10 Unique Things to do in Lancaster, PA

Robin
•
Jan 10, 2025

Are you in Lancaster or planning a trip there without knowing exactly how to make the most of it? This article could help you get an idea about things to do in Lancaster PA, as well as the many experiences it has to offer.

Lancaster-PA-city

Photo by Bryce Wendler on Unsplash

Lancaster is a historic region with a unique blend of urban novelty and strong rural traditions. With a humid continental climate and fertile lands, it has traditionally been an agricultural area. For this, it is considered the main center of Amish culture in Pennsylvania which is one of its main tourist attractions. Lancaster City is one of the oldest inland cities and had a significant role in trade routes, early industrial, and railway development. Here are ten unique places and activities to consider while visiting Lancaster, PA.

The Amish Village

One of the more popular things to do in Lancaster PA is visit the Amish Village and Farm. Open to the public year-round and close to the city of Lancaster, this popular tourist destination is a recreation of an Amish village. Its main goal is to provide visitors with a unique view of their traditional way of life, culture, and religious beliefs.

Here, you can participate in guided tours of a restored Amish farm from the 1840s, take a horse-drawn buggy ride through the lands, and explore other sites like a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, windmill, and barnyard with animals. You can admire tools made entirely by hand, showing the ingenuity and simplicity of the artisans. If you are looking for a unique souvenir or gift for family and friends, you can buy handmade quilts, furniture, and locally baked products.

Practical information:

Location: The Amish Village, as well as the Amish Farm & House are easily accessible by car from Lancaster.
Hours: They vary by season. You can check the availability on their website.
Be respectful of Amish culture: Respect their privacy. Amish people do not like having their pictures taken. Ask for their permission before you do. Also, avoid asking intrusive questions or challenging their beliefs.

the-amish-village

Image by Demure Storyteller in Unsplash

The Sight and Sound Theatre

An ideal experience to combine with your visit to the Amish Village due to its closeness is the Sight and Sound Theatre. This venue is known for its grand productions based on biblical stories. Faithfully adapting them through the work of experienced actors, cutting-edge technology, gigantic sets with intricate designs, spectacular special effects, and live animals.

The theatre also offers streaming services where you can enjoy all their previous productions from the comfort of your home. However, if you’re a fan of theatre and performance, you shouldn’t miss the immersive experience that live shows provide. For 2025, the story of Noah and his Ark is one of the main spectacles planned. This show will run live from March 13 to December 31, and due to high demand, it is recommended to book tickets in advance.

What else to know?

Duration: most of the shows tend to be on the lengthier side, with a duration of over two hours.
Plan for the cost: tickets can be expensive. Even more, if you want to get a better experience like the VIP or Premium seating. You can review the program and purchase the tickets on the website.
Don’t forget the museum: You can visit exhibitions of past productions, including costumes and set designs.

The Kitchen Kettle Village

If you are a food lover who enjoys traditional cooking and desserts, this place is a must-visit. The Kitchen Kettle Village began in 1954 as a small jelly business. It has grown so popular over the years that they have expanded their business into over 40 establishments. This is the perfect spot to stop for snacks or lunch with family, featuring various restaurants and cafes specializing in popular Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. If you want to buy you’ll find numerous specialty shops like:

Jam & Jelly Shop: specializing in all kinds of jellies and jams.
The Olive Basin: where you can enjoy and purchase a wide variety of infused olive oils and balsamic kinds of vinegar.
The Candle Barn: which sells unique handmade candles.
Deerskin Leather Shop: for leatherwork enthusiasts.
Village Quilts: filled with handmade Amish quilts among other textile products and many more.

Practical tips:

Sample the products: Many establishments will let you sample jams, pickles, and other goods even if you don’t end up buying.
Bring cash: some of the shops accept credit cards, but many of the smaller shops do prefer cash.
Go early for the best experience: the village can get crowded later in the day, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season.
Plan your visit around festivals: The most famous being the Rhubarb Festival in May where are available numerous desserts, pies, and dishes featuring this plant.

rhubarb-pie

Image by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 in Unsplash

The National Christmas Center

This place is for those who love festivities and spend the year missing the holiday season. The National Christmas Center is a unique museum focused on the history of Christmas celebrations around the world. This center aims to keep traditions alive while emphasizing the religious significance of this holiday. Inside, you can enjoy numerous exhibits that include historical recreations with authentic decorations used in past eras as well as decorations and traditions from multiple countries worldwide. Be wary of the nostalgia. Many visitors report getting emotional while watching the vintage exhibits that remind them of past Christmas.

Notable exhibitions:

Santa’s Work Shop: with vintage toys and life-size figurines of Santa and his helpers, this whimsical exhibit recreates the magic and charm of the children’s stories.
The history of Santa Claus: Here you can learn all about the traced history of this figure. From its origins in St. Nicholas to the modern-day image.
The Toy Soldier Boy’s Store: It contains an astonishing collection of over 5,000 hand-painted toy soldiers.
Christmas Village Display: This large-scale Christmas display features houses, stores, and streets decorated for Christmas and is one of the most immersive exhibits

christmas-tree
Image by Brett Sayles

The Fulton Theatre

For theatre and history lovers visiting Fulton Theatre is essential. This beautiful Victorian-style building is an iconic landmark in both the city and the country. Known for its great shows, it is also the oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. For over 150 years, both locals and visitors have enjoyed its program. Among the productions you can watch are Broadway classics like Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, and Chicago. For family enjoyment, there are shows aimed at younger audiences featuring recreations of classic Disney films such as The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast. Additionally, you can enjoy other musical productions like concerts.

