Lancaster, PA Attractions

The Amish Homestead (2 miles / 3 km east of Lancaster on SR 462) and the Amish Farm and House (5 miles / 8 km east on U.S. 30) are two typical Amish farms which are open to visitors (guided tours). 5 miles / 8 km south of Lancaster is the oldest building in Lancaster County, the Hans Herr House (1719).

This working farm presents the Amish way of life. Furnishings, clothing, the large kitchen and the Christian door are all parts of the Amish culture. The 25-acre farm is home to a variety of animals and crops.

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Anderson Bakery Company has been making pretzels for more than 100 years. The tours allow visitors to see the pretzels being made from an overhead catwalk.

The Demuth Museum is located in the former home and studio of American modernist Charles Demuth (1883-1935). On display is a permanent collection of Demuth's art, and changing exhibitions. The museum is surrounded by Demuth's mother's garden and the historic Lancaster architecture which inspired him.

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Interactive exhibits and audiovisual scenes from the 1600s to present are on display. Over 172 life size figures bring the past to life.

Visitors will see the likenesses of historical greats such as William Penn, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Boone, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. Historical displays illustrate why the Amish and Mennonites settled in Lancaster County with exhibits that trace history from the 1600's to the present.

Dutch Wonderland has over 30 rides, water shows, exhibits, live shows and gardens.

The Hands-On House, Children's Museum is geared to children aged 2-10 years. Interactive exhibits include a child-size grocery store, space voyage and a machine shop.

This 90 minute tour concentrates on Revolutionary War era site in Lancaster City. Cultural, economic and religious development of Lancaster is explained by costumed guides.

Historic Rock Ford Plantation was an 18th-century plantation owned by Edward Hand, adjutant General during the Revolutionary War. This well preserved mansion also houses the Kaufman Museum - a collection of domestic crafts and arts typical of 18th and early 19th century life.

The Lancaster County Historical Society houses items of local and national interest as well as genealogical material.

The Lancaster Museum of Art is housed in the home of Clement Grubb, an 1845 Greek Revival mansion. Exhibitions of regional, national and international artists in a variety of media, artist's lectures, panel discussions, workshops and art classes for children and adults are available through the museum.

Lancaster Newspaper Newseum features equipment from by-gone newspaper production methods; displays of the evolution of newspapers spanning 200 years; and the roots of Lancaster Newspapers from 1794 to present.

Landis Valley Museum contains artifacts and historic buildings that illustrate the area's Pennsylvania German roots from 1740 through 1940. This living history museum features a farmstead, a tavern and a country store. Traditional craft demonstrations are also offered.

The Mennonite Information Center presents exhibits and video presentations about the faith and culture of the Amish and Mennonites. The Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction is a full-scale 45 minute reproduction of the tabernacle described in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

The North Museum of Natural History and Science features special events, live animals, and the third largest planetarium in Pennsylvania. There is an extensive collection of items such as dinosaurs, geological displays, American Indian artifacts and space items. Many of the exhibits are hands-on.

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity was organized in 1730, after worshipping in a small stone church, the congregation began construction of the present Georgian-style, brick church in 1761. A Memorial Wall and garden, which showcases thirty-six tombstones from the original church cemetery are located next to the Sanctuary.

Built in 1828, Wheatland was the mansion of President James Buchanan - Pennsylvania's only United States President. Costumed guides conduct tours of the restored rooms include Buchanan's original furnishings. Wheatland is situated amid four landscaped acres that include Buchanan's outbuildings: the smokehouse, privy, and carriage house.