19 Best Things to Do in Hanover, Pennsylvania

By VacationIdea Staff on June 6, 2022 - Updated

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Hanover is a borough of York County, Pennsylvania. It was named after Hanover in Germany and established on productive agricultural land. When the state line between Pennsylvania and Maryland was drawn, Hanover was a subject of a land dispute. Two surveyors were called in to clarify matters and the result was the Mason-Dixon line. Hanover is just north of the line. Hanover has several sites of historical interest and restaurants of long standing.

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

1.Codorus State Park

This 3500 acre state-run park, three miles from Hanover was opened in 1970. It encompasses Lake Marburg which was formed when the Codorus Creek was dammed up. The lake has 26 miles of shoreline and is the habitat of many species of fish, including cold water fish such as rainbow and brown trout. Rowing vessels and sailing boats are permitted on the lake, as well as motorboats with less than 20 Hp engines. Camping facilities for RVs and tents are available, some with electrical points. Hunting of certain species is allowed and winter sports, such as sledding and skiing are popular.

2.Warehime Myers Mansion

The Myers family, founders of the Hanover Shoe Factory, built two similar houses in 1911. One of them is now the Warehime Myers Mansion. It was purchased by William Warehime, a neighbor of the Myers family in 1997. He donated the house, along with the contents, grounds and an endowment, to the Hanover Area Historical Society. Tours of the first and second floors operate on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There is a bowling alley in the basement and themed rooms. At Christmas time dozens of decorated trees give the mansion a festive air. The other building is the Sheppard Mansion which is now a Bed and Breakfast.

305 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-641

3.Eichelberger Performing Arts Center

In 1896, Captain Eichelberger erected the building which now houses the Arts Center. It was originally a private academy but after four years, he donated it to the city for use as a public school. In the 1960s the building was no longer suitable for that purpose and was sold to commercial developers. A third of the building was set aside for the purposes of the performing arts and educational outreach. It is fully utilized throughout the year, with a full program of performances. The studio, conservatory and theatre are also available for hire for private events and functions.

195 Stock Street, Suite 203, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-7086

4.St. Vincent de Paul Church

Vincent O'Bold donated the funds necessary to build the church and Parish House in 1905. He was a local farmer and banker. Sadly, his wife and four daughters predeceased him, all dying of consumption, and he died before the church was completed. At its consecration, there were 300 congregants in the Catholic Church. This has grown to 1400. A school, convent, auditorium, library and 20-acre cemetery have been added to the complex. Mass is held daily and there is a thrift shop on the premises.

220 3rd Street, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-4625

5.Dutch Country Restaurant

The restaurant now known as the Dutch Country Restaurant, dates back to the 1930s. It has changed names, owners and buildings several times. The various remodeling projects at the current address have made it into an emporium. The menu is enormous, including every egg dish possible. Patrons are spoilt for choice. There are Belgian waffles and griddles, baked goods and beverages, baskets and burgers. The catering options are numerous and there is a take-out option. The restaurant is 7 days a week.

946 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-632-1616

6.Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub

Keith and Melinda Stambaugh were born and raised in Hanover. When Keith was still a bachelor, he graduated with a fine art degree and bought a romantic old brick building which he turned into an art studio. His new wife had notions of opening a restaurant and recruited her husband and father to start a catering business in the building. Demand from customers led to the opening of a sit-down bistro, with a Bohemian atmosphere. Keith, already a self-taught baker, turned his hand to crafting beer. The art studio was given over to a brewery and pub which is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

7 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-451-9898

7.La Cucina Cafe

Chel Armando Malvone has more than 35 years' experience in the restaurant industry, growing up and working in his family's business. In 2001, he and his wife opened their own Italian restaurant, using family recipes and cooking traditions. Meals are made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dietary requirements can easily be accommodated. Patrons can bring their own wines. Meals can be consumed on the premises, carried out or delivered. Catering services include packages or customized menus. La Cucina is open 7 days a week.

490 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 4 ~ Hanover, Pa 17331, Phone: 717-633-5700

8.The Famous Hot Weiner

The Famous Hot Weiner was established in 1923, has occupied the same premises since 1928 and still in the hands of the original owners. There are now three locations run by various members of the 4th generation. The old family recipe is still being used for the Famous Chilli Sauce and their Everything sandwich is a legend. The vast menu goes beyond their award-winning hot dogs, however, to include fish, chicken and burgers. Shakes, sundaes and other desserts will satisfy the sweet tooth. Packs of 12 Wieners can be enjoyed anywhere in the continental USA, via the online shop and shipping. The shops are closed on Sundays.

NORTH HANOVER - 160 Dart Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-632-2424

DOWNTOWN HANOVER - 101 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-1282

WEST YORK - 2179 York Crossing Drive, York, PA 17408, Phone: 717-430-4949

9.Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company

William 'Ted' Smith pioneered the seafood restaurant business in Hanover. In 1963, he and his VW Beetle, with its back seat removed, transported bushels of crabs across state lines daily. The first restaurant focused on take-outs but grew to 100 seats before 1991, when Ted built a 600 seat establishment. This complex houses an indoor restaurant, an outdoor deck, a banquet house and a shop which sells fresh and cooked seafood. There is also a lounge area with weekly, live entertainment. Other services include off-site catering and an on-site wedding coordinator. Bay City is open 7 days a week.

