Willow Street: Herr House and Longhouse Reconstruction

Willow Street can be explored through several distinct places: the 1719 Herr House, with its special historical significance; a longhouse reconstruction at the 1719 Museum; nearby Boehm’s Chapel; and Garrett Fields, a ball field complex. Together, these sites span themes from architectural and religious history to a place associated with sports. When planning your trip, the question is less about choosing a single attraction than about which focus interests you: a building with twofold historical significance, a reconstruction, a guided tour nearby, or a ball field complex.

The 1719 Herr House and its twofold significance

The 1719 Herr House is the oldest building in Lancaster County and also the oldest Mennonite meetinghouse in America. These two distinctions use different frames of comparison: the first refers to buildings in the county, while the second refers to Mennonite meetinghouses in America. The house therefore represents both regional architectural history and a broader religious history. If you prefer to start with specific places rather than abstract historical periods, these two distinctions offer a concise introduction to Willow Street’s cultural heritage.

A longhouse reconstruction at the 1719 Museum

The 1719 Museum includes a full-scale reconstruction of a Native American longhouse. It offers a different architectural reference point from the Herr House: on one hand, there is a reconstruction of a longhouse form; on the other, a building classified as a Mennonite meetinghouse. This difference makes the two structures distinct points of entry into cultural history, rather than treating them as a single theme. For families who enjoy starting conversations with specific buildings, the contrast between a reconstructed longhouse form and a historic meetinghouse offers two easily distinguished conversation starters.

Boehm’s Chapel south of Willow Street

About a mile south of Willow Street is Boehm’s Chapel. Built in 1791, it was the first Methodist church in Lancaster County. In 1984, the United Methodist Church recognized the chapel as a cultural heritage landmark. The dates mark different milestones: the church’s construction and its later recognition as a cultural heritage landmark. Boehm’s Chapel offers guided tours; you need to get in touch for information about dates and to arrange a tour. If you would like to plan a guided tour, contact the chapel in advance so you can include available dates in your itinerary.

Garrett Fields as another point of interest

Garrett Fields is a ball field complex on eight acres of land in Willow Street. This adds a sports-related option alongside the historic sites. Check current access before planning a visit.

Willow Street as a search location

When searching for a vacation rental, you can also consider where the sites are located: the 1719 Herr House, the 1719 Museum, and Garrett Fields are in Willow Street; Boehm’s Chapel is about a mile south. The chapel is a separate nearby destination and can extend your preferred location beyond Willow Street.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Elizabethtown, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, New Holland, Narvon, Lititz, Mt Joy, Columbia, Ronks

For the main travel overview: Lancaster.