Things to do in Lancaster County, Lancaster County: The Best Specialty Museums

December 14, 2021 Darwin Bolte

Discover the best top things to do in Lancaster County, United States including Mount Gretna Area Historical Society, National Watch and Clock Museum, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, National Toy Train Museum, Landis Valley Museum, Wilbur Chocolate Candy Store, Choo Choo Barn, Ephrata Cloister, Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction, Rough and Tumble Historical Association.
Restaurants in Lancaster County

1. Mount Gretna Area Historical Society

206 Pennsylvania Ave PO Box 362, Mount Gretna, PA 17064-6020 19641105 [email protected] http://www.mtgretnahistory.org/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Mount Gretna Area Historical Society (MGAHS) is a not-for-profit organization that strives to educate people of all ages and backgrounds on Mount Gretna's heritage and its relevance to local and national history. MGAHS collects, preserves, exhibits, and makes accessible objects pertaining to Mt. Gretna's past to the general public.

2. National Watch and Clock Museum

514 Poplar St, Columbia, PA 17512-2124 +1 717-684-8261 [email protected] http://www.museumoftime.org
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4.5 based on 263 reviews

National Watch and Clock Museum

The National Watch and Clock Museum was officially opened to the public in 1977 with fewer than 1,000 items. Since that time, the collection has increased to over 12,000 items and the museum has undergone several expansion projects. The latest expansion opened in October 1999 and featured an entirely new and redesigned exhibit space, as well as a new two-story addition. Today, the museum is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America.The National Watch & Clock Museum is conveniently located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.

Reviewed By JanM16 - Batavia, United States

We visited here primarily because we were desperate to find activities in air conditioned buildings during an unbearable heat/humidity wave in the Lancaster, PA area, We were pleasantly surprised and delighted by the extensive collection of clocks and watches from all of the world and over several centuries. A nice docent came around prior to an 'on-the-hour' demonstration of a large clock influenced by pieces like the Glockenspiel in Munich. He was very informative and the demonstration was fun to watch. My brother, who is intellectually disabled, loved taking pictures of many of the clocks that held his interest... for him, that meant anything resembling a statue or with an American theme (flags, eagles, etc). We had fun and wandered through the galleries twice. They also have a nice gift shop.

3. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

300 Gap Rd PA Route 741, Ronks, PA 17572-9567 +1 717-687-8628 [email protected] http://www.rrmuseumpa.org
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4.5 based on 1,082 reviews

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is home to a world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, an immersive education center, a vast library and archives and a working restoration shop. Special events, museum store, free on-site parking, free WiFi.

Reviewed By places2c25 - Randolph, United States

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a must see when out in Lancaster County! It's also a great tour on a hot day in the summer! It's a fascinating walk through time and to think about these enormous beauties at the height of their popularity. My husband is a train enthusiast so I enjoyed my own personal tour guide! Across the road is the Strasburg Railroad where tour rides are are available but we ran out of time. Definitely will be worth a return trip!

4. National Toy Train Museum

300 Paradise Ln, Strasburg, PA 17572-9537 +1 717-687-8976 http://www.nttmuseum.org/
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4.5 based on 223 reviews

National Toy Train Museum

Museum featuring hundreds of model trains, some specimens dating back to the 1800s.

Reviewed By gaharris10 - Yonkers, United States

The National Toy Train Museum boasts the best collection of model train sets!!! The museum is a great place to visit if you are fan of locomotives and a train set enthusiast. My wife and I had a fun time visiting this wonderful attraction!!!

5. Landis Valley Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601-4809 +1 717-569-0401 http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/
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4.5 based on 337 reviews

Landis Valley Museum

Due to the precautions taken regarding COVID-19, the museum will be closed until further notice. 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 leoh5 - Jenkintown, United States

Great place to visit. We went when they had their end of season festival. We enjoyed all of their home-made recipes of Apple Cider and Sour Krauts! Told my wife how to prepare it herself! Great stuff!

