Lancaster: Culture, History and Nature

The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is dedicated to the material culture and heritage of Pennsylvania Germans from 1750 to 1940. It is the state’s largest museum devoted to early Pennsylvania German life. The Ephrata Cloister offers a different perspective: founded in 1732, this historic religious community developed remarkable architecture, its own music, significant publications and extraordinary art. Together, these places showcase different aspects of Lancaster County’s history and cultural heritage.

Culture, Theater and Railroad Heritage

The Fulton Theatre produces comedies, dramas and musicals. Its history traces back to a Lancaster prison built before the American Revolution: the theater was constructed on its foundations. An interactive theater tour is also available; check the current schedule before your visit.

The Demuth Museum of Art on King also brings art together with a historic setting: it is housed in a historic row house. Visitors can tour the museum, view special exhibitions and visit the Demuth Garden. Check in advance for the latest visitor offerings. The Demuth Tobacco Shop was founded by Christopher Demuth in 1770. The annual Community Art Exhibition honors artists from Lancaster County; check the dates for the current edition in advance.

At President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, tours take visitors through the mansion. Visitors can stand in rooms once used by a former president and his family. Guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday; check the current schedule before planning your visit.

The Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest independent short-line railroad. Its historic buildings include East Strasburg Station and the Switch Tower. A 45-minute train ride travels through Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County’s Amish region. Since ride duration and availability may change, check the details before your trip. At the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, self-guided tours showcase the heritage of American railroading. Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the restoration shop are also available; this offering may vary depending on the schedule.

The Amish Village offers guided tours of an Amish farmhouse built in 1840. The grounds also include a one-room schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. The 90-minute Backroads Bus Tour travels through the Amish region; its duration and availability may change. It is therefore a good idea to check current times before visiting or taking a tour.

Parks, Trails and River Landscapes

Lancaster County manages six regional parks and three recreation trails covering a total of 2,055 acres. Of that total, Lancaster County Central Park encompasses 544 acres and has trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Lancaster County’s parks and services are also open to nonresidents; check the applicable rules before your visit.

In southern Lancaster County, the 224-acre, wooded Susquehannock State Park sits on a plateau overlooking the Susquehanna River. The Overlook Trail leads to viewpoints above the river. Another route option is the Turkey Hill Trail: this challenging 3.7-mile hiking trail climbs along a ridge above the Susquehanna River and has two viewpoints. Comparing the details can help with planning: both the length and difficulty of the Turkey Hill Trail are specified, while the Overlook Trail is described primarily by its viewpoints.

For a shorter trail with an approximate distance, try the Gamber Wildflower Trail: it is about 1.7 miles long and is used for wildflower walks in spring. Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve is known for its spring blooms, including ephemeral spring wildflowers. More than 50 bird species regularly visit the area. Extensive understory stands of pawpaw trees are a distinctive feature of Turkey Hill Nature Preserve.

Tucquan Glen and Pyfer nature preserves are accessible only on foot. The Lower Pyfer Trail first follows Tucquan Creek, then climbs over exposed bedrock. Tucquan Creek is a waterway designated by the state as free-flowing and scenic. For those who would rather explore waterways than hiking trails, the Conestoga River is a 60-mile Class 1 river used for canoeing and kayaking, and it flows into the Susquehanna River.

The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is paved and flat and passes through Chickies Rock County Park. This scenic loop covers 22 miles and has several parking and access points. Trail details and access points may change, so it is worth checking them before setting out. For a different perspective on nature, the 11-acre Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum features more than 100 tree species.

More Experiences and Trip Planning

Dutch Wonderland offers more than 35 attractions, rides and events, including the Duke’s Lagoon water play area. The Harvest Days fall festival at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum features traditional crafts, seasonal food, music and hands-on activities for all ages. Event dates and programs may change, so check the dates before making plans.

For regional discoveries, there is also a tour of more than 25 covered bridges in Lancaster County. Kitchen Kettle Village has more than 40 shops and dining establishments centered around the Jam & Relish Kitchen. Lancaster Central Market was founded in 1889 and hosts several celebrations each year; the program may vary.

For help getting oriented, the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center provides information on attractions, dining, accommodations, shopping, services and special events. Taxis and rental cars are available for onward travel at Lancaster Station; public transportation in downtown Lancaster is provided by the Red Rose Transit Authority. Availability, routes and schedules may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before planning your journeys.

Whether you focus your stay on museums and theater, railroad heritage, seasonal events or nature trails, the offerings vary considerably in theme, trail length and tour duration.

Discover more destinations: Lititz, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Columbia, Smoketown, Christiana, Lancaster, New Holland, Ephrata, Ronks, Manheim, Elizabethtown, Bird In Hand, Mountville, Salunga-Landisville, Willow Street, Denver, Millersville, Mt Joy, Narvon, Reinholds, Gordonville.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.