10 Best Things to Do in Ephrata, Pennsylvania

By VacationIdea Staff on April 4, 2022 - Updated

World Travel Photos/stock.adobe.com

Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about 38 miles from Harrisburg and about 57 miles from Philadelphia. Ephrata was founded by a group of folks from Eberbach, Germany, today Ephrata’s sister city. The Ephrata Cloister was a religious community established in 1732 by a group that separated from the Schwarzenau Brethren movement in Germany. The Seiverling Antique Car and Pedal Car Museum has a collection of 140 toy pedal cars and several antique cars. The American Legion Post 429 is Ephrata branch of the American Legion . It supports a range of community services and organizations.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister, also known as Ephrata Community was a religious community, established in 1732 in today’s Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was established by a group that separated from the Schwarzenau Brethren movement of Alexander Mack of Schwarzenau in Germany. The first separation from the general body of the movement happened in 1728. In 1732, Johann Conrad Beissel arrived with a group of followers at the banks of Cocalico Creek in Lancaster County and established a semi-monastic community, a convent and a monastery and called it "Ephrata". The members of the order had to be celibate, to believe in self-discipline and strict interpretation of the Bible. At its height, the Ephrata community owned 250 acres and had about 80 celibate men and women. The last resident of the Ephrata Cloister died in 2008. The grounds of the community are now owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

632 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522, Phone: 717-733-6600

2.Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum

The Seiverling Antique Car and Pedal Car Museum, now called Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum has one of the largest collections of toy pedal cars in Eastern Pennsylvania. The museum has 140 toy pedal cars and a small collection of antique cars. The toy pedal car collection consists of children pedal cars from America, England, Canada, France, Italy, and Russia. There are pedal cars, fire trucks, tractors, planes, a pedal boat and even a pedal bull dozer. The museum was established in 1991 by Richard and Ethel Seiverling. Each pedal car had a teddy bear driver created by Ethel. The museum is still owned by the Seiverling family and is open by appointment only.

66 Lancaster Ave , Ephrata, PA 17522-1708

3.St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co., Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Established in 2011 in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co produces year-round, seasonal and limited edition beers brewed and served on site to the delight of local beer drinkers who are fond of more interesting beers. Their first beer Hegemony was sold in a couple of hours. Their tap room, attached to the production facility, is a popular gathering place, with recycled wood, high ceilings, house beers on tap and local wines. The tap room offers a small menu of pizzas and sandwiches and rotating food trucks on weekends. The brewpub is particularly lively on the nights with live music. St. Boniface beers are available on tap in many pubs and bars in and around Lancaster County. Their beers are also available in cans.

1701 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522, Phone: 717-466-6900

4.Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, Ephrata, PA

Weathered Vineyards is a winery located on a family farm among the rolling hills above the Lehigh Valley near Ephrata, Pennsylvania.The winery and vineyard sit atop a hill with a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. The hilltop location creates several microclimates, which account for the vineyard’s unique terroir. The Weathered Vineyards Ephrata Wine Tasting Room & Bar offers 11 varieties of wine ranging from sweet to dry. The tasting room is located in the rustic chic Smithton Inn B&B, perfect for those who would like to extend their visit to the winery. Smithton Inn combines historic charm with all modern conveniences

900-A W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522, Phone: 717-271-7274

5.American Legion Post 429, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

The American Legion was established in the 50s as a mutual-help, patriotic and community-service organization. Since then, it has become the world’s largest service organization, with more than five million members - three million Legionnaires and two million members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion that supports Legionnaires. The organization’s objectives were always to be a watchdog and an advocate of veterans’ benefits and programs. The Legion’s Ephrata Post429 has 700 members that continue to serve their community. They support the Legion Ball Team, Ephrata soccer, Boy Scouts of America, the Coatesville Veterans Hospital, Meals on Wheels, various scholarships, and the local Veterans home on Church Street, among others.

300 Cocalico St. Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-733-2576

6.The Green Dragon Market

If you happen to find yourself in or near Ephrata on a Friday, the Green Dragon Market is a must-visit attraction. The Green Dragon is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the area, hosting more than 400 individual vendors. Shoppers come from near and far to buy the freshest local produce direct from the farmers, as well as a wide range of home-made foods and crafts. The sprawling market covers over 60 acres (including plenty of parking) and boasts new vendors each and every week. Here you can find fresh local meat, delicious preserves, cheeses, breads, cakes and cookies as well as clothing, antiques, crafts and freshly-prepared food to eat on site.

