitors. Tickets to the shows are included with admission to the main park. Both day passes as well as season passes are offered.
2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602, 866-FUNatDW (866-386-2839)
3. Shop for Fresh Produce at Central Market
Visit The Central Market in Lancaster, the oldest farmers’ market in the United States. It takes place in a 120 year old brick building which is loaded with local charm.
At the market, you will find a host of local food that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country.
The most popular local food you can eat is scrapple which is a breakfast meat comprised of pork scraps and cornmeal. Other things you may find are items such as headcheese and Pennsylvania Dutch Sausage.
Another popular food you can taste are the preserves like “chowchow” which is pickled vegetables marinated in mustard, and the famous “bread-and-butter pickles.”
The market runs all year on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon.
23 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA
4. Tour the Amish Farm and House
The Amish Farm and House give you a first-hand look at Amish life in Lancaster.
The house is over 200 years old and has been open for tours for the last 60, making it the first Amish Tourist attraction in the country.
House tours run throughout the day and last about 45 minutes giving you a chance to walk through the front room, kitchen and bedrooms.
You may prefer Countryside Bus Tours which include stops at a 15 acre farm, one room schoolhouse and Amish roadside stand.
Highly trained and professional tour guides educate you about the area’s history, Amish lifestyle and local hidden treasures. I learned a lot here and highly recommend it.
2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602, 717-394-6185
5. Admire the Art at The Phillips Museum of Art
Located at Franklin & Marshall College, The Phillips Museum of Art is a cultural resource you shouldn't miss.
Check out the museum’s permanent collection, an outdoor sculpture trail and the Franklinian database of Benjamin Franklin artifacts.
The museum hosts a variety of events including lectures, film screenings, panel discussions and performances so keep an eye on the calendar.
Free to the public, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday during the academic year.
Located in the Steinman College Center, Entrance on College Ave between New Street and Frederick Street, Lancaster, PA 17604, 717-291-3879
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Learn About History at the Landis Valley Museum
Next head to the Landis Valley Museum, a living history village and farm with a mission to collect, preserve and interpret the history and culture of the Pennsylvania German rural community.
It was opened in 1925 by Henry and George Landis, inviting you to experience the 18th and 19th century village and farm life in Lancaster County.
The museum has an extensive education program that offers workshops, field trips and special events where you can learn new skills, trades and crafts. Kids love this place!
Landis Valley is also home to The Heirloom Seed Project.
2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, 717-569-0401
7. See the Exhibits at the North Museum of Nature and Science
Perfect for a family day out, or if you just want to learn more about nature and science, the North Museum of Nature and Science is home to the impressive SciDome Theater, which will take you on a tour of the galaxy and offer you stunning views of the night sky.
There are also permanent exhibitions that offer you the chance to get up close to live animals for a hands-on learning experience and to enjoy a wide collection of birds and fossils.
If you are wondering what to do in Lancaster with kids, this is a great place to visit.
Depending on when you choose to visit, there are up to three featured exhibitions that run throughout the year.
400 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603, 717-358-3941
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Learn about History at the Mennonite Life Information Center
The Mennonite Information Center gives you an opportunity to learn about the unique way the Amish and Mennonites live.
“Who are the Amish” is a three-screen feature that you can only see at the center along with another short film, walk-through exhibit, bookstore and selection of fair-trade handicrafts from Ten Thousand Villages.
The most popular feature you should see is the Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction, a full-sized reproduction of Moses’ Tabernacle in the Wilderness.
Knowledgeable tour guides lead you in conversation from the Brazen Altar to the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies.
The center is open year-round Monday through Saturday and the Tabernacle is seen by 45 minute guided tours only.
2209 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602-1494, 717-299-0954
9. Dine at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
For dinner, head to The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre which has been providing top quality productions, award-winning food and exceptional service for almost thirty years.
The theatre seats 370 guests in a simple yet sophisticated setting hard to find at other theaters. Dining options you can choose from include a dinner buffet, A La Carte nights, Appetizer and Dessert only shows and enhanced upscale weekend buffets.
Shows you can enjoy range from favorite classical musicals to contemporary hits with performers from New York, Phoenix, South Carolina and Chicago.
A live orchestra accompanies the production created by nationally recognized designers, directors and choreographers for a truly magical experience.
510 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, 717-898-1900
10. See a Show at the American Music Theatre
Alternatively, visit the American Music Theatre which offers entertainment by collaborating with artists who represent all musical genres and parts of the country.
The AMT is unique in that it is the only theatre in America that has original shows as well as touring artists you can see.
The Theatre has 1,600 seats and hosts every kind of show such as rock and roll, comedy, Broadway shows and pop music. You can buy your tickets here.
2425 Lincoln Hwy East, P.O. Box 10757, Lancaster, PA 17605, 800-648-4102 | 717-397-7700
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