Top 10 Things to do in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Pennsylvania Dutch Country

February 23, 2022 Janean Rudisill

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, United States including Sight & Sound Theatres, Fulton Theatre, President James Buchanan's Wheatland, Strasburg Rail Road, Lancaster Central Market, Dutch Wonderland, Amish Country, The Amish Farm and House, American Music Theatre, Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania Dutch Country

1. Sight & Sound Theatres

300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572-9513 +1 800-377-1277 http://www.sight-sound.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,213 reviews

Sight & Sound Theatres

Reviewed By 186marcellar

Our family has travelled to Lancaster since 1973...the magnificent building makes you feel like you are in the Middle East. This fall, we saw the most amazing production of Jesus that left us breathless! It was the most incredible experience watching this live production with so many characters and beautiful animals. We plan another trip to see Esther in early spring 2020...the plays leave you in a state of serenity and harmony. The productions merit a five star review for each play presented at this unique theatre. Looking forward to many more visits to the Sight and Sound Theatre in our favorite quaint town in Lancaster, PA

2. Fulton Theatre

12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603-3808 +1 717-397-7425 [email protected] http://www.thefulton.org
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 643 reviews

Fulton Theatre

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: Million Dollar Quartet NOW-05/20/18; Hunchback of Notre Dame 06/15/18-07/22/18; GROFF STUDIO SERIES–99-seat Black Box–Intimate, Experiential: 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 BetsyA170

Saw a great performance of one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels, Murder on the Orient Express. Cast is outstanding and the staff are so helpful and friendly. We really love this theater!

3. President James Buchanan's Wheatland

1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603-2550 https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/james_buchanan_wheatland.html
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 496 reviews

President James Buchanan's Wheatland

Come discover the warmth and hospitality of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. Costumed tour guides share facts and stories from Buchanan's personal and professional life. Buchanan represented Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives and later the Senate, served as Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. And, in 1856, Wheatland served as the hub of his successful campaign to become the 15th President of the United States. During his presidency, Wheatland served as Buchanan’s retreat as a divided nation struggled with slavery and states’ rights. Post-presidency, Wheatland became Buchanan’s refuge as he avoided public life after his term and retired as a private citizen. Wheatland’s tangible connection to the US Presidency, Antebellum and Civil War America, and the American political process make it instrumental to teaching history to modern day visitors.

Reviewed By jmalc0m - Sydney, Canada

What a wonderful surprise .An Exceptional guide in period costume made this home come alive .How progressive it was to recognize the importance of this period of history and acquire & maintain this house from the early 1940s . Well worth a visit to see the house & learn more about the Buchanan's

4. Strasburg Rail Road

Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,667 reviews

Strasburg Rail Road

Steam through scenic Lancaster County aboard America’s oldest operating railroad, where the first thing you can expect is an authentic steam railroad experience! Strasburg Rail Road steam locomotives and cars, including First Class, Dining, Coach, and Open Air, all beautifully restored and carefully maintained by a world-class staff. Our regular steam train excursion provides a 45-minute roundtrip through the countryside, while an audio commentary highlights the history about the railroad and surrounding area. More than 2,500 acres of farmland are visible from the train, much of which is farmed by our Amish neighbors. Group rates are available for 10 or more Guests with additional perks for Cafe 1832 and our gift shops! Special Events include Day Out With Thomas, Christmas Trains, Wine & Cheese events, and more! Face Masks and social distancing required. Advanced Reservations required.

5. Lancaster Central Market

23 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 +1 717-735-6890 http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 976 reviews

Lancaster Central Market

Reviewed By FellowTraveler642208 - Penns Park, United States

Great market, great assortment of vendors - local people with local goods. Something for everyone. Cannot wait to visit again the next time we are in Lancaster.

6. Dutch Wonderland

2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602-1188 +1 866-386-2839 [email protected] http://www.dutchwonderland.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,317 reviews

Dutch Wonderland

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 wwwkenorg

I first visited Dutch Wonderland as a child with my family, and now that I am grown with a family of my own, we visit here every year. The price of entry is a bit steep, but it includes all the rides and the water park. If you go within three hours of closing the night before and buy your tickets for the next day, they let you enjoy the park for the three hours! Parking is plentiful, but some days they charge (a premium if you want to park close), and some days the booths are closed and parking is free (I don't really understand this). If you've been coming here since the 70's like I have, and you look around, you will see some of the original rides still around (the train is the first thing you see as you come through the gate). You'll also see some of the original boats (just for posing with pictures), the still-active turnpike cars, and if you look by the horse ride area, the original farm silo slide is there (but no longer in use). Lots of newer rides too (Merlin's Mayhem is short but sweet). Please understand - this place is well kept, clean, and the friendly staff works hard to make sure you have a good time. One time we lost a special pin that we had on our backpack while on the boat road. They actually removed it from service and tore it apart and found it! They wave and smile and make you feel at home. Our kids always have a great time, and while the adults get to ride a few things, you'll enjoy watching the kids have a great time in an amusement park designed for them. It's a kingdom for kids!