The Green Dragon Market, 955 North State St, Ephrata, PA 17522, 717 738 1117

7.Ephrata Performing Arts Center

Bringing the joy of live performance theatre to Ephrata, the EPAC (Ephrata Performing Arts Center) has been entertaining residents and visitors since 1980. The company produces a year-round program of top-class musicals and dramas, including big-name Broadway favorites like Les Miserable, My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins. Each successive season sees new stars making their stage debut thanks to the center’s ongoing classes and summer youth camps. The entertainment all takes place in the newly-renovated Sharadin Bigler Theatre which once hosted big-name Broadway stars like Robert deNiro, Betty White and many more. You can check their website to see what’s on and to book online tickets.

Ephrata Performing Arts Center, 320 Cocalico St, Ephrata, PA 17522, 717 733 7966

8.Gameseum - Mega Arcade and Museum

Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages, Gameseum is a must-visit gaming arcade with a difference. Gameseum is unique in that it is home to a superb private collection of authentic coin-operated gaming and pinball machines which date as far back as the 1940’s. The collection comprises over 80 vintage machines as well as modern arcade games which visitors are encouraged to enjoy. Here you will find old favorites like Pac Man, Super Mario Bros, Space Invaders and many more. Best of all, you do not need any coins – you can play as many different machines as you like on an hourly (or all-day) all-inclusive basis.

Gameseum, 27 N. State Street, Ephrata, PA 17522

9.Fox Meadows Creamery

Fox Meadows Creamery is located just a field away from the family-owned Fox farm, where contended cows have been producing superior quality milk for more than 70 years. The farm has been recognized for being at the fore-front of modern and innovative dairy farming practices and it shows in the fantastic flavors of their creamery creations. Their delicious “cow to cone” ice creams are produced in the on-site creamery and visitors can watch the process through a viewing window. The delectable ice creams come in a variety of flavors to suit everyone and can be enjoyed on their own in a cone or as part of a delicious milkshake, float or dessert.

Fox Meadows Creamery, 2475 W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522, 717 721 6455

10 Best Things to Do in Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Ephrata Cloister, Photo: lspi138/stock.adobe.com
Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum, Photo: Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum
St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co., Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Photo: St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.
Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, Ephrata, PA, Photo: Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room
American Legion Post 429, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, Photo: Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com
The Green Dragon Market, Photo: PIERRE JEAN C/stock.adobe.com
Ephrata Performing Arts Center, Photo: KOTO/stock.adobe.com
Gameseum - Mega Arcade and Museum, Photo: Gameseum
Fox Meadows Creamery, Photo: Fox Meadows Creamery
Cover Photo: World Travel Photos/stock.adobe.com

More Ideas in PA: Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Located in Lancaster, PA, the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a 100 acre historical landmark that preserves and promotes the history, culture, and significance of Pennsylvania Germans.

Throughout the 1700s, German immigrants traveled from Germany to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By the early 1790s, almost 40% of southeastern Pennsylvania was comprised of Pennsylvania Germans. The original German immigrants and their families ultimately created a new and distinct culture within Pennsylvania that included their own language, which is known as Pennsylvania German, as well as traditions and art forms. Pennsylvania Germans incorporated elements from their German heritage with their new American lifestyles.

Like many other people who traveled and settled in America, approximately 90% of Pennsylvania Germans were farmers in what is known as America’s breadbasket. Aside from farming, many Pennsylvania Germans ere clockmakers, clergymen, tavern keepers, storekeepers, weavers, and tinsmiths. Since Pennsylvania Germans were required to interact with farmers and craftspeople within the community in order to trade goods and services, many were able to speak fluent English by the late 1800s.

The Landis Valley Museum was founded by George and Henry Landis, whose heritage is nestled within Pennsylvania Germans. The Landis’ ancestors traveled to Lancaster in the early 1700s and had left many artifacts. Together, George and Henry collected these artifacts and created a private collection with more than 75,000 artifacts. During the 1920s, the Landis brothers officially opened the Landis Valley Museum.

In 1953, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired the Museum. Since then, the original small Museum has grown to incorporating a combination of historic buildings and structures. Today, the Museum operates alongside demonstrations and replications that truly represent the lifestyle of Pennsylvania Germans throughout history.

The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum has an array of attractions spread out across their 100 acres, including:

Landis Collection Gallery is a facility dedicated to showcasing a variety of rotating exhibits, which display a combination of decorative arts.

