Start your trip to the Amish region of the state in the farm town of Ronks, convenient to Lancaster and a great place to visit. Use this as a jumping-off point to explore Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with picturesque covered bridges, an Underground Railroad center and a museum celebrating the chocolate-making Hershey family.
A renowned feature of Ronks is its proximity to the Amish countryside. Notice the horses and buggies, shop for handmade Amish crafts or try authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.
Start exploring at The Amish Village. Through the village’s farmhouse, barn, schoolhouse and blacksmith shop, you’ll get a true taste of Amish culture. The village’s relationship with the local Amish people means the information you receive will be respectful and accurate. Sign up for one of several tours, including a backroads bus ride with a stop at an Amish-owned business.
If you have young ones along, spend a warm summer day outside at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where the whole family can take a tractor ride, coo at just-hatched chicks, pick pumpkins, try the corn maze and dine on farm-fresh treats. More than 50 fun farm activities are available and included with admission.
A great way to experience Lancaster County is via the Strasburg Rail Road, a historic steam train that runs through the region. Passengers are taken on a 45-minute, roundtrip ride through the peaceful Amish Country to Paradise, Pennsylvania, learning about the area’s history along the way. The railroad has 20 passenger cars and five working steam locomotives.
Tie in a visit to the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm by hopping off the train at the Groff’s Grove picnic area and walking a few minutes to reach the theme park.
Find Ronks about 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Wander around the town itself to see several Amish-themed attractions, shops and restaurants, many of them visible along the Lincoln Highway. From here, venture out to explore Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s other offerings.
