Attractions and Places To See in Lancaster County - Top 20

You can explore a variety of trails, including the Rock Island Trail, known for its abundant tree cover and flat, paved path, making it suitable for various activities. Another option is the Billy Wolff Trail, an 11.2-mile paved multi-use trail offering views of the city. For more extensive options, Wilderness Park spans 1472 acres with over 30 miles of multi-use trails for cycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing, featuring scenic views along the river.

Yes, Lancaster County offers several family-friendly attractions. The Lincoln Children's Zoo provides interactive encounters with animals and is known for its Christmas Light displays. For amusement, Dutch Wonderland is a popular kid-focused amusement park with rides and water attractions. You can also visit The Turkey Hill Experience for hands-on exhibits and ice cream tastings, or the National Toy Train Museum for an extensive collection of toy trains.

Lancaster County is rich in history. Explore President James Buchanan's Wheatland, the meticulously preserved home of the 15th U.S. President. The Ephrata Cloister preserves the unique architecture and history of an early communal religious society. You can also step back in time at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, a living history museum interpreting Pennsylvania German life, or visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to see a world-class collection of historic locomotives.

To immerse yourself in Amish culture, consider visiting The Amish Farm and House, which offers a window into Old Order Amish life through its historic farmhouse and farm. The Amish Village provides tours, including a farmhouse tour and backroads bus tour. For an authentic working farm experience, Old Windmill Farm offers activities like pressing apple cider and making butter, and you can also enjoy scenic Amish buggy rides through the countryside.

Lancaster County boasts beautiful natural areas. Lancaster County Central Park, the largest park at 544 acres, offers 12 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, along with gardens and the Kurtz Mill Covered Bridge. Chickies Rock County Park provides stunning views of three counties from its 100-foot quartzite outcropping along the Susquehanna River. For wildlife, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is popular for viewing the snow goose migration in early spring, and the Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers a unique experience with displaced gray wolves.

Yes, Lancaster Central Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S., offering a wide array of local produce, meats, baked goods, and crafts. You can also explore Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, featuring over 35 unique shops, local foods, and handmade crafts, or visit the massive Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction in Ephrata with over 400 local vendors.

For scenic views, Chickies Rock County Park offers panoramic vistas of the Susquehanna River and surrounding counties. Many picturesque covered bridges dot the landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities and scenic drives. You can also find beautiful scenery and trails at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve, highlighted as a premiere natural area in the county.

Many attractions are close to outdoor activity hubs. For easy hikes, explore routes like the Wilderness Park Trail Southern Loop or Holmes Lake Park Loop, detailed in the Easy hikes in Lancaster County guide. If you're into gravel biking, routes like the Rock Island Trail – Lincoln Children's Zoo loop are available, as seen in the Gravel biking in Lancaster County guide. Cyclists can find routes such as the Sunken Gardens – Rock Island Trail loop in the Cycling in Lancaster County guide.

Many attractions offer easy access. The Rock Island Trail is a mostly flat, paved path, making it accessible. Lancaster Central Market is a walkable indoor market. The charming town of Lititz offers a walkable downtown with boutiques and cafes. Additionally, the Strasburg Rail Road™ provides a comfortable way to experience the Amish countryside from a beautifully restored train.

The Fulton Theatre, built on the foundation of a pre-Revolutionary jail, offers live performances and a rich history. For grand theatrical productions, Sight & Sound Theatres provides Broadway-caliber shows with elaborate sets and live animals. Art enthusiasts can visit the Demuth Museum, celebrating the life and legacy of modernist painter Charles Demuth. The North Museum of Natural History & Science features exhibits on natural history, science, and a SciDome planetarium.

Lancaster County offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling due to pleasant weather and scenic foliage. Early spring is particularly special for viewing the snow goose migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Summer is great for family-friendly amusement parks like Dutch Wonderland, while the holiday season brings festive light displays, such as those at the Lincoln Children's Zoo.

Yes, Lancaster County has a rich history in transportation. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses an impressive collection of over 100 historic locomotives and vintage railroad cars. You can also take a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road™, America's oldest short-line railroad, through the Amish countryside. For a glimpse into steamboat innovation, visit the Robert Fulton Birthplace, the restored home of the famous inventor.