Issac Landis House is the original Landis house, which was built during the 1870s. This house features a variety of activity rooms for educational purposes, as well as rooms that are open to the public for special events.

Maple Grove Schoolhouse was built in 1890 and used as an Amish school. The furniture within this schoolhouse depicts the style and nature of what the schoolhouse looked like in 1890 to 1900.

Landis Valley house Hotel was built in 1856 by Jacob Landis Jr. This hotel features furniture to replicate what it looked like during the early 1900s.

Farm Machinery and Tool Barn features a variety of tools and farm machinery that was used throughout the Colonial era and up to the 20^th century.

Blacksmith Shop was transported from Gettysburg, and features a variety of objects that would be found within a blacksmith shop from 1880 to 1900.

The Brick Farmstead was built in 1830 and is the original farmhouse that was used by Jacob and Elizabeth Landis. This farmstead represents the lifestyles and daily tasks that the Landis’ did, as well as what early farmsteads looked like.

The Grossmutter House was built in 1840 as a retirement home for Jacob and Elizabeth Landis. During this time, Jacob and Elizabeth gave the Brick Farmstead to Jacob Landis Jr., who was their son.

Log Farm is a recreation of structures and gardens that could be found within an original farmstead of a Pennsylvania German during the 1750s. Featured animals include oxen, Tunis sheep, and lineback cattle.

Landis Brothers’ House and Stable is one of the featured attractions. This house was the home of George D. and Henry K. Landis, who were the founders of the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. The furniture within the house represents what the Victorian house looked like during the early 1900s.

Visitor Center is the premier facility within the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. Inside the Visitor Center, visitors can access a variety of information, as well as view an orientation video and tour the exhibit gallery.

The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum offers a variety of educational opportunities for everyone. Children are welcome to participate in a variety of classes and workshops, as well as field trips with their schools. As for adults, they can take workshops or classes during the winter. Each educational opportunity at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is intended to promote the culture and significance of Pennsylvania Germans. Children and adults can learn trades, crafts, history and culture through the programs offered at the museum. There are also opportunities for scout groups.

Back to: Things to Do in Lancaster

2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17601, Phone: 717-569-0401

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More Ideas in PA: Lancaster Science Factory

Located in Lancaster, PA, the Lancaster Science Factory promotes the education and exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Lancaster Science Factory has more than 60 interactive exhibits displayed across their facility.

After a trip to Florida, advertising executive James Bunting returned to Lancaster with the idea of creating the Science Factory. The Science Factory would promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and engaging way that would get kids genuinely interested and intrigued. Throughout the next several years, Bunting planned the facility and raised approximately $1 million in funds.

On January 22, 2008, the Lancaster Science Factory opened with mostly volunteers as employees. Today, the Lancaster Science Factory has a small staff, but still uses volunteers to welcome and guide guests along their exploration of the Lancaster Science Factory.

The exhibits are all designed to align to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in Science and Technology in the Commonwealth of PA. Not only are kids having fun at the Science Factory, they are immersed in science education.

Permanent attractions are divided in the following categories:

Light and Vision explores the way that humans explore the way that light is perceived. Some of the exhibits include:

· Benham’s Disk

· Color Changeup

· Color Filter

· Color Illusion Disks

· Colored Shadows

· Duck-Under Kaleidoscope

· Lens, Mirrors & Filters

· Scope on a Rope

· Visual Illusions

Electricity and Magnetism explores the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, and why scientists often group the two together. The six exhibits within this section are:

· Crank Power

· Electrical Circuits

· Magnetic Field Visualization

· Conductors and Insulator

· Light It Up

· Magnetic Sculpture

Mechanics and Motion showcases the fundamentals of the laws of motion and what force really is. There are almost twenty exhibits within this category.

Structural Engineering features the foundations of engineering. The four exhibits within this category are: Ceiling Beam, Truss Bridge, Catenary Arch, and Earthquake.

Acoustics allow visitors to experiment with transmission and sounds. The three exhibits within this category are Bongophone, Whisper Dishes, and Drumbone.

Fluid Dynamics feature fluids, such as gases and liquids. There are almost ten exhibits within this section, such as Air Play, Minimal Surfaces, and Water Tornado.

Puzzles and Brain Teasers show how mathematics can be fun. There are sixteen exhibits in this section, which include Army Ants, Horse & Cowboy, and Shut the Box.