6. Wilbur Chocolate Candy Store

45 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543-1024 +1 888-294-5287 [email protected] http://www.wilburbuds.com/visit/Our-Candy-Store.html
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4.5 based on 1,000 reviews

Wilbur Chocolate Candy Store

A sweet, historic brand iconic to the downtown Lititz shopping area, Wilbur Chocolate has a new location – right across the street from the former store. Parking, easy access, and a better shopping experience await guests. But, more importantly, the smell of chocolate from the candy kitchen greets you while you enjoy a free chocolate sample! Watch candy makers creating confectionery favorites and enjoy interesting displays of tins, packaging, equipment, and more from days gone by. You will find a large variety of chocolate specialties, signature Wilbur Buds, and beautifully packaged gifts to buy! Join our video hosts on a self-guided tour through the world of Chocolate, beginning with the cocoa bean and ending with products similar to the prized Wilbur Bud. A great place for the entire family to visit. Wilbur Chocolate – An American Original since 1884.

Reviewed By L3466TKjuliep - Coeur d'Alene, United States

The chocolate store is overwhelming. There are so many chocolate products, from cooking chocolate pieces to gift boxes. The white chocolate was my favorite. The chocolate was smooth and not overbearing sweet. The chocolate is very smooth in texture, creamy is about the best way to describe it. If you like chocolate, put Wilbur's chocolate on your bucket list to try.

7. Choo Choo Barn

226 Gap Rd Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579-1478 +1 717-687-7911 [email protected] http://www.choochoobarn.com/
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4.5 based on 473 reviews

Choo Choo Barn

Over 70 years in the making, this gigantic model train layout is still owned and operated by the Groff family. Master modeler, Tom Groff, designs and adds new animations, scale buildings and local scenes each year. See a fire engine race to the rescue to put out the fire at a burning house – with real water! Watch in awe as night falls over Traintown, USA. You’ll recognize local landmarks like Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad – in detailed miniature! This is much more than a train display – it is an amazing, hand-built work of art.

Reviewed By Boomerang025

All I can say is "wow", we were not expecting such an amazing and expansive model train layout. There were so many cool details, many so intricate or seemingly natural to the surrounding elements they almost seem hidden. We did the scavanger hunt and went around a couple of times to see as much as possible. Spend as much time as you want, and come back later same day for no extra charge. Even though we did not have children, my wife and I really enjoyed it and was worth the price of admission without question.

8. Ephrata Cloister

632 W Main St at the intersection of Rt. 272 and Rt. 322, Ephrata, PA 17522-1717 +1 717-733-6600 http://www.ephratacloister.org
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4.5 based on 355 reviews

Ephrata Cloister

One of America's earliest religious communities, the Historic Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.

Reviewed By kcald13 - Reading, United States

New to area from the South. Took my husband and we had a terrific time. The students were EXCELLENT! They said tour was shorter this year due to fewer volunteers. I sincerely hope the kids don’t ever stop providing the tour!

9. Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction

2209 Millstream Rd Mennonite Information Center, Lancaster, PA 17602-1429 +1 717-299-0954 http://mennoniteinfoctr.com
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4.5 based on 188 reviews

Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction

Reviewed By dorisl811 - Springfield, United States

The first presentation for the day was at 10am. It was filled to capacity! The presenter was informative and thorough in his presentation and the replica of Moses' tabernacle was thought provoking. Wonderful to learn more. Also, bookstore has a lot to offer and the 10 Commandments Cloth Wall hanging (which my husband bought) was well made and well priced. It now hangs in our home. Lots of treasures there to be found. The website also offers a $1 discount which makes the entry fee $8 (adult).

10. Rough and Tumble Historical Association

4997 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17535 +1 717-442-4249 [email protected] http://www.roughandtumble.org
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4.5 based on 44 reviews

Rough and Tumble Historical Association

Rough and Tumble is celebrating it's 69th year in 2017. Ride 2 steam railroads, See Steam Traction Engines running as well as antique Tractors. Visit the Saw mill, model shop, Auto Museum, Stationary Steam Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and Gas Engine area. Visit the antique Earth moving construction area as well as the Line Shaft machine Shop. Watch a parade of power and sled pulling on the track.Check our schedule of events on our web site and enjoy the may areas of Rough and Tumble Historical Association.

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