Discover Lititz: Pretzel Tradition and History

Lititz offers several distinct themes to explore: historic homes and museums, pretzel and chocolate history, and a park and rail trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lititz, you can consider which focus you’d like to shape your stay. The sites also differ in whether you explore on your own, join a guided tour, or take part in a hands-on activity.

Pretzel Tradition, History, and Hands-On Activities

Julius Sturgis opened America’s first commercial pretzel bakery in Lititz in 1861. At the original Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, visitors can tour the bakery and take part in a hands-on lesson in shaping pretzels. This brings together the bakery’s history and the chance to try it yourself. The bakery is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Museums and Moravian Heritage

The Lititz Historical Foundation includes the Lititz Museum, located in the 1793 Christian Schropp House. The museum is self-guided, and admission is by donation—a different way to explore than taking a guided tour.

The Johannes Mueller House offers a glimpse into the everyday life of an 18th-century craftsman and his family in a closed Moravian settlement. A guided historical tour with a museum guide lasts 45 minutes. Check current visitor information before your trip.

The Lititz Moravian Museum and Archives gives visitors a look at rare and notable historical objects. The Lititz Moravian Historic District offers another perspective on the town’s heritage: it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and architecture and religion are among its areas of significance.

Park, Event, and Rail Trail

Lititz Springs Park features scenic walking paths, streams, pavilions, playgrounds, and spaces for community gatherings. The park brings together trails, natural features, and shared-use spaces. It also hosts the annual Lititz Fourth of July Celebration. If you’d like to plan your trip around the celebration, check the event dates in advance.

The Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail (WERT) connects the Borough of Lititz with Warwick Township, Ephrata Township, Akron Borough, and Ephrata Borough. This trail connection offers a different focus from the museums and historic homes: it links Lititz with several named municipalities.

Chocolate History in Lititz

The historic connection between Wilbur Chocolate and Lititz, Pennsylvania, dates back to 1934. At the Wilbur Chocolate Store in Lititz, visitors can watch chocolatiers dip, stir, and sprinkle Wilbur products while they shop. Together with the pretzel bakery, this experience adds another artisanal perspective to the local food history. The activities differ in specific ways: at the pretzel bakery, visitors can try shaping pretzels themselves, while at the Wilbur Chocolate Store, they can watch the chocolatiers at work.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ronks, Reinholds, Christiana, Narvon, New Holland, Columbia, Mountville, Denver

For the broader travel overview: Lancaster.