Discover Lancaster: Culture, Nature and Family Experiences

Lancaster combines an impressive cultural history with diverse nature experiences and family-friendly excursion destinations. Those planning a trip to Lancaster can choose between museums, historical tours, train rides, recreational activities and trails through river landscapes. When looking for a suitable holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine the desired mix of culture, activity, nature and outings.

Culture and History in Lancaster

The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum presents the material culture and heritage of the Pennsylvania Germans from 1750 to 1940. At the same time, it is considered the country’s largest museum of early Pennsylvania German life. Another historical highlight is Ephrata Cloister, a religious community founded in 1732. Its remarkable architecture, original music, important publications and exceptional art make the site a diverse destination for those interested in culture.

Lancaster itself also offers special insights. The Fulton Theatre was built on the foundations of a prison constructed before the American Revolution and produces a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals. An interactive tour complements the stage program. At Wheatland, guided tours provide insights into the rooms once used by former president James Buchanan and his family. The Demuth Museum of Art on King is located in a historic row house; visitors can tour the museum, special exhibitions and the Demuth Garden. The Demuth Tobacco Shop was founded by Christopher Demuth in 1770.

Nature, Trails and River Landscapes

Lancaster County manages six regional parks and three recreational trails covering a total area of 2,055 acres. Lancaster County Central Park covers 544 acres and features trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Those who want to combine different daily itineraries will find a selection of activities here without having to focus on just one type of visit.

Susquehannock State Park is a 224-acre wooded plateau overlooking the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County. The Overlook Trail leads to viewpoints above the river. The Turkey Hill Trail climbs along a ridge above the Susquehanna River, has two viewpoints and is a challenging 3.7-mile hiking trail. For a different nature experience, visit Turkey Hill Nature Preserve, with its extensive undergrowth of pawpaw trees, or Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, which is known for its spring blooms and ephemeral spring wildflowers. More than 50 bird species regularly visit the preserve.

The Gamber Wildflower Trail is approximately 1.7 miles long and is used for wildflower walks in spring. The Tucquan Glen and Pyfer nature preserves are accessible exclusively on foot. On the Lower Pyfer Trail, the path initially follows Tucquan Creek and then climbs through exposed bedrock. Tucquan Creek is designated as a free-flowing and scenic watercourse. The 60-mile-long Conestoga River is a Class 1 river used for canoeing and kayaking and flows into the Susquehanna River.

Outings with Children and Special Experiences

Dutch Wonderland offers more than 35 attractions, rides and events and also includes the Duke’s Lagoon water play area. The National Watch & Clock Museum houses North America’s largest collection of timepieces, accessible single-level exhibitions and scavenger hunts for children. The American Music Theatre hosts more than 200 live performances each year. This makes it possible to combine active days, culture and entertainment according to age and interest.

Strasburg Rail Road offers a historic train ride. It includes the historic East Strasburg Station and Switch Tower buildings and is also considered the oldest narrow-gauge railway with an independent short-line route in America. The train ride on offer lasts 45 minutes and travels through Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County’s Amish region. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania presents the heritage of American railroading through self-guided tours and additionally offers guided behind-the-scenes looks at its restoration workshop.

The Amish Village showcases an Amish farmhouse built in 1840 during guided tours. A 90-minute Backroads bus tour travels through Amish Country; the grounds also include a one-room schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. Lancaster County offers visitors an authentic experience of Pennsylvania Amish culture. In addition, Kitchen Kettle Village includes more than 40 shops and dining establishments around the Jam & Relish Kitchen.

Regional Orientation for Choosing Accommodation

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can use the experiences that are meant to define your trip as a guide: cultural and historical tours, nature trails and viewpoints, family attractions or regional traditions. For cycling or walking excursions, the paved and flat Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is worth considering. It runs through Chickies Rock County Park and allows for a scenic 22-mile round trip with several parking and access points. Lancaster County also has a tour featuring more than 25 covered bridges.

For arrival and further planning, the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center provides information on attractions, dining, accommodation, shopping, services and special events. Taxis and rental cars are available for onward travel at Lancaster Station. The Red Rose Transit Authority provides public transportation in downtown Lancaster. Lancaster County parks and services are also open to nonresidents. The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is a visitor and river education center at the southern terminus of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

Lancaster Central Market is also part of the region’s identity: it was founded in 1889 and hosts several celebrations each year.

Other Places for Orientation

Other places for orientation include Columbia, Smoketown, Christiana, Lancaster, New Holland, Ephrata, Ronks, Manheim, Elizabethtown, Bird In Hand, Lititz, Denver, Millersville, Mt Joy, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Reinholds, Gordonville, Mountville, Narvon, Salunga-Landisville and Willow Street.

For the overarching travel overview: Pennsylvania.