20 Fun and Best things to do in amish country pa

things to do in amish country pa include riding a historic train, exploring Lancaster’s markets, and seeing the countryside of southeastern Pennsylvania. Lancaster is the region’s main city and a practical base for visiting nearby Amish communities, farms, small towns, and museums.

Amish Country is a broad name for a rural area, not one single town or attraction. Many visitors combine Lancaster with places such as Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, and Lititz. Distances can look short on a map, but country roads and limited public transport make planning useful.

This guide focuses on experiences in and around Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It includes family-friendly activities, food stops, transport advice, and respectful ways to learn about Amish life.

20 things to do in amish country pa

Use Lancaster as your starting point, then choose a few nearby stops rather than trying to cover the whole region in one day. These things to do in amish country pa range from hands-on attractions to quiet scenic drives.

Experience	Where	Good to know
Lancaster Central Market	Downtown Lancaster	Check opening days and arrive hungry
Strasburg Rail Road	Strasburg	Book popular departures ahead
Amish farm or heritage tour	Near Lancaster and Bird-in-Hand	Choose a visitor attraction that explains its approach
Lititz town center	Lititz	Allow time for independent shops and cafes
Scenic country drive	Rural Lancaster County	Share the road carefully with horse-drawn buggies

Tip 1 – Start with a scenic drive through Lancaster County

Rolling fields, farm lanes, covered bridges, and small villages are a big part of the region’s appeal. Set aside time to drive outside Lancaster city, especially around Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, and Intercourse. The scenery changes with the season, from spring greens to autumn colors.

Drive slowly and stay alert. Horse-drawn buggies use the same roads as cars, and some routes have narrow shoulders. Pull over only in designated places, and do not stop on a farm lane or block a driveway for a photograph.

Tip 2 – Learn about Amish life at a visitor attraction

A guided farm, home, or heritage experience can provide context about local Amish communities, their beliefs, and everyday routines. Look for established visitor attractions near Lancaster that explain what visitors will see and how the experience is hosted.

Amish families are not all alike, and a visitor presentation cannot represent every community. Ask questions respectfully, follow the guide’s rules, and remember that this is a living culture, not a performance arranged for tourists.

Tip 3 – Ride the Strasburg Rail Road

The Strasburg Rail Road runs through the farmland near Strasburg and offers a memorable way to see the countryside from a historic train. It is a popular choice for families, railway fans, and visitors who want a relaxing break from driving.

Check the Strasburg Rail Road’s official website for the current schedule, ticket options, and special events. Weekend and holiday departures can be busy, so book ahead when you have a set travel date.

Tip 4 – Explore the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Across from the Strasburg Rail Road, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania displays historic locomotives, rail cars, and railway exhibits. It is a useful pairing with a train ride, but it can also stand on its own if you want a lower-key indoor activity.

Allow time to explore the large collection rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Check the museum’s official website for current hours, admission information, and any exhibit changes before setting out.

Tip 5 – Browse Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster Central Market is a lively place to try regional food, browse produce, and see a downtown gathering spot used by local residents. Vendors may sell baked goods, prepared meals, flowers, and local specialties, so it works well for breakfast or lunch.

Market days and opening hours can vary. Check the Lancaster Central Market website before visiting, and bring a little cash as a backup even if you usually pay by card.

Tip 6 – Walk around downtown Lancaster

Downtown Lancaster has historic buildings, independent shops, public art, cafes, and restaurants within a walkable central area. It gives the trip an urban counterpoint to the farms and small towns outside the city.

Make time for a relaxed stroll instead of driving between every stop. Parking rules vary by block, so read signs carefully and use a public garage if you plan to stay for several hours.

Tip 7 – Visit the Amish Village

The Amish Village near Strasburg offers a visitor-focused introduction to local rural life, including a farm, a schoolhouse, and guided experiences. It can help first-time visitors understand details they might otherwise miss while driving through the area.

Before going, check which tours and buildings are open on your date. Treat the visit as an educational attraction, and avoid assuming that the displays describe every Amish household or community.

Tip 8 – Spend time in Bird-in-Hand

Bird-in-Hand is a small Lancaster County community with shops, places to eat, and attractions geared toward visitors. It is a convenient stop between Lancaster and other nearby towns, especially if you are exploring the countryside by car.