The Lancaster Science Factory offers a variety of educational programs for people of all ages. Some of their educational programs include; Homeschool Programs, Girls Code Club, Cub Scout and Girl Scout Programs, and Night Shift.

One of the most popular educational opportunities at the Lancaster Science Factory is the Girls Code Club. The Girls Code Club is a monthly club designed for girls to become interested and engaged in various computer science fundamentals and how to code. During the Club, participants will choose to design and develop either a website, computer program, or video game.

Another popular educational program at the Science Factory is the Night Shift program. The Night Shift is an overnight program in which participants show up to the Science Factory on either Friday or Saturday around 5:30 pm. Throughout the rest of the night, participants engage in a variety of interactive activities, explore the Science Factory’s exhibits, and hanging out with other campers. Then, participants sleep in the Science Factory in their sleeping bags. The next morning, participants will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and reflect on their experience at the Science Factory.

The Lancaster Science Factory hosts a variety of public and private special events throughout the year such as science trivia nights, make it yourself workshops, “science is amazing” festivals, and P.A.S.T.E.--a special program for young learners.

For an updated list of public special events the Science Factory hosts throughout the year, check the Factory’s Events Calendar, which is located on their official website.

As for private special events, people can host birthday parties, team building events, parent teacher organization fundraisers, and other special events. The most popular event hosted at the Lancaster Science Factory is birthday parties. The three birthday party packages people can choose from are the:

· Basic Package which provides guests with an exclusive party room for 90 minutes, admission into the Science Factory, and a special t-shirt for the birthday guest.

· Experiment Package features everything in the Basic Package, plus an interactive and exclusive activity, as well as a specialized party host.

· Experiment Plus Package features everything in the Experiment Package, as well as a variety of amenities, such as candles, ice cream cakes, drinks, and utensils.

Back to: Things to Do in Lancaster

454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602, Phone: 717-509-6363

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More Ideas in PA: Lancaster County Dutch Market

The Lancaster County Dutch Market is a diverse group of local vendors from the area of central Pennsylvania that each share a common vision: to provide quality and fresh food to the public at a reasonable price. The local market has been providing fresh, quality food to the Germantown community, as well as the surrounding area, for more than twenty years with this goal in mind. Visitors and locals alike can find prepped food made on-site at the market, and fresh groceries grown locally. There is something for everyone at the Lancaster County Dutch Market.

A large variety of food is provided throughout the year at the Lancaster County Dutch Market. The market offers everything from seasonal produce to dairy products to fresh meats, all from local vendors from the Lancaster County area. The candy stand and bakery help to satisfy the sweet tooth of visitors. Guests can also grab a cup of coffee or a delicious large soft pretzel to enjoy while they shop, or to just give them a little pick me up. The Lancaster County Dutch Market even has furniture made locally by the Amish that live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Visitors and locals alike can find all sorts of little treasures in Germantown at the Lancaster County Dutch Market. The Dutch Family Restaurant is a great spot for shoppers to stop for any meal of the day. The restaurant serves delicious food, such as burgers, full-course meals in the Amish-style, and egg omelettes. For those not wanting to wait in line or want to take food to go, the Dutch Family Restaurant does takeout orders.

The Bake Shoppe has both local and tourists covered with a wide selection of baked good served year-round, such as strawberry shortcake and fresh made doughnuts. Several different fruit pies are sold throughout the year, as well as apple fritter and Long Johns, a staple of Lancaster County. The Bake Shoppe is conveniently located at the front of the Lancaster County Dutch Market, making it the perfect spot for visitors to the market to stop in to satisfy their sweet tooth or pick up some fresh bread.

Lapp’s Furniture at the Lancaster County Dutch Market has been a market staple for more than twenty years. The beautifully hand-crafted furniture offered for purchase at the market is made by the finest craftsmen from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. Lapp’s Furniture offers already made items in their shop at the market, as well as custom-order furniture sets, signature designs, and beautiful decorations. The company’s showroom can be found inside the Lancaster County Dutch Market, but there furniture is also available online at their website.

One place not to miss for any visitors who has a sweet tooth is Lapp’s Candies. There is definitely no shortage of choices for visitors, as the candy shop offers more than five hundred options. Along with selling chocolate, fudge, and other candies, Lapp’s Candies also offers dry foods like peanuts and pretzels for sale. The Lancaster County Dutch Market also has several shops offering products such as produce, fresh meat, cheese, flowers, and more.

12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown, Maryland, Phone: 301-515-1019

More Things to Do in Germantown and Gaithersburg

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