Lancaster County
Lancaster County is in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It is noted for its high Amish population, countryside, Pennsylvania Dutch food and crafts and historic Lancaster city and other towns.
Cities
- Elizabethtown
- Lancaster -- The Red Rose City is the seat and metropolitan center of Lancaster County.
- Landisville
- Lititz
Other destinations
Amish towns have colorful names, most are unintentionally humorous.
- Intercourse
- Paradise
- Blue Ball
- Bird In Hand
- Fertility
- Gap
Understand
The Amish are a community of Christian Anabaptists, related to the Mennonites and Church of the Brethern. The name "Pennsylvania Dutch" is actually a mispronunciation of "Deutsch" or German. The Anabaptists originally came from Switzerland and were welcomed to Pennsylvania by William Penn and his descendents.
Although Lancaster county thrives on tourism, the Amish community does not particularly like visitors, tourists, or sightseers. They are generally an intensely private religious community doing their best to go about living according to the ways of their religion and culture, and very much wish to be left alone unless you are invited. Don't take photos without permission, or harass or otherwise pester them about their way of living. Above all else, don't trespass on private property.
There are official tourist exhibits set up by the local government and various private enterprises that will allow you to learn about the county and the Amish in a way that is respectful and positive for everyone involved.
Talk
Amish have some of their own vocabulary, related to German (Pennsylvania Deutsch). Non-Amish Americans are called "English".
Get in
The closest international airport to Pennsylvania Dutch Country is Harrisburg International. (MDT) Rental cars are widely available and the city of Lancaster is a short, 30 minute drive along Interstate I-283.
Get around
See
Itineraries
Do
An excellent way to see the Amish by automobile is to travel along Rt 896. Follow Route 30 East from Lancaster for 3 or 4 miles and make a right turn when you come to Rt 896. It will be directly past the outlet centers. This road will take you to the little town of Strasburg which is a very picturesque place in its own right. Along the way, you will see numerous farms and probably a decent number of horse and buggies. Please remember to drive slowly around the Amish horses in order to avoid scaring them.
- Strasburg Railroad, 301 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572 (Rt 30 East, turn right on 896, then left on 741. Railroad is on the left side), ☏ +1 717-687-7522. Authentic steam-powered locomotives will take you for a ride back in time. Very realistic and lots of fun. There is also a picnic grounds where the train stops and riders can get on or off. It provides a lovely, secluded area for those wise enough to bring a packed lunch.
- Rainbow Dinner Theatre, 3065 Rt 30 East Paradise, PA 17562 (Take rt 30 East to Paradise. Theater is directly behind the Best Western), ☏ +1 717-687-4300. Very economical and enjoyable way to spend an evening. The food comes highly recommended and the shows are sure to bring a smile and/or a laugh.
Buy
Amish are known for their well-made wooden furniture. Showrooms are clustered along main roads.
- Wolf Rock Furniture, 3533 Lincoln Highway East, ☏ +1 717 442-8990. (Route 30), Kinzers. Finely finished North American hardwood furniture is made on premises. Also has outdoor furniture. Ships to 20 states.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
- MainStay Suites of Lancaster County, 314 Primrose Lane, ☏ +1 717 285-2500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM. Located in the heart of PA Dutch Country and offers guests free continental breakfast.
- Cameron Estate Inn, 1855 Mansion Lane, Mt Joy Pa (Three miles south of Rheems Elizabethtown Exit off 283), ☏ +1 717 492-0111. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic Country Inn in Lancaster county with reasonable prices, many times lower than the Holiday inn. Secluded on 15 Acres surrounded by Farmland
Stay safe
Go next
- Honey Brook - Just across the county line.