Pick one or two things to do rather than expecting a large-town shopping district. If you are visiting during a busy summer weekend, allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Tip 9 – Visit Intercourse and browse its shops

Intercourse is a village known for craft and gift shops, local food, and visitor attractions. It is also close to scenic roads and several places that explain regional traditions. The village makes an easy stop when you are already exploring eastern Lancaster County.

Some businesses have limited hours or close on Sundays. Check schedules before you drive there, and keep your visit respectful by not photographing people or private property without permission.

Tip 10 – Take a guided buggy ride

Some local operators offer buggy rides as a visitor experience. A guided ride can give you a different view of the countryside and an opportunity to hear about the area from someone familiar with local roads and customs.

Book through a clearly identified operator, ask what the ride includes, and follow its animal-welfare and safety guidance. A commercial buggy ride is a tourism activity, so do not assume that every buggy you see on a public road is available for rides or photographs.

Tip 11 – Try shoofly pie and other local food

Look for shoofly pie, whoopie pies, fresh bread, seasonal produce, and hearty Pennsylvania Dutch-style meals at markets, bakeries, and restaurants around Lancaster County. Menus differ from place to place, so ask about ingredients if you have food allergies or dietary needs.

Farm stands are another good way to sample local produce when they are open. Carry a reusable bag and check whether smaller stands accept cards, as payment options can vary.

Tip 12 – Make a stop in Lititz

Lititz has a compact downtown with historic architecture, independent shops, cafes, and a pleasant small-town feel. It is a good place to slow down after visiting busier attractions, have a meal, or browse without a tightly packed schedule.

Consider combining Lititz with a visit to nearby Ephrata or a Lancaster city day, rather than trying to fit it between several far-apart stops. The pace is part of the appeal, so leave room for an unplanned coffee or shop visit.

Tip 13 – Explore the Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister preserves the story of an eighteenth-century religious community in Lancaster County. Historic buildings and interpretive displays make it a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in Pennsylvania history and early American religious life.

It is a different experience from learning about present-day Amish communities. Check the official site for opening hours, tour availability, and accessibility details, as historic buildings may have uneven surfaces or stairs.

Tip 14 – Visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

North of Lancaster city, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum interprets Pennsylvania German culture and rural life through historic buildings, collections, and seasonal programs. It is a strong option for history-minded visitors who want more detail than a short roadside stop provides.

Programs and demonstrations may be seasonal. Check the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum website for current visitor information before planning your day.

Tip 15 – Choose a family-friendly activity

Families can combine a train ride, a farm visit, a market meal, or a hands-on museum day. Lancaster County also has seasonal attractions and farm activities, but what is available depends on the month and the individual venue.

Pick one main activity each day and keep a backup option for rain or tired children. For a calmer pace, mix a ticketed attraction with time at a park, a picnic, or a simple walk through town.

Tip 16 – Find lower-cost ways to enjoy the area

Not every enjoyable stop requires a ticket. Scenic drives, walking around downtown Lancaster or Lititz, browsing a market, and visiting some farm stands can make a full day without several admission fees.

Budget for fuel, parking, meals, and any paid tours, since rural attractions can be spread out. Compare bundled tickets only if you genuinely plan to visit each included attraction, and check for separate booking fees or time restrictions.

Tip 17 – Pick the right season for your visit

Spring and fall are popular for comfortable temperatures and changing scenery. Summer brings longer days and busy attractions, while winter can be quieter but may have reduced hours or weather-related disruptions.

Farm landscapes change throughout the year, so there is no single best season for every visitor. Check local opening calendars and the forecast shortly before your trip, especially if your plans depend on outdoor activities.

Tip 18 – Plan transport and driving carefully

A car is the most flexible way to visit rural Lancaster County, especially if you want to reach several small towns in one day. Public transport serves some routes in the Lancaster area, but it may not reach every farm, attraction, or village you want to see.

Review routes and service details through Red Rose Transit Authority if you plan to use local buses. Do not rely on a last-minute rideshare for a remote evening return. If you are driving, allow extra time for slow vehicles and never pass a buggy unless it is safe and legal.