110 Eisenhower Dr., Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-1217

10.AOS Marina at Codorus State Park

There are few more enjoyable activities on a hot summer day than having fun on a boat. If you are in the Hanover area, the AOS Marina on Lake Marburg in the Codorus National Park is the place to go. Here you can hire everything you need for a fun day out on the lake. Rentals start with canoes and kayaks, but there are many larger options for families or groups. If you fancy trying your hand at fishing you will find all the equipment you need at the on-site store which stocks tackle, bait, snacks, drinks and more. At busy times of the year you should consider reserving your boat or pontoon ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

AOS Marina at Codorus State Park, Marina Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-632-7484

11.Hanover Little Theatre

Since 1949 the Hanover Little Theatre has been delighting audiences with a great variety of live entertainment. The all-volunteer performing arts company produces their plays in the Little Theatre playhouse which was once a two-roomed schoolhouse. The theatre has been carefully transformed into an intimate auditorium-style venue which can seat up to 117 guests in air-conditioned comfort. The theatre produces at least 4 shows each season and if you live near-by you can buy a season ticket which guarantees access to all the productions. Visitors to Hanover can check the website to see what is currently on stage and to book their tickets online.

Hanover Little Theatre, 360 Blooming Grove Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-637-5297

12.Hanover Fire Museum

Located in the historic Eagle Fire Station which dates back to 1914, the Hanover Fire Museum preserves and showcases over 200 years of fire-fighting history. The museum is an excellent attraction for families who can find out how the fire-fighting industry evolved over the decades. For example, most people do not realize that early fire fighters had just leather buckets between them and a blaze, and had to attend to fires using hand-drawn or horse-drawn fire carts. Apparatus on display in the museum includes several beautifully restored fire engines and other related items. The historic fire museum is open every Wednesday and on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month – or by prior arrangement.

Hanover Fire Museum, 134 East Hanover Street, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-637-6674

13.Utz Potato Chip Factory

If you have ever wondered how a simple potato can be transformed into a delicious and hard-to-resist snack, a visit to the Utz Potato Chip Factory will give you all the answers. The company welcomes interested visitors to join their self-guided company tour. You can observe the entire process from potato to finished product from their huge glassed-in observation deck. To guide your tour you will be provided with a push-to-talk audio device. The history of the company is presented by means of a wall display. The self-guided tours are presented free of charge and you can take your time to enjoy the visit at your own pace.

Utz Potato Chip Factory Tour, 861 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-637-1759

14.Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center

There is something for every member of the family to enjoy at the Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center. The huge Arcade Room boasts more than 30 video and game consoles as well as 4 thrilling Virtual Reality game experiences for single players and groups. Other fun activities include Laser Tag, outdoor Go-Karting, a full 18-home miniature golf course and mini-bowling, which is great fun for younger bowlers. There is also a children’s Soft Play area for the youngest visitors. If you are feeing hungry you can head over to the Lighthouse Point Café for sandwiches, snacks, pizzas, sides and drinks. The center is ideal for children’s birthday parties and other events.

Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center, 110 Hickory Lane, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-632-9907

15.Revonah Pretzels

Revonah Pretzels have been hand-twisted since 1935. Once you taste one you will never forget the perfect crunch and texture produced by their original sourdough recipe. Once they have been rolled and salted to perfection they are baked in a 70-year old brick oven. If you happen to be a pretzel lover you can come and see the whole process on a Revonah Pretzel Factory Tour. The tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 12 pm. The tours are free to attend and suitable for wheelchairs but you will need to book you slot ahead of time.

Revonah Pretzels, 507 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-630-2883

16.Escape Confusion

Escape Rooms are enjoying a massive surge in popularity and Escape Confusion in Hanover is no exception. If you are unfamiliar with the concept it is about time for you to get together a group and friends or family and book your escape experience. Each of the carefully themed rooms at Escape Confusion is designed to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test. You and your group will need to work together as a team in order to solve all the confusing riddles if you are to escape the room within the limited time at your disposal. The Escape Confusion experience is great fun for all.

Escape Confusion, 12 Carlisle Street, 3rd Floor, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-698-3088

17.Hanover Arts Guild and Gallery

Essential viewing for all art lovers and décor enthusiasts, the Hanover Arts Guild and Gallery is conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown Hanover. The gallery represents more than 150 (mostly) local artists and crafters and hosts monthly new exhibitions. Visitors will be treated to wonderful exhibitions of all kinds of art and crafts in various mediums. Although the emphasis is on paintings, you will also find one-of-a-kind jewelry items, sculptures, wood art and more. The gallery is free to visit and you are welcome to just stop by to browse. Perhaps you will find the ideal décor piece you have been searching for or a gift to take to someone special.

Hanover Arts Guild and Gallery, 32 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-632-2521

18.Aldus Brewing Company

Located in the historic premises of the former Snyder’s of Hanover Snack Food Factory, the Aldus Brewing Company is proud to claim that they make the ideal beer for everyone – even for those who do not yet know that they enjoy craft beer. The company started with a mandate to produce highly approachable beers which would suit any palate. With this success under their belt they felt the need to deviate a little and start producing something a little different, a little more locally defined. Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or a beer amateur, you owe it to yourself to visit Aldus Brewing Company Tap Room to enjoy some good brews and some great food.

Aldus Brewing Company, 555 Centennial Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-634-2407

19.South Hanover Lanes

South Hanover Lanes provides the ideal indoor family activity for a rainy day or an evening of family entertainment. The bowling alley has been recently renovated and refurbished – and that also extends to their tasty menu. What’s more, if you have registered for their “kids bowl free” offer, spending a fun afternoon at South Hanover Lanes can be extremely affordable too. The facility has installed special automatic bumper to make it easier for younger children and those with physical challenges to join in the fun. There are senior special days, glow-bowling on Saturdays and much more to look forward to.

South Hanover Lanes, 1767 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-637-2673