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Although Lancaster county thrives on tourism, the Amish community does not particularly like visitors, tourists, or sightseers. They are generally an intensely private religious community doing their best to go about living according to the ways of their religion and culture, and very much wish to be left alone unless you are invited. Don't take photos without permission, or harass or otherwise pester them about their way of living. Above all else, don't trespass on private property.

There are official tourist exhibits set up by the local government and various private enterprises that will allow you to learn about the county and the Amish in a way that is respectful and positive for everyone involved.

Activities

Inquire at the Mennonite Information Center, for tours, both group and personalized.

Attractions

 • Elizabethtown College - Founded by the Anabaptist Brethren, this college has a center dedicated to the study of Plain communities in America. The center employs several experts on Plain societies like the Amish and contains a one-of-a-kind library of resources on the Mennonite, Brethren, and Amish.
 • The Ephrata Cloister. A beautiful historic site with original, 18th century buildings. Tours explain the lives of the German religious refugees that created the community in 1732.
 • Franklin and Marshall College - Founded by Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall (separately, as Franklin College and Marshall College, respectively), this college is located on the highest hill in the city of Lancaster.
 • National Watch and Clock Museum
 • Strasburg Rail Road - All aboard America's oldest short-line railroad, where you'll ride authentically restored passenger cars pulled by a huge, coal-burning steam locomotive. See our Amish neighbors up close as they work and play on nearby farms.

Dining

Lancastrians are well known for their local food. Although there are many "chain" restaurants around, such as Texas Roadhouse, Fuddruckers, Ruby Tuesdays, Panera Bread, Friendly's, McDonald's, Arby's, and Burger King.
 • Dienner's - Great local food.
 • Miller's Smorgasbord
 • Shady Maple Smorgasbord
 • Family Cupboard
 • Bird In Hand -

Drink

Up until Prohibition, Lancaster had several fine breweries which earned it the reputation as Munich on the Conestoga. With the resurgence of microbrewing in the last decade or so, a few new breweries have cropped up. If you want to get your favorite mass-produced, lowest common denominator, lite beer, there are more than enough bars and restaurants to patronize. But these three establishments are worth checking out, particular if you're a beer connoisseur.
 • Bube's Brewery - Bube's Brewery is an intact historic 19th century brewery and museum complex. Bube's has had a few different restaurants operating for several years including The Catacombs, Alois, Bottling Works and Biergarten  
 • Lancaster Brewing Company - Lancaster Brewing Company is located in Lancaster City. They craft a wide variety of brews and also serve food as well.
 • Stoudt's Brewing Company , . Stoudt's brewing company has the distinction of being the first micro brewery in PA and has won several awards for it's brews. Couple that with Black Angus Restaurant & Brew Pub for an exceptional dining experience.

Links

 • County of Lancaster 
 • City of Lancaster 

Get in

Interstate highways lead most traffic into Lancaster County .

 • I-78. From New Jersey and New York City.
 • I-80. From upstate New York.
 • I-76. Also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
 • I-95. From Washington, D.C. and New York.

One of the most pleasant routes from the East Coast Cities is via I-78 through New Jersey to exit 13, Bethel (Pennsylvania), then Route 501 south to Lancaster. It is a beautiful farmland drive, especially at sunset.

Get around

Although you can pay for buggy rides in the rural areas, plan on having a car to get around. Some places and towns, such as the Rockvale Square retail outlets and the town of Intercourse, are easily navigable on foot. It is possible to tour the county by bicycle, but it shouldn't be attempted unless you're a cyclist who doesn't mind hills!

Tips

 • Online map and direction providers are usually very accurate in Lancaster County. They may be slightly confusing at times on back roads, but directions and mileage are very precise, especially along main routes.
 • Lancastrian drivers are generally very polite, with notable exceptions; they will be courteous as long as you return the favor.
 • You may pass the buggies.
 • Yes, horses do relieve themselves on the road. If you must dodge "road apples", please be careful!