Tip 19 – Keep local customs and safety in mind

Many Amish people value privacy. Ask before taking someone’s photograph, avoid entering private property, and follow posted rules at farms and visitor sites. Do not treat a horse-drawn buggy as a photo prop or approach a working farm animal without permission.

For emergencies in the United States, call 911. Save your lodging address and the location of the nearest urgent-care or hospital service before heading into the countryside. Bring drinking water, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a phone charger, and keep an offline map available in case mobile coverage is weak.

Tip 20 – Avoid the most common planning mistake

The most common mistake is trying to fit Lancaster city, multiple small towns, several museums, and a train ride into one day. The region is spread out, and traffic, meal stops, and attraction schedules can take more time than expected.

Choose a small cluster of nearby places for each day. For example, pair Lancaster city with the market and a museum, or combine Strasburg with a train ride and a nearby heritage attraction. If your wider trip includes other small-town destinations, you may also enjoy this guide to 20 Fun and Best things to do in murphy north carolina.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Lancaster and Amish Country are in Pennsylvania, United States. Entry requirements for the United States depend on the traveler’s passport, travel purpose, and current government policy. A visa, an electronic travel authorization, or another permitted entry route may apply depending on the individual traveler. Rules can change, so do not rely on another visitor’s experience as a guarantee for your own trip.

Before departure, check the U.S. Department of State’s official visa information and, where relevant, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official ESTA website. These are starting points for checking the right process. Confirm the final requirements with the appropriate U.S. government authority or the U.S. embassy or consulate serving your area.

Check your passport’s expiry date and make sure it meets the validity rules that apply to your passport and travel circumstances. Leave blank pages if required for your itinerary, and verify whether you need a visa or electronic travel authorization before booking non-refundable travel. An authorization is not the same as a guarantee of admission at the border.

It is also sensible to carry details of your return or onward travel and accommodation, plus evidence of how you will cover your visit if requested. Review travel insurance options and make sure your policy suits your plans. Vaccination and health recommendations can depend on current policy and your circumstances, so check official guidance close to departure.

U.S. customs rules apply when you arrive, including rules for food, agricultural products, medication, cash declarations, and other goods. Declare items when required and check official customs guidance before packing. Permitted length of stay is determined by the entry category and the decision recorded by U.S. authorities, not by a general rule for every visitor. This is practical travel information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in amish country pa

What is the best base for visiting Amish Country in Pennsylvania?

Lancaster city is a convenient base for restaurants, museums, transport, and accommodation. Staying in or near Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, or another small town can put you closer to countryside attractions, but a car may be more useful there.

How many days do you need for things to do in amish country pa?

Two or three days allow time for Lancaster city, a scenic drive, a heritage experience, and one or two nearby towns without rushing. A day trip is possible, but you will need to choose just a few stops.

Can you visit Amish farms and communities?

Some farms and heritage attractions welcome visitors through organized tours or public visitor areas. Many homes and farms are private, so do not enter a property or photograph residents without permission. Use a reputable attraction if you want an educational introduction.

Do you need a car in Lancaster County?

A car makes it easier to reach rural attractions and move between villages. Local buses serve parts of the Lancaster area, but schedules and routes may not suit every itinerary. Check transport options before booking accommodation outside the city.

What is the best time of year to visit Amish Country PA?

Spring and fall are popular for mild weather and scenery, while summer offers longer days and more activity but often brings larger crowds. Winter can be peaceful, though some attractions may reduce their hours. Confirm operating schedules for your dates.

Is Sunday a good day to visit?

Sunday can be quieter on the roads, but some shops and attractions close or have limited hours. Check opening times in advance and plan a scenic drive or a relaxed day around businesses that are confirmed to be open.

What should I pack for a visit?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a phone charger. If you will drive in rural areas, download an offline map and keep your accommodation details accessible.

Conclusion

The best things to do in amish country pa combine Lancaster’s city attractions with a few thoughtful stops in the surrounding countryside. Ride a historic train, explore a market, learn about local history, and leave time for a slow drive through the farms and small towns.

Plan around opening hours, be considerate of local privacy, and avoid packing too many distant stops into one day. With a flexible schedule and a little preparation, Lancaster and its neighboring communities make a rewarding Pennsylvania visit for first-time and returning travelers alike.