Need a peaceful getaway in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country? Head to Ephrata! This small Lancaster County town offers a mix of early American history, Amish culture, local theater, and scenic farmland. Whether you’re exploring a historic cloister, shopping for handmade goods, or enjoying a local play, Ephrata is full of small-town charm and colonial heritage.

Ephrata, PA Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or walk the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail – Enjoy a paved path through fields, woods, and quiet neighborhoods.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Ephrata Cloister – Step into a preserved 18th-century religious commune with striking Germanic architecture.
  • For Shoppers: Browse Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction – One of the largest Amish markets in the region with food, crafts, and antiques.
  • For Couples: Enjoy dinner and a show at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center – Catch a local production at this community theater housed in a historic building.
  • For Families: Visit the Ephrata Community Pool and Grater Park – Splash around or play outdoors at this local summer favorite.

Best Time to Visit Ephrata, PA

The best time to visit Ephrata is from May to October, when you can enjoy warm weather, seasonal markets, and countryside drives. Fall is especially scenic with colorful foliage and harvest festivals.

How to Get to Ephrata, PA

  • If you are traveling by car: Ephrata is just off US Route 222, about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 45 minutes from Harrisburg.
  • By Train: Amtrak service is available to nearby Lancaster (20–25 minutes away), with rideshare or car rental options to Ephrata.
  • By Air: The closest airports are Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Where to Stay in Ephrata, PA

  • Historic Smithton Inn – Charming B&B with colonial architecture, modern amenities, and a wine bar.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Ephrata – Convenient location, free breakfast, and great views of Lancaster County.
  • Weaver’s Loft Bed and Breakfast – Quiet countryside stay just minutes from downtown Ephrata.

Best Things to Do in Ephrata, PA

Ephrata Cloister


Tour historic buildings and discover unusual religious sights from the 1700s.

Ephrata Cloister

© lspi138/stock.adobe.com

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

Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum


See vintage vehicles and enjoy an exciting stop for car lovers.

Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum

© Seiverling Museum, LLC Car and Pedal Car Museum

The Seiverling Museum, LLC 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

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.


Sip local beers and savor an easy evening with friends.

St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.

© St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co.

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

Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room


Taste regional wines and enjoy a romantic afternoon escape.

Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room

© Weathered Vineyards Wine Tasting Room

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

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

American Legion Post 429


Relax with drinks and explore affordable community events and stuff.

American Legion Post 429

© Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com

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

The Green Dragon Market


Shop local goods and savor a fun family market trip.

The Green Dragon Market

© PIERRE JEAN C/stock.adobe.com

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

Ephrata Performing Arts Center


See live theater and enjoy exciting shows on a cheap night out.

Ephrata Performing Arts Center

© KOTO/stock.adobe.com

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

Fox Meadows Creamery


Savor fresh ice cream and enjoy a weekend treat with the kids.

Fox Meadows Creamery

© 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

Where to Eat in Ephrata, PA

  • Black Forest Brewery – Cozy microbrewery offering craft beer and hearty pub fare next to the Historic Smithton Inn.
  • Aromas Del Sur – Colombian restaurant known for flavorful dishes, empanadas, and warm hospitality.
  • Udder Choice – Local favorite for homemade soups, sandwiches, and ice cream in a charming dairy-themed setting.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Ephrata Fair (September) – Pennsylvania’s largest street fair with rides, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and a parade.
  • Concerts by the Creek (Summer) – Free outdoor music series at Grater Park.
  • Historic Ephrata Cloister Candlelight Tours (December) – Explore the cloister by lantern and learn about colonial-era holiday traditions.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Ephrata, Pennsylvania:

  • Lititz (20–25 min) – Visit America’s “Coolest Small Town,” known for pretzels, chocolate, and a walkable downtown.
  • Lancaster (25–30 min) – Explore museums, Amish country tours, and Central Market.
  • Adamstown (15–20 min) – Antique capital of the U.S. with dozens of dealers and vintage markets.
  • Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (25 min) – Great for birdwatching, especially during the snow goose migration.
  • Bird-in-Hand (25–30 min) – Scenic Amish village with buggy rides, farmers markets, and family shows.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Ephrata located?
    • Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, PA, approximately 38 miles from Harrisburg and 57 miles from Philadelphia.
  • What is the historical background of Ephrata?
    • Ephrata was founded by a group of people from Eberbach, Germany, which is now Ephrata’s sister city.
  • What is the Ephrata Cloister?
    • The Ephrata Cloister was a religious community established in 1732 by a group that separated from the Schwarzenau Brethren movement in Germany.
  • What unique museums can visitors explore in Ephrata?
    • The Seiverling Antique Car and Pedal Car Museum houses a collection of 140 toy pedal cars and several antique cars.
  • What community services are supported in Ephrata?
    • The American Legion Post 429 is Ephrata’s branch of the American Legion, supporting a range of community services and organizations.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming countryside, perfect for exploring Amish Country. Historic Smithton Inn – A charming bed-and-breakfast with historic character. Visit the Ephrata Cloister – Explore this historic religious community and its unique architecture.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities and farmers' markets. Hampton Inn & Suites Ephrata – A comfortable stay near local attractions. Explore Green Dragon Farmers Market – One of the largest farmers' markets in the area.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage, great for scenic drives. The Artist's Inn and Gallery – A cozy and artistic retreat in Lancaster County. Take a drive through Amish Country – Enjoy picturesque farmlands, covered bridges, and handmade goods.

Plan Your Trip