TranslateOverview
Lancaster County sits in the heart of southeastern Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia and 40 miles southeast of Harrisburg. It is one of the oldest inland settlements in the United States, with roots tracing back to the early 18th century. Today it is best known for its large, long-established Amish and Mennonite communities, whose horse-drawn buggies and working farms give the landscape a distinctly unhurried character.
The county seat, the city of Lancaster, has undergone significant revitalization over the past two decades. Its compact downtown offers a lively arts scene, independent restaurants, craft breweries, and the historic Central Market — one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country. The city and the surrounding rural townships each have their own identity, making the county rewarding for a range of traveler interests.
Beyond the Amish heartland, Lancaster County contains rolling farmland, forested state parks, covered bridges, antique shops, and factory outlets. It rewards slow, exploratory travel more than a rushed itinerary.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Lancaster County is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before booking.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes for downtown Lancaster and farm trails
- Layers year-round; summers are warm and humid, winters can bring snow and cold wind
- Cash — many small Amish roadside stands and some farm shops do not accept cards
- A physical or downloaded map if you plan to drive rural roads, as cell service can be patchy in some townships
Respectful Visiting
Amish and Mennonite communities are not tourist attractions in themselves — they are working, living communities with sincere religious convictions. Avoid photographing individuals without permission; many Amish object to having their photographs taken as a matter of faith. Ask before entering private farmsteads, and be courteous around horse-drawn vehicles on the road.
Seasonal Notes
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer weekends bring heavy tourist traffic on Route 30 and in the Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse areas. If you visit in peak summer, plan to arrive early at popular restaurants and markets.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airports are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), roughly 70 miles east, and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), about 40 miles northwest. PHL has significantly more flight options from domestic and international destinations. Lancaster Airport (LNS) handles limited charter and private flights. Most visitors fly into PHL and drive or take a train from there.
By Train
Amtrak's Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian routes stop at Lancaster Station, which is a walkable distance from downtown. Trains run multiple times daily from Philadelphia (roughly 70–90 minutes) and from New York Penn Station (roughly 2.5–3 hours). Verify current schedules and fares at amtrak.com.
By Car
Lancaster County is served by US Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway) from the east and west, and US Route 222 from the north and south. From Philadelphia, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) west to exit 286, then Route 222 south, or take Route 30 directly. The drive typically takes 75–90 minutes outside of rush hour.
By Bus
FlixBus and other intercity bus operators occasionally serve Lancaster; check current routes and schedules directly on their websites, as these change seasonally.
Getting Around
Car
A personal vehicle or rental car is by far the most practical way to explore the county. Rural roads, farm stands, covered bridges, and Amish country villages are spread across a wide area not served by public transit. GPS navigation works in most areas, but some very rural roads are poorly mapped — a backup paper map is useful.
Buggy Awareness
Horse-drawn buggies share the road legally throughout the county. Slow down and pass with extra space — treat them as you would a slow-moving farm vehicle. Sudden horn use near horses is dangerous.
In Downtown Lancaster City
The city of Lancaster is walkable and bikeable. Parking garages and street parking are available, though weekend evenings near restaurants and Penn Square can fill up. Several ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the city.
Tours
Guided buggy rides, van tours of Amish country, and walking tours of Lancaster city are available through various local operators. Verify current offerings and pricing locally or on operator websites.
Things to See & Do
History and Culture
- Lancaster Central Market — Operating since the 1730s in its current location on Penn Square, this is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States. Open several days a week; verify current hours at centralmarketlancaster.com.
- Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum — A living-history museum preserving Pennsylvania German rural life from the 18th and 19th centuries. Operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
- Wheatland — The historic home of President James Buchanan, the only U.S. president from Pennsylvania. Guided tours are available; check current hours and admission at lancasterhistory.org.
- The Lancaster Museum of Art — A well-regarded regional art museum in downtown Lancaster with rotating exhibitions.
Amish Country Villages
The villages of Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, Strasburg, and Ephrata are common starting points for exploring Amish country. They include working farms, quilt shops, bakeries, and markets. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm in Bird-in-Hand offers guided tours and cultural programming.
Outdoors
- Covered Bridges — Lancaster County has more than 25 historic covered wooden bridges, among the highest concentrations in Pennsylvania. A self-guided driving tour map is available from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country visitors bureau.
- Samuel S. Lewis State Park — A small hilltop park near Wrightsville with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River valley.
- Pequea Creek and Susquehanna River — Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular. Several outfitters along the Susquehanna offer rentals; verify availability locally.
Rail History
- Strasburg Rail Road — One of the oldest short-line railroads in the United States, offering steam-powered excursion trains through Amish farmland. A genuine attraction for families and rail enthusiasts. Check strasburgrailroad.com for current schedules and fares.
