Location: Lancaster
Top Things to do in Lancaster
10 Things to Do in Lancaster That You Shouldn't Miss
Pennsylvania Dutch country is a fascinating destination to explore. Visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s. Visit markets and farm stores for homemade shoofly pie and fresh produce, or shop for a handmade quilt. President James Buchanan's elegant home, Wheatland, is no less historic but contrasts sharply to the simpler Pennsylvania Dutch heritage sites in Lancaster. Consider a side trip to nearby Hershey, home of Hershey Park and the Hershey chocolate factory.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Fulton Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 537 reviews
Central Pennsylvania’s nationally regarded premier regional theatre, producing Broadway caliber musicals, comedies and dramas, employing professionals from New York City, the local community, and nationwide, experienced within a beautifully restored 165 year old national historic landmark of ornate Victorian architecture, walking distance from Lancaster’s historic attractions and one block from the Lancaster County Convention Center. MAINSTAGE: Guys and Dolls 03/06/18-03/31/18; Million Dollar Quartet 04/17/18-05/20/18; Hunchback of Notre Dame 06/15/18-07/22/18; GROFF STUDIO SERIES–99-seat Black Box–Intimate, Experiential: Blackbird 04/03/18–004/22/18; Red 05/08/18-05/27/18; FAMILY SERIES (Theatre for Young Audiences) one-hour performances at 11AM Saturday mornings: The Emperor's New Clothes 04/28/18-05/19/18; Aladdin 06/16/18-07/21/18
Reviewed By Wayne2227 - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
We thoroughly enjoyed this historical and energetic musical set within an Irish Pub named McCourts. The 6 performers had marvelous voices and you could tell they enjoyed what they were doing. I highly recommend seeing this tribute to the Irish.So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how we are doing. We hope to have you with us again soon. Visit thefulton.org for all the latest info.
2. American Music Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
American Music Theatre is the only theatre of its kind in the country that features both touring concerts and Original Shows. This 1,600-seat theatre hosts more than 300 live performances a year – from Broadway tours to rock legends to famous comedians to today’s hottest acts. Since its debut in 1997, they’ve welcomed Grammy winners, CMA winners, Tony winners, and even Oscar winners to their stage. They’ve also featured some of the most talented musicians, vocalists, and dancers in the nation in their own Original Shows. No other theatre in the region offers a wider variety of performances, year in and year out. Take the opportunity to catch a show in the comfort of one of the most premier venues on the East Coast for live entertainment.
Reviewed By creativetraveler - New York
We always love the shows at the American music theater. The Christmas show was spectacular. The voices, the dancing, the music, the costumes all made to show a wonderful experience. I do wish the staff would be a little bit friendlier. Many seem to lose their patients very quickly when asked questions. Maybe it was just the hecticness of the season.
3. Lancaster Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 724 reviews
Reviewed By ConnecticutLocavore - Connecticut
I "collect" visits to central markets around the world. Lancaster's is small in comparison to some, but delivers all the sights, smells, and experiences that one wants. About half of the stalls are true agricultural market stalls featuring produce and meats. All were fresh-looking and full of beautiful produce. About a fourth of the stalls were prepared foods where one could gather the components of a meal. Old Amish and central Pennsylvania dishes were prominent among these, such as pickled beet eggs, mac salad, and broccoli salad. And the final fourth of the stalls were "other" things such as dog biscuits, candles, and souvenirs. There were a couple small tables for eating one's purchases, but no real dining area. Prices were very reasonable. One could find gifts here to take back home, such as cheeses, sausages, and non-edibles. The market is located in the middle of a block, tucked behind the Lancaster City Visitors Center, just cater-corner from the front door of the Marriott at Penn Square. Don't mistake it for the building labeled "Southern Farmers' Market" a block away which is an office.
4. Wheatland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Costumed guides conduct tours of the historic mansion of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan.
Reviewed By SuzyQu15 - Brooklyn, New York
Not just an historic house tour, but an interactive experience, this was one of the most interesting tours of the many that I have been on. A special presentation during the month of December has the house beautifully decorated for Christmas including a gorgeous tall...MoreThank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your Yuletide visit with us.
5. Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By Rick M
We stopped here not knowing if it would be worth it. We are Christians and thought it would just be a tourist stop. We were wrong. It was extremely well done the the tour lady was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. The also have a wonderful gift shop with gifts from many countries. We did a lot of Christmas shopping while there. We were REALLY glad we stopped
6. Clipper Magazine Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By FamilyTime23 - Lancaster PA
Tax dollars at work. This place is great for the entire family. Of course Baseball but many other happenings here. Well run , lots of specials and easy to get around. Parking will require a long walk but its free.
7. Mennonite Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
A place to come to learn about the Mennonites and Amish of Lancaster County through literature, videos, guided tours, and conversation with a knowledgeable staff person. Also we have a full-scale model of the Biblical Tabernacle on our grounds.
Reviewed By PHE22 - London, United Kingdom
A interesting museum with an unusual film explaining who are the amish. On the main road out of Lancaster.
8. Discover Lancaster Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 81 reviews
Make the Visitors Center your first stop in Lancaster County, where you'll find informative brochures and maps, expert advice, and coupons. Our friendly travel consultants are happy to help you by suggesting restaurants, finding last-minute lodging or discovering those special out-of-the-way places.
Reviewed By Tom B - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
You never know what you may find when you stop at the tourist center for your hometown. We found out it was Restaurant Week, which we took advantage of. We also picked up a list of maps for walking trails in the county. It was worth the stop.
9. Landis Valley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
Relax and roam through the authentic crossroads village and farms of Landis Valley as you learn the rich history of the Pennsylvania Germans of Lancaster County. Comprised of over 40 buildings on 100 acres, the museum is the guardian of 65+ varieties of heirloom seeds and the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S. Through costumed demonstrators, special events, group tours, award-winning exhibits, and educational programs for adults and children you'll come away all the more enriched by your experience here.
Reviewed By tandhgoraj - Swedesboro, New Jersey
We visited today for the second time today since we brought our young son here years ago. It was a beautiful day and an excellent choice for walking outside in the village.
Start at the visitors center where there is a small museum interpreting the time period. There is also a 13 minute video which is very informative. The docent gave us a map clearly highlighting which buildings were open and self guided and which had interpreters.
The buildings/ Village is very well kept. The schoolhouse was one of the best that I have every seen. I wish it was open today. The shoemaker gave an excellent discussion about what he was doing as well as the history. The tour of the main house was excellent, though short.
The general store docent was very informative and again one of the best general stores I have we seen. He did say that was in part thanks to Oprah Winfrey’s Beloved being filmed in the village and they insisted on a full general store.
Be sure not to miss the back and of the village. Just past the shoemaker/leather building there is a path to take you back through the back part of the village where there are buildings and a large farm to navigate. It is well worth it and I can see how it is often overlooked due to it not being on the main village street.
Last but not least, the gift shop was excellent. They need more of a selection of books on the local history but they had plenty of handmade items from the village.
10. Dutch Wonderland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, Dutch Wonderland is the perfect place to spend time together as a family. Cool off in Duke's Lagoon water play area and make discoveries at Exploration Island, where dinosaurs come to life!
Reviewed By auburnadmin - Baltimore, Maryland
This is an annual destination for us to take our grandchildren. Fun for all of our 8 grandchildren; 2-14. Love the relaxed atmosphere. Great shows. The place is clean and spacious. The staff are friendly and accommodating. We love the snacks and meal options. Our...MoreThank you for your review! We are so glad you have a wonderful visit to Dutch Wonderland each year! We can't wait to see again for your annual visit.
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