7. Amish Country

PA 17505
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 591 reviews

Amish Country

Reviewed By Davidcarmytraveler - Coventry, United States

The simple life has some characteristics we could all learn from it. Learned a lot here about their tradition and German-American culture. Friendly people with good local businesses and food. It’s fun to see them riding their scooters and driving their buggies. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with them.

8. The Amish Farm and House

2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602-1174 +1 717-394-6185 [email protected] http://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,556 reviews

The Amish Farm and House

We are OPEN for the season. Come visit us for a great tour of an Amish house or sit back and relax as we drive through the farmlands. Our 15-acre farm is filled with friendly animals who can't wait to meet you! Escape to Amish Country and enjoy your vacation at a slower pace. Here at the Amish Farm and House you can cross off your entire 'Amish Country bucket list' with us! We have guided house and bus tours, buggy rides, 15-acre farm visits, animals, Amish artisans, food and more! We invite you to visit our historic house museum and completely immerse yourself into the Amish lifestyle. Our bus tours will guide you through picturesque Amish farmlands and make stops at Amish shops. After touring with us, pet our farm animals and visit an Amish one-room schoolhouse all on our 15-acre farm. We've been welcoming guests to Amish Country since 1955 when we started as America's first Amish educational museum. Now it's your turn to experience the beauty of Amish Country.

Reviewed By jjk5332 - Hillsborough, United States

we loved the bus tour with Shirley as are guide she is very nice and knows so much about the Amish life style the stops we made were fantastic the farm itself is great so many animals and make sure you get something eat the food is great

9. American Music Theatre

2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602-1423 +1 800-648-4102 [email protected] http://amtshows.com/
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,354 reviews

American Music Theatre

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 mccaskeykid - Lancaster, United States

The American Music Theatre is a gem for not only Lancaster County but also for the State of Pa and even for performers worldwide! Every year, AMT produces 2-3 of their own original productions. Typically, 1 show runs from May-October which is based off of a chosen theme/concept for the year. They also produce a Christmas show that runs from November-December which has been considered better than the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show! These shows feature experienced and talented singers, dancers, musicians, and performers from across the US and beyond. Many of these people have résumé’s that include Broadway, National Broadway tours, Cruise ships, prior theatre experience, Disney, and touring positions just to name some. Some of these people return every year for the next AMT production. In addition to their original productions, AMT also books major concerts and touring productions throughout the year. Some of the shows that have took the AMT stage in the past include: Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Celtic Woman, The Robert Cray Band, Melissa Etheridge, Johnny Mathis, The Piano Guys, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys, Scotty McCreery, Charley Pride, Marc Cohn, Blind Boys of Alabama, Shemekia Copeland, Foreigner, Dancing with the Stars: Live!, Tony Bennett, Kristin Chenoweth, Home Free, Roger Hodgson, The Price Is Right Live!, Daughtry, Yanni, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Jay Leno, Stephen Stills, Judy Collins, Brian Setzer, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, America, Christopher Cross, Terry Fator, Jennifer Nettles, The Moody Blues, Merle Haggard, Carol Burnett, Neil Sedaka, Million Dollar Quartet, Bob Newhart, Heart, Peter Frampton, Chicago, Ringo Starr, and Donny Osmond! And these are just a sample of some of the shows that AMT has welcomed to the stage! Usually AMT books 50-70 touring/celebrity shows every year that include returning favorites and new shows. They do listen to their fans/guests and will attempt to bring back fan favorites/requested shows as much as possible. AMT is not a large theatre so they cannot always bring in large production shows, but they do surprise you sometimes when they can book big shows or superstars. Many of the shows that AMT does bring in are shows that have played resorts in Atlantic City NJ and Las Vegas Nevada, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville TN, and even Radio City Music Hall in New York. The auditorium of the theatre only holds about 1,600 seats and all seats give you a good view of the stage! The seats are also very comfy and has plenty of leg room. The theatre does have a concession stand but only sells basically snacks and drinks. There are many great restaurants near the theatre so you can eat before or after the show. There is also a gift shop. The staff at the theatre are very nice and very accommodating. They seem to like their job and make the show experience better. Parking is a problem at this venue. The parking lot tends to fill up quickly if the show is sold out. As the theatre is on a major highway, exiting is basically at the mercy of the traffic light so getting out can be slow. I recommend that if you find out your show is almost/is sold out, That you park either across the highway at the restaurant or next door at the Target(there is a covered bridge that connects to the theatre) to avoid the risk of no more spots at the theatre and a slow exit from the parking lot.

10. Wolf Sanctuary of PA

465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543-9537 +1 717-626-4617 [email protected] http://wolfsanctuarypa.org
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 853 reviews

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

Wolf Sanctuary of PA is dedicated to providing as near a natural life home to the wolves and wolf hybrids that live here. We hope to share educational information with our visitors and introduce you to the world of the wolf.

Reviewed By denab922

Great place to visit for all ages.Did the full moon tour, they have music and a bonfire.Have gift shop on premises. Plenty of personnel to help with any questions, etc.

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