Things to do and places to go in Lancaster County Pennsylvania!

Too often when hearing the words Lancaster County, (incidentally, pronounced LANcaster) the average person planning a trip thinks primarily of “Pennsylvania Dutch Country”. We’d like to acquaint you with a Lancaster that offers much, much more and caters to variety of tastes and interests.

For the history minded:
Lancaster City awaits with its wide variety of architectural styles, dating from pre- Revolutionary houses and churches to stately Federal style mansions and ornate Victorian structures.

President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, just west of downtown at 1120 Marietta Avenue.

Rockford Plantation: Georgian mansion home to General Edward Hand, adjutant to George Washington, open April through October at 881 Rockford Road

Landis Valley Museum, a living history museum with a number of historical buildings, offers demonstrations of early Pennsylvania farm life. Plants and animal breeds from earlier times are part of the bucolic scene.  The museum showcases the collections of the Landis brothers who were avid local historians and who lived at the site. Just off Route 272 North at Landis Valley Road.

Ephrata Cloister, founded by German settlers in 1732 as a religious community and a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Continuously inhabited until the 1930’s.  632 W. Main Street, Ephrata.

Cornwall Iron Furnace operated from 1742 until 1883, producing cannons, stoves and pig iron.94 Rexmont Road, Cornwall.

Strasburg Railroad is the oldest short-line railroad in the United States, and a favorite destination of railroad buffs, as well as families with children. Trips are available in Victorian passenger cars. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has more than 100 historic locomotives and cars, an interactive educational exhibit, a working restoration shop and many special events. Route 741, Strasburg.

Hans Herr House and Museum. In 1710, 530 acres were granted to Christian Herr, and 11 acres remain. On the grounds are three Pennsylvania German farmhouses, barns and outbuildings, and a museum showcasing farm equipment and Mennonite displays. The Hans Herr House, c. 1719, is the oldest European-style house in Lancaster County, and the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America. 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street.