Things To Do in Lancaster, PA – Best Attractions
Has the Amish way of life ever rang curiosity bells for you? If so, you’re in luck because the world’s map is graced with a location that will give you just that. Yes, we’re referring to Lancaster County. This magical place is filled with immersive experiences you will never truly forget. From buggy and horse rides to the rich heritage embodied in every brick and wall, the city serves as a whole new world even for an avid traveler.
It is unquestionably a wonderful destination for solo and group travelers alike. With a plethora of events to look forward to throughout the year, it has established itself as a return destination for absolutely anyone who has ever had the privilege of being here. Learn more about some of the best attractions in Lancaster, PA, in this detailed guide.
Attractions in Lancaster, PA
Indian Echo Caverns and Echo Dell
Witness the stunning scenes of underground beauty on a 45-minute long guided tour of the Caverns. On your way out, don’t forget to buy some local souvenirs and other fine items from the Gift Shop. The best part about this exuberant experience is that it’s open for visitors all year round. Nonetheless, it’s a wonderful attraction to invoke curiosity and wonder in your adventure-thirsty soul.
Old Windmill Farm
As the recipient of the prestigious Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, this place will instantly give you authentic Amish farm vibes. The tour doesn’t end at the mere sight of a working farm. In fact, it includes a wide array of activities such as:
- Milking cows
- Bottle feeding calves
- Gathering eggs
- Barrel train rides
- Feeding goats
- Watching pigs go down the slide
- Corn boxes
The 90-minute tour will surely be a wholesome experience of the farm as well as the garden. Furthermore, the hayrides around the farm further boost your joy, making it an experience of a lifetime. However, you may want to determine tour times before heading over to the farm as it doesn’t usually operate on Wednesdays.
Water’s Edge Miniature Golf
Waterfalls, pirate ships, and safari scenes are among some of the many views you’ll come across in Lancaster’s miniature golf courses. No wonder Water’s Edge Miniature Golf’s soaring popularity isn’t without reason. Located in Bird-in-Hand, this excellent facility helps you relax and have fun at the same time. Here, you can do more than just play golf.
Take a stroll through its exquisite waterfalls and trees or ponds and boats, and you’ll know what the deal is. As one of the best attractions in Lancaster, it surely won’t disappoint. You can also visit the mighty Bird-in-Hand Petting zoo or get a scoop of Turkey Hill ice cream, all while enjoying the views of Lancaster County Dutch Country.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
If the name hasn’t given it away already, let us do the honors. So, if you’re an art buff, don’t forget to visit the famous Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, which offers various Broadway shows and dinner packages with professional performers claiming the stage. Munch on your scrumptious meal as you enjoy new and classic shows acclaimed critically. Here’s the part you may have been waiting for. The theatre also features several concerts and shows for children throughout the year, making it a perfect family getaway.
Lancaster Science Factory
If you think there aren’t enough things to do in Lancaster, you probably haven’t visited this famous science factory. There’s no better way to have your kids learn about sustainable energy and the wonders of engineering than through art and dance. This unique science factory is everything that’s right with education. Not only kids but families too can dance the day away on the sustainable energy Dancefloor, build bridges in the engineering zone and play in the water lab. The interactive exhibits hosted by the facility are absolutely out of the world. What’s more? It also features a science café, classroom, and Youth Maker Space that offers activities and workshops like making slime, 3D printing, and much more.
Escape Room Lancaster
Put your inner Sherlock Holmes to work at this unique Escape Room facility in Lancaster. From playing detective to imitating characters from different crime-based TV shows, this escape room will allow you to experience a completely different aspect of your persona. If you have the skills to work through brain teasers and strategic mind traps, then this is just the place for you. This unique entertainment experience is a hit among people of all ages. It appeals to a wide range of demographics and for the right reasons.
Whether it’s a team-building activity you’re looking for or an extraordinary date night, head over here with your friends, partner, or co-worker, and you’ll be thanking us later. Life is too short for you to spend time in restaurants alone. It’s time you walked out of your shell and gave the Escape Room a chance to blow you away. The more your adrenaline builds, the more you’ll be motivated to work in a team and use every bit of logic, intuition, and wit to connect clues and solve puzzles before time finally runs out. What a fun way to spend the day indeed!
Refreshing Mountain
If you’re itching for some fun and adventure, now would be a great time to discover the Refreshing Mountain and all the outdoor adventures it has to offer. Soar through various trees and explore the undiscovered beauty of the area through zip lines and many other adventures. This year-round retreat is the perfect getaway for solo travelers and families alike. It’s located at one of the most convenient spots, only a short drive away from several Hershey and Lancaster area attractions. The most noteworthy aspect of visiting this attraction is the fact that it won’t drain your pocket and will have something for everybody.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
There’s something about this awe-inspiring museum that keeps you coming back. As one of the premier attractions in Lancaster, PA, it offers way more to do than what the name entails. It isn’t merely a museum that features a collection of over a hundred vintage railroad cars and historic locomotives. In fact, this is where you can sit in your engineer’s seat and inspect a mighty 62-ton locomotive right from underneath. Furthermore, it also has a vast library, several archives, a working restoration shop, and a Whistle stop shop.
Long’s Park
This lively spot is much more than a regular public park. While it may seem like one from the outside, you’ll find a whole new world as soon as you venture on its lush green glass. It’s the perfect spot for nature as well as an animal buff. You can picnic, fish, bike, or hike on its gorgeous grounds, consisting of everything from a spring-fed lake to wildflower fields. Furthermore, there’s also a petting zoo where people of all ages get the opportunity to make several furry friends.
Lancaster Central Market
Your trip to Lancaster isn’t complete without at least a single visit to the Central Markey. Here, you can smell the freshly baked goods, listen to the beautiful sounds of wooden wind chimes and stare at the colorful vegetables and fruits in awe. Not only is it a feast for your senses, but it’s also one of the best things to do in the city. Undoubtedly, the central attraction of this market is the food. From organic produce to the signature Pennsylvanian dishes, you’ll have a wholesome meal unlike any other time of your life. It is healthy, hearty, and definitely worth a try. After all, nothing reflects the spirit of Lancaster better than its mouthwatering cuisine.
Wrapping up
Now that we’ve listed some of the best attractions in Lancaster, it should be safe to state that it is undeniably one of the most authentic and beautiful representations of the state of Pennsylvania. However, make sure to do your research and find more spots to fill your itinerary since these are only some of the many spots that will ensure a memorable vacation. The focal point of the entire article is that you do not necessarily need an expensive travel guide or loads of money to enjoy your visit to Lancaster. All it takes is a hint of courage and some research to create a great itinerary.
Last but not least, if you’re still unsure about what to do in Lancaster, PA, you might as well visit and see it yourself. Whether it’s entertainment venues and fun activities or specific attractions and things to do, we hope to have covered enough information for your convenience. Remember, nothing defines a city better than its cuisine and history. And so, there’s absolutely no reason you would not want to visit the city at least once in your life.