Things to consider:

Plan to dinner before the show: Consider visiting one of the nearby fine dining restaurants of downtown Lancaster. Places like The Greenfield Restaurant and Iron Hill Brewery are excellent recommendations.
Stay for the Post-show talks or events: Some shows include a little something extra afterward. Be sure you’re not missing anything if you’re interested in learning more about the production.

Long’s Park

This beautiful public park is known for its scenic beauty as well as for community events organized within it. It features picnic areas, an artificial lake where visitors can fed ducks, long trails surrounded by nature, and a petting zoo. Making it an ideal environment for families with children.

One of its iconic points is the amphitheater, a community-maintained venue where various musical events take place every Sunday during summer. Another notable festival celebrated in the area is the Labor Day Art Festival. This occurs over Labor Day weekend when more than 200 artists from across the country gather to display works including paintings, textiles, jewelry, and ceramics, among others.

More to know:

Area: Long Park occupies approximately 15 acres. This includes woody areas.
Accessible: the park is considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, with its paved path and open spaces.
Pet-Friendly: Pet owners can bring their furry partners along to enjoy the fresh air. If you decide to go with your pet be mindful to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

woman-feeding-ducks

Image by SHVETS production

The Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

If you want fun things to do in Lancaster PA Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is an excellent destination. It offers more than 60 themed activities everyone can enjoy. One of its main attractions is an interactive corn maze covering 5 acres of land. Another is Sproutsville, a completely child-sized town filled with all the amenities found in a real city like shops and businesses.

Here you can sit in an engineer’s seat and observe other unique activities including Apple Blasters, rope-making sessions, and paintball target shooting. Visitors can also take part in pumpkin picking during its seasons. This farm it’s not open year-round, most years opens at the end of May and closes in early November. Thus, it’s advisable to check before traveling.

Practical tips:

Set aside enough time for the corn maze: this big attraction usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Keep in mind that there is a small maze for younger kids to enjoy.
Consider packing a picnic: while there are multiple options to eat, if you want a more budget-friendly outing you can pack your own food. Enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables available.
Look for Discounts or Packages: if you’re traveling with a longer group it may save you some money to look in their website to get a good deal.

kid-picking-pumpkin

Image by Patrick Fore in Unsplash

Balloon Rides

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience with breathtaking views over the county this is one of the most unique things to do in Lancaster. So don’t miss the hot balloon rides. You can find them at Blue Ridge and Bird-in-Hand during the whole year. Visitors can take part in the preparation tasks before the flight and take photos before boarding. They will also receive a flight certificate upon landing. The experience typically lasts about an hour as the balloon glides over the landscape. Hot air balloon rides are also available during sunrise or sunset. Giving the chance to enjoy the magic experience of dim light and soft colors. For those interested, there’s also an option for private flights, which provides couples with an unforgettable experience celebrating engagements or anniversaries.

To keep in mind:

Make a reservation: Balloon rides are very popular, so it’s advisable to get your reservations early.
Be mindful of the weather: The rides could be delayed or canceled in case of bad weather. If you have a reservation, the company will contact you to keep you informed.
You can reserve a ride with the Premiere Hot Air Balloon Ride Company.

balloon-ride-at-sunset

Image by Timur Kozmenko

The Railroad Museum

The rail enthusiast will have some special things to do in Lancaster PA. The Railroad Museum has an extensive collection of over 100 vintage locomotives and cars. Many of those are related to Pennsylvania’s famous railroad history.

Here you can sit in an engineer’s seat and observe what a 62-ton locomotive looks like from underneath. The museum also has an extensive library and archives that visitors can consult. As well as a restoration workshop to visit and learn about the process. If you’re a fan of model trains don’t miss visiting during August when Model Railroading Days take place. An event that shows many displays of model railroads.

Don’t forget to:

Check the outdoor exhibits: Take some time to walk around the outdoor collection of train cars and locomotives.
Watch the interactive exhibits: Learn how railroads used to function and how they work nowadays.
Take a guided tour: While you can walk around on your own and learn a lot, a prepared guide can change completely your experience.

The Wolf Sanctuary in PA

The Pennsylvania Wolf Sanctuary provides refuge to over 50 grey wolves and wolf-dogs. It was a private sanctuary more than 40 years ago, but nowadays, it is an educational center dedicated to conservation efforts for these animals. Tours are available year-round, and visitors can explore the area while learning about wolf life and the sanctuary’s missions.

The most popular time to visit is during the winter months when the animals are less foliage and more visible. If you are looking for something special, there is a unique tour once a month. The Full Moon Tour allows guests to enjoy night-time visits to the sanctuary accompanied by a campfire.

More to known:

Volunteer program: the sanctuary offers varied opportunities for those who want to lend their time and effort to help. You may have a chance to feed the wolves and help with tours and events.
Adopt a Wolf: The sanctuary relies on donations and membership support. One of the most popular ways to support it is by symbolically adopting a wolf to help provide for their care and well-being.

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