Here in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, life takes on a slower pace. Lancaster's speed is influenced by the Amish community, a religious group who dress modestly, travel in horse-drawn carriages, and steer clear of modern stuff.
Apart from the carriages, there are lots of things to do in Lancaster downtown area, like shopping for old stuff, visiting galleries, and exploring markets. It's a favorite spot for people wanting a break from busy Philadelphia, especially on weekends.
1. Shop Fresh At Lancaster Central Market
Things in Lancaster PA are incomplete with a stroll through this old market that has been running nonstop for ages. It's called Lancaster's Central Market, and it's been around since the 1700s.
Inside the Market House, which is from the 19th century, more than 60 vendors are selling all sorts of stuff. They've got meats, cheeses, and other things from the area. It's a historic spot and a hub for local trade.
2. Catch A Performance At American Music Theatre
If you love music, you'll be thrilled by Lancaster's lively music scene. For a great night, catch a show at the American Music Theatre Lancaster.
This theatre can hold up to 1600 people and hosts over 300 live concerts and performances every year. They've got everything from Broadway shows to rock concerts, so there's something for everyone. If you're not sure what activities to do in Lancaster, checking out a show here is a great idea.
3. Explore The Landis Valley Museum
There's a huge 100-acre outdoor area where families can experience history firsthand at Landis Valley Museum. It's like walking through a real village with 26 old buildings, gardens, and the biggest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the country.
You'll see people dressed in old-fashioned clothes who will explain what life was like during those times. They'll even show you the skills and crafts that people used to live and do well here.
4. Take Your Kids To The Lancaster Science Factory
Get ready for an awesome learning adventure at the Lancaster Science Factory! With a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays, there's fun for the whole family.
They boast over 75 interactive exhibits that provide open-ended learning opportunities where kids can experiment, create, and play while discovering just how enjoyable science can be! There's plenty to do in Lancaster PA for everyone, so get ready to jump in and have a blast!
5. Learn History At Historic Rock Ford
Folks looking for things to do in Lancaster should stop at The Historic Rock Ford. It's a mansion furnished with antiques that give you a feel for how the Hand family lived from 1794 to 1802.
It's a true example of country living during the early days of the United States and is the best-preserved building in Lancaster County from before 1800. Plus, there's another building on-site with even more antiques and clocks to check out!
6. Wander Around Long's Park
Simply strolling along Long's Park trails is incredibly soothing and peaceful, even with lots of people around. This lovely place offers amenities like picnic pavilions, a petting farm, playgrounds for kids, and a three-acre lake fed by springs.
You can also find tennis courts and a fitness trail. If you're a fan of birdwatching, you're in for a treat! Blue jays, robins, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, and squirrels are common sights here.
7. Fun Day At Dutch Wonderland
Begin your day at Dutch Wonderland by taking a ride on the bird's-eye-view monorail or sky ride, which offers stunning views across the 48-acre property.
Near the entrance, you'll discover Duke's Lagoon, a water park only open in the summer, featuring slides, spray nozzles, and cabana loungers in shallow water. Don't miss out on classic rides like bumper cars, a flying trapeze, the Kingdom Coaster, and the Merry-Go-Round!
8. Train Ride In Strasburg Rail Road
For a journey through the countryside and Amish farmlands, just like it was in the 1900s, Strasburg Rail Road is the place to go. Hop on an authentic coal engine train for a delightful short ride lasting about 45 minutes through picturesque farmland.
It feels like you've stepped back in time to the late 1800s and early 1900s. While you're there, check out their general store, eatery, toy store, and play area for children.
9. Browse The LancasterHistory
At LancasterHistory, you can delve into the rich history of Lancaster County and the people, places, and events that shaped it over 300 years.
You can take tours of President James Buchanan's Wheatland home, utilize their full-service Research Center, explore museum exhibitions, browse the Museum Store, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Arboretum. There's plenty to do Lancaster PA's historical museum, from exhibits to tours to programs.
10. Sunset View From Pinnacle Point Overlook
You can see a beautiful sunset from the Pinnacle Point overlook. It's a great spot for a family hike, spanning about 2.76 miles of trails, a picnic, or just enjoying nature.
The trails come in various difficulty levels and lengths, so you have options for hikes like in-and-back, short, day, and loop trails. Also, from this point, you can easily reach other nature preserves like Kellys Run and Tucquan Glen and extend your journey via the Conestoga Trail.
11. Walk Through The Streets Of Downtown Lancaster
As you wander around Downtown Lancaster, you'll discover lots of art, museums, historical sites, places to eat, theaters, shops, and specialty stores. The city's appeal comes from its fascinating stories, beautiful architecture, and traditions deeply connected to its history.
Downtown offers a blend of modern city life and the charming rustic feel of the nearby Amish countryside. It's a place full of surprises, boasting some of the nation's most intriguing historic attractions Lancaster.
12. Relax At Lititz Springs Park
Spend your afternoon feeding the ducks and relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of Lititz Springs Park. This park is like a calm oasis nestled within the charming and historic town of Lancaster County.
From the spring that gives the park its name, to the stream flowing through it, and the happy ducks swimming around, you'll find this place delightful. It's perfect for a leisurely walk any time of the day.
13. Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
For a day packed with excitement and fun during your Pennsylvania visit, head to Refreshing Mountain Retreat. This adventure center offers outdoor activities that thrill and entertain families of all sizes and ages.
Their zipline canopy tours are a top choice for those seeking adventure. Additionally, they have rappelling, obstacle courses, a climbing tower, archery, giant swings, pedal carts, and even a mini-water park.
14. Sip A Drink At Thistle Finch Distillery
Browse the Thistle Finch Distillery and treat yourself to a complimentary sample of their spirits. You can also savor a cocktail or buy a bottle of their acclaimed Small Batch White Rye Whiskey, Market Alley Gin, or Penn Square Vodka.
On Saturdays at 3:00 and 4:00 PM, they offer free distillery tours. If you can't make it for a tour, you can still get a glimpse of the production area from the tasting room.
15. Naturewalk At Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve
Get your hiking crew together and venture into the trails at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. Stretching just over 2.5 miles, the scenic trail is rated as easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. Be aware that you'll lose your cell phone signal, so make sure you're prepared.
Don't forget your camera! You'll want to snap photos of the stunning scenery along the path, including a wooden footbridge, a babbling creek, and old railroad tracks.
16. Get Details About Pennsylvania History At 1719 Museum
Take a tour of a 300-year-old homestead to delve into the history, lifestyle, and beliefs of Lancaster County's earliest European settlers and their rich German heritage. This homestead holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving Mennonite meeting house in the Western Hemisphere.
At the 1719 Museum, you'll find a collection of artifacts that have been gathered, preserved, and displayed to help visitors understand the experiences and beliefs of Lancaster County's pioneering European settlers.
17. Book Your Stay At Cartoon Network Hotel
Step into a world of cartoon excitement at the Cartoon Network Hotel! You can select your dream suite from a range of themed options featuring beloved characters like The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, Ben 10, or Steven Universe.
Don't miss out on their tasty dining choices, take a dip in the pools, enjoy various games, and relax in Cartoon Network-themed rooms. There's endless fun stuff to do in Lancaster waiting for you!
