As one of America’s oldest inland cities, Lancaster is packed with history and the historical sites that celebrate it. Many include tours with guides dressed in period clothes and special reenactments that create a truly immersive experience. From early settlers to the first (and only) president from PA, you’ll learn the way of life from back in the day.
- Christiana Historical Society is a free, publicly accessible historical site detailing the town’s involvement in the Underground Railroad, located at the Zercher’s hotel.
- The National Civil War Museum is dedicated to the education of the American Civil War 1861-1865. This unique, one of a kind facility portrays the humanistic side of war, from slavery to camp life to the turmoil of 19th century politics, with equal emphasis to both sides.
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Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is a destination to explore and learn about the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors can watch a special film, A New Birth of Freedom and take a tour of the battle field.
- The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, developed by LancasterHistory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is set to open in 2026. It will explore America's struggle for freedom and equality through exhibits, immersive media, and educational programs.
- Living the Experience is a creative, spiritual, and interactive historical reenactment of the Underground Railroad at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station step into history at the station where U.S. history was made. Through interpretive banners, historic artifacts and a brief orientation film, the station tells the story of its historic roles before, during and after the Battle of Gettysburg—and the stories of the people who passed through its doors.
Bonus: State Museum of Pennsylvania offers visitors four floors of exhibits presenting the state's story from earth's beginning to the present. Popular attractions include the Dino Lab, Carboniferous Forest, Hall of Mammals, Native American Village, and Civil War exhibit.
