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Lancaster is a historic city in southeastern Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lancaster County. Known worldwide for its proximity to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster offers visitors a rare blend of Americana, agricultural heritage, and vibrant urban culture. The city itself is a destination with a thriving downtown, rich Revolutionary War history, and a growing culinary scene that draws travelers from across the region.
Lancaster’s roots stretch back to 1718, when a group of Protestant refugees from Mannheim, Germany arrived and began building what would become one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. The city was chartered in 1742 and served as the capital of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1812, a period that left the city with an extraordinary collection of Georgian and Federal-style architecture.
During the American Revolution, Lancaster played a significant supporting role. The Lancaster County Committee of Observation organized militia and supplies for the Continental Army, and the city served briefly as a refuge for the Continental Congress when Philadelphia seemed threatened. President James Buchanan, the only Pennsylvanian ever elected President, was born in a log cabin near Lancaster in 1791.
The arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1830s transformed Lancaster into a commercial hub. The railroad’s influence is still visible today in the historic Lancaster Station and the city’s role as a regional market center for the rich agricultural lands of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Lancaster’s downtown is compact and walkable, centered around Penn Square, a historic public square that has been the heart of city life since the 18th century. Surrounding the square, Prince Street and King Street are lined with boutiques, galleries, and some of the region’s best restaurants.
Central Market, housed in a historic 1889 building, is one of the oldest public farmers markets in the country and operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday year-round. Vendors sell everything from Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods and fresh produce to handcrafted goods and international cuisine, making it a destination in its own right.
The Lancaster Science Factory offers hands-on exhibits for families, while the Lancaster Museum of Art showcases contemporary regional and national artists in a restored 1930s building. Just outside the city center, the Sach’s Covered Bridge and other historic bridges offer a window into 19th-century rural Pennsylvania.
The Enola Low-Grade Trail, a converted railroad line, runs along the Susquehanna River south of Lancaster and provides scenic views, birdwatching opportunities, and miles of multi-use path for hikers and cyclists. The trail passes through forested ridges and open farmland, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Long’s Park, a 55-acre urban park near downtown, features walking trails, a lake, an amphitheater, and an annual garden festival each summer. The park’s Deer Park is home to a small herd that roam freely in a naturalistic enclosure, delighting visitors of all ages.
The Susquehanna River itself is a major recreational asset, with boat launches near the city providing access for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The river is particularly popular in autumn when the surrounding hardwood forests turn brilliant shades of orange and red.
Dutch Wonderland is Lancaster’s signature family attraction, a 42-acre amusement park designed specifically for families with young children. The park features over 30 rides, live entertainment, and a water play area, and has been a beloved destination for Pennsylvania families since 1963.
The Amish Farm and House offers guided tours that introduce visitors to Lancaster County’s Amish communities, providing cultural context for the horse-drawn buggies and farmland visible throughout the county. Tours explain the history, beliefs, and daily practices of the Amish and Mennonite peoples who have maintained their traditional way of life in the region for over 300 years.
The Land of Make Believe is another family amusement park in the area, known for its blend of rides and water attractions, while Miller’s Ale House and the Sturges Pretzel Bakery offer quintessentially Lancaster experiences for food-oriented visitors.
The spring months of April and May are ideal for visiting Lancaster, when the countryside awakens with blooming flowers and newborn farm animals. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country is at its most picturesque, and the mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor exploration and market visits.
Fall is equally compelling, with September and October bringing harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and some of the most spectacular foliage in the mid-Atlantic. The cooler weather makes hiking the Enola Low-Grade Trail or cycling through Amish farmland especially enjoyable.
Summer brings larger crowds and higher hotel rates, particularly around Dutch Wonderland and the area’s many family attractions. Those visiting primarily to experience Amish culture may find the shoulder seasons more authentic, as the roads and attractions are less crowded.
Winter transforms Lancaster into a cozy destination, with Central Market and downtown shops offering a festive atmosphere and unique holiday shopping opportunities. Hotel rates drop significantly, making it an affordable time to explore the city’s restaurants and cultural attractions.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Lancaster. Choose your favorite!
Dutch Wonderland is a 42-acre family amusement park located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania that has delighted visitors since 1963. Known as a “Kingdom for Kids,” the park was specifically designed for families with young children, offering…
The Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest continuously operating railroad, tracing its origins back to 1832 when it was chartered to connect the rural community of Strasburg to the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today this National Histor…