Things to Do in Lancaster County and Amish Country
Farm country where horse-drawn buggies still share the road.
See top-rated activities »About Lancaster County
Lancaster County has the oldest Amish settlement in the United States, founded in the 1700s, and one of the largest. The Amish live without connection to the power grid, dress plainly and travel by horse and buggy, and their farms spread across the gently rolling country east of the city of Lancaster, around villages with names like Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse and Paradise. Visitors are welcome at shops, markets and farm stands, but the Amish generally prefer not to be photographed, especially their faces, so ask or keep the camera down.
The best way to understand the community is with a guide. Buggy rides leave from several farms and villages, and attractions such as the Amish Farm and House offer house and farm tours explaining Amish customs. Back roads like those between Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse are lovely by car or bicycle, but drive slowly, give buggies room and remember that many businesses close on Sundays.
Strasburg is the county's railroad town. The Strasburg Rail Road, running since 1832, pulls coaches behind steam locomotives through farm fields, and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the road has one of the country's best collections of historic engines. Families also come for Dutch Wonderland, a castle-themed amusement park for younger children, and Sight and Sound Theatres, which stages large biblical productions with live animals.
The city of Lancaster has its own appeal. Lancaster Central Market, in a brick market house on Penn Square, is among the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the country, and the surrounding blocks have galleries and restaurants. Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, north of the city, shows Pennsylvania German rural life, and the town of Lititz has the Wilbur chocolate shop and the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the country.
Don’t Miss
Steam train rides through Amish farmland on a line chartered in 1832.
A large hall of historic locomotives and rail cars, run by the state.
Guided tours of an Amish-style farmhouse and farm, plus bus tours of the countryside.
Local farmers, bakers and butchers in an 1889 market house on Penn Square.
Large-scale biblical stage shows with elaborate sets and live animals.
Historic buildings and demonstrations of Pennsylvania German farm life.
The first commercial pretzel bakery in America, where visitors try twisting their own.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Lancaster County
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Pennsylvania Travel Guide may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Lancaster County — FAQ
Can I take photos of the Amish?
Landscapes, farms and buggies from a distance are generally fine, but most Amish do not want their faces photographed. Ask first, and never photograph children without permission.
Are Amish businesses open on Sunday?
Most Amish-run shops and farm stands close on Sundays, and some attractions keep shorter hours. Plan your market and farm stand visits for other days.
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