About Ephrata, Lancaster County PA!

Ephrata PA is named after a Biblical town in Israel named Ephrath. It is noted for being the home of the Ephrata Cloisters, an early American religious community established in 1732 by German immigrants, led by John Conrad Beissel. The community consisted of celibate brothers and sisters and a married congregation. Well known for their music, printing and calligraphy, the site was inhabited by a religious group known as the German Seventh Day Baptists from 1813 until 1934. The lovely 18th century buildings are well maintained, and are a favorite with tourists. Ephrata was not an industrial town, but was mainly a summer resort. Local springs attracted those seeking their benefits. The nearby Green Dragon Farmers’ Market, open every Friday, is a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Tourists enjoy visiting Donecker’s a clothing and home furnishings store that is a prime destination for the ladies. Ephrata can be reached by taking route 222 north from route 30 or south from EXIT 286 of the PA Turnpike.

Ephrata websites of interest:

Downtown Ephrata

Ephrata Area Chamber of Commerce

Ephrata Boro

Ephrata Township