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania — Located directly across from the Strasburg Rail Road, this state museum holds an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rail equipment.
Food & Drink
Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine
Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is hearty, farm-centered, and often served family-style. Look for shoofly pie (a molasses-based pie), chicken pot pie (a thick stew rather than a pastry-crusted dish in this tradition), scrapple, Lebanon bologna, soft pretzels, apple butter, and chow-chow relish. Many Amish-run restaurants serve these dishes in generous quantities.
Downtown Lancaster Dining
Lancaster city's food scene has expanded considerably and now includes a wide range of independent restaurants, craft breweries, wine bars, and specialty coffee shops. The area around Prince Street, Queen Street, and Penn Square has a notable concentration of restaurants. The Lancaster Public Market on North Market Street is a newer food hall with multiple vendors under one roof.
Farm Stands and Markets
Roadside farm stands selling seasonal produce, baked goods, jams, and eggs are scattered throughout the rural townships, particularly along routes through Bird-in-Hand, Leola, and Strasburg. Many operate on the honor system, particularly in Amish areas — bring cash.
Craft Beverages
Several craft breweries operate in Lancaster city and the surrounding area. The county also has a growing number of cideries and wineries, particularly toward the southern townships. Verify current hours directly with individual establishments.
Shopping
Quilts and Crafts
Handmade Amish quilts are perhaps the most recognized craft of the region. They are sold in dedicated quilt shops, at farm stands, and through markets. Prices for genuine handmade quilts are substantial and reflect significant labor. Be cautious of machine-made imitations marketed as handmade — reputable dealers will be transparent about origin.
Antiques
Lancaster County has a robust antiques trade. The town of Adamstown, on the county's northern edge, bills itself as the "Antiques Capital of the U.S." and hosts large weekend flea markets and multiple antique malls. Verify current operating days before making a special trip.
Outlets and General Shopping
Tanger Outlets in Lancaster and the Rockvale Outlets are well-known retail outlet centers along Route 30 offering mainstream brands at discount prices.
Local Specialty Foods
Lebanon bologna, local cheeses, apple butter, and locally produced goods make good take-home items. Many specialty food shops and Central Market vendors package these for travel.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, call 911 for police, fire, or medical services.
Medical Care
Lancaster General Hospital (part of Penn Medicine) is the primary hospital serving the city and county. Several urgent care clinics operate throughout the county for non-emergency medical needs.
Connectivity
Lancaster city has reliable cellular coverage and widespread Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Rural areas can have limited or no cellular service depending on your carrier.
Money
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most Lancaster city businesses and at larger tourist-oriented businesses in the county. Smaller Amish and farm-based businesses often prefer or require cash. ATMs are available in the city and in larger towns.
Tipping
Tipping practices follow standard U.S. norms: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is customary. Some Amish-run restaurants include gratuity automatically for larger groups; check your bill.
Visitor Information
The Pennsylvania Dutch Country visitors bureau maintains a visitor center and website with current event listings, maps, and touring advice. Verify current location and hours locally.
Safety
Lancaster County is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Lancaster city, like most small U.S. cities, has neighborhoods with varying character; the downtown and tourist-frequented areas are well-trafficked and generally safe. Apply ordinary urban awareness at night.
On rural roads, be alert for slow-moving farm equipment and horse-drawn buggies, especially at dusk and dawn when visibility is reduced. Buggy accidents involving motor vehicles are a documented concern in the county — patience and extra following distance are important.
Weather is the most common practical hazard. Winter storms can make rural roads difficult to navigate. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly and can be severe. Check forecasts before extended outdoor or driving days.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Lancaster County is home to one of the largest and oldest Amish communities in the world, primarily Old Order Amish, alongside various Mennonite groups ranging from Old Order (horse-and-buggy) to more mainstream, car-driving congregations. These communities have deep roots here, with the first Mennonite settlers arriving in the early 18th century.
The Pennsylvania Dutch culture — "Dutch" being an anglicization of "Deutsch" (German) — reflects centuries of German-speaking immigration. It is distinct from the Dutch culture of the Netherlands. Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, barn decoration (hex signs), dialect speech, and foodways remain visible throughout the region.
Lancaster city itself has a growing Latino community, particularly from Puerto Rico and Central America, which has contributed to the city's restaurant and cultural landscape. The city hosts various community festivals and cultural events throughout the year; check local event listings for current programming.
Lancaster was briefly the capital of the United States for a single day in September 1777 during the Revolutionary War, and the city's built environment includes significant 18th- and 19th-century architecture in its older neighborhoods.
