During your visit to Lancaster County, learn about the history and customs of the renowned Pennsylvania Dutch Country or Amish Country. This thriving pre-industrial culture exists amid modern amenities, where horses and buggies trot alongside speeding cars.
The Amish community within Lancaster County is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, with more than 33,000 Amish individuals living here. Across the vast farmland, produce stands dot the landscape, while interactive farms and Amish-run businesses welcome visitors.
Start with a trip to the Amish Farm and House, one of the country’s first Amish-focused attractions, where you will learn all about the region’s culture and traditions on a nearly 300-year-old farmstead. The land and farmhouse were once owned by a Lancaster County Amish family and today host visitors who want an authentic, educational and historically accurate experience. Take a tour, explore the farm on your own and watch demonstrations by the resident blacksmith and farrier.
Head to The Amish Village, an authentic 1800s farm, with farmhouse, smokehouse and one-room schoolhouse open to visitors. See it all on the Farmhouse and Village Tour or hop on the comfortable bus for an immersive backcountry tour of Lancaster County, stopping at an Amish home or business along the way.
At the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, the whole family can participate in fun farm activities, including hay jumps, the corn maze, duck races and pedal carts, followed by delicious apple cider doughnuts and farm-fresh produce. To make it even more exciting, get to the farm via the historic Strasburg Rail Road, hopping off the steam train at Groff’s Grove picnic area near the farm.
Among the many attractions in Lancaster County is Dutch Wonderland, a much-loved amusement part. Thrill the kids with water play at Duke’s Lagoon, dinosaur fossil digs at Exploration Island and an exciting ride on the roller coaster Merlin’s Mayhem.
Lancaster County is a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia or Baltimore. Various parking lots are available in downtown Lancaster. Stop at the Visitor Center at Penn Square to gather information about area attractions.