2026 marks the semiquincentennial celebration of America’s independence, better known as America250. The Declaration of Independence was signed in our neighboring Philadelphia just 60 miles east, but we’ll be celebrating Lancaster’s place in our country’s history all through the year. Did you know Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the United States, and was the nation’s capital for one day on September 27th, 1777? Visit Lancaster’s contribution to the “Bells Across PA” initiative at Historic Rock Ford.
Opening in 2026, we are excited to welcome the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, being beautifully executed by LancasterHistory, to the downtown city scene in Stevens’ former home and law office. The immersive museum will welcome visitors to explore themes of freedom & slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction, the reshaping of the Constitution, and the ongoing fight for equality. Dive deeper into the understanding of the Underground Railroad with the living history reenactment “Living the Experience” at the Bethel AME Church.
Several new and renovated hotel properties throughout the county are ready to welcome your group with warm beds and fluffy pillows. Renovations and improvements continue at Hershey Farm Resort, with more rooms and an indoor pool on the horizon as visitors excitedly return to the fully-operational and renovated Grand Smorgasbord. Try the new Hampton by Hilton at the Chip Factory in Columbia, or the dual-branded TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott with two hotels under one roof. Hilton adds two additional locations with a recently rebranded Spark on Granite Run and a brand-new Hampton Inn and Suites in Intercourse.
There are always new shows on the stages across Lancaster County. Sight & Sound Theatres debuts the story of Joshua beginning in March. Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater welcomes your group for dinner and a show as they delight guests with new and awe-inspiring illusions and fun. Catch an innovative production at Prima Theatre or one of a variety of shows at the Ware Center for the Arts, both venues celebrating their 15th anniversary this year.
The beloved Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord is reopened after substantial upgrades following some challenging devastation. The Kling House Restaurant at Kitchen Kettle Village has also reopened to accommodate intimate groups.
After you fill your bellies, it’s time to fill those shopping bags! Visit the newest location of the Artisan Mill Company, located at the recently reimagined Shops @ Rockvale. The vendor marketplace offers a unique shopping experience with over 15,000 square feet of space featuring goods from over 100 talented artists and craftspeople.
Looking ahead, the magnificent Roundhouse exhibit at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is slated to open in late 2026 or early 2027. The building will provide a close-up view of six historic steam locomotives. You don’t have to wait to visit the museum though, as the world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and vintage rail cars are always on display. A stroll around the museum makes a perfect compliment to a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road.
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