posted Jun 05, 2023

Educational Activities in Lancaster, PA

Check out some fun, but educational, things to do around Lancaster County, PA.

1719 Museum
1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street
Built by the Herr family in 1719, the 1719 Museum is the oldest structure and Mennonite meeting house in Lancaster County. It is actually the only remaining dwelling of the very first group of settlers in the area. It is a pristine example of medieval Germanic architecture and early colonial history. Also on the grounds are a Susquehannock longhouse replica which offers one of the few interactive outdoor exhibits of Native American life in Pennsylvania.

The Amish Experience
3121 Old Philadelphia Pk, Bird-in-Hand
The Amish Experience is a cultural interpretive center for visitors looking to learn about and interact with Lancaster’s Amish community. Watch a film about the Amish today, learn about the homestead, schooling, and more.

Amish Farm & House
2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster
Guided farmhouse tours and an up-close understanding of the Amish community await you at the Amish Farm & House. You can also take a countryside bus tour into the scenic farmlands in Lancaster.

The Amish Village
199 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks
Enjoy a guided tour of an 1840’s Amish farmhouse and learn about the Amish lifestyle. You can also explore the 12-acre farm, or take an Amish BackRoads Bus Tour and experience Lancaster’s countryside.

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
41 Walnut St, Columbia
The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, which offers education on Native American history in the Lancaster area and the river, boat tours, and more.

Ephrata Cloister
632 W Main St, Ephrata
Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark with connections to a unique German religious community, unique architecture, early music and printing, and more.

George’s Furniture and Woodshop Tour
9 Reichs Church Rd, Marietta
Master craftsmen use a solid piece of cherry, oak, maple or walnut wood to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. The piece is then signed and dated by the artisan. Plan to schedule a tour of the woodshop.

Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitor Center
1195 Baltimore Pk, Gettysburg
Take a short drive to Gettysburg, PA to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg. Experience the sights and sounds of Pickett’s charge in the Gettysburg Cyclorama, interactive exhibits, tour the battlefield and more.

Hands-On House Children’s Museum
721 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster
Explore Marty’s Machine Shop, go on a voyage through space, learn about the connection between farms and food, and more with fun hands-on exhibits!

Historic Rock Ford
881 Rockford Rd, Lancaster
Located within Lancaster County Central Park, Historic Rock Ford offers guided tours of Edward Hand’s home. Make sure you visit the John J. Snyder Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. The gallery showcases a one-of-a-kind collection consisting of over 230 objects by Lancaster County artisans including tall case clocks, silver, furniture, and portraiture created during Edward Hand’s residency in America.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
219 E Main St, Lititz
Julius Sturgis was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the U.S., founded in 1861. Tour the original factory, learn about pretzel baking, see them being made, and even learn how to twist a pretzel!

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Kreider Farms Farm Tour
1463 Lancaster Rd, Manheim
Learn about a working dairy farm at Kreider Farms! A 90-minute tour will show you their Cow Pantry, Moo Lagoon, Perfume Factory, and Moo-ternity Barn. You can also get a birds-eye-view of the farm from their observation tower.

LancasterHistory
230 N President Ave, Lancaster
LancasterHistory offers rotating exhibits about Lancaster County’s rich history, permanent collections and records, and tours of President James Buchanan’s home, Wheatland.

Living the Experience
512 E Strawberry St, Lancaster
One of Lancaster County’s most moving and powerfully significant hidden gems, Living the Experience is a creative, spiritual, and interactive historical reenactment of the Underground Railroad, as it occurred on-site, at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the City of Lancaster.

Lancaster Science Factory
454 New Holland Ave, LancasterExperience over 70 interactive & fun exhibits meant for kids aged pre-k through 8th grade. Play in the Water Lab, build bridges in the Engineering Zone, or try one of their rotating activities like 3D printing or slime making.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Rd, LancasterLandis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history museum for early Pennsylvania German life. Guides explain PA German traditions and folklore while artisans demonstrate crafts, cooking, and more.

LoKal Experiences
128 E Grant St, Suite 402, Lancaster
LoKal Experiences offers a variety of tours such as Authentic Lancaster Experience, Tour & Meal with an Amish Family, Lancaster History & Craft Beer Tour, and more.

Mennonite Life
2215 Millstream Rd, Lancaster
Check out exhibits of antique furniture, needlework, quilts, a library and more to learn more about the Amish & Mennonite in Lancaster.

The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum
50 South 1st Ave., Coatesville
In 1825, that a female entrepreneur named Rebecca Lukens began managing the mill and created a successful iron-making operation on the Brandywine River! The National Iron & Steel Heritage Musuem that celebrates steelmaking and the Lukens and Huston families, who produced steel used in many notable projects, like the World Trade Center.

North Museum of Nature & Science
400 College Ave, Lancaster
See cool exhibits like dinosaurs up close & personal, a nature gallery, a live animal room, and more! You can also catch some cool planetarium shows on topics such as astronomy, meteorology, and earth science.

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Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association
4997 Lincoln Hwy, Kinzers
Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association offers you to explore the sprawling 33 acre musuem that features antique steam engines, blacksmith shops, tractor pulls, and so much more.

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Author

Katie•

Partnership Manager

Katie has called Lancaster County home for over ten years, living in Marietta, Mountville, and now East Earl. As a toddler mom and farmer’s wife, she's deeply connected to the land and community. What made her fall in love with Lancaster? The endless opportunities for discovery! "There is so much to explore and discover—I find new places and things to enjoy everywhere I go!" She encourages visitors to experience the beautiful farmland and the fresh, delicious foods found at local farm stands and farm-to-table restaurants. Outside of work, Katie enjoys baking, gardening, and painting.

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