Lancaster County Pennsylvania (PA) is one of the best-known destinations to experience Amish culture in the United States. During our East Coast road trip, this peaceful rural region offered a refreshing contrast to the busy cities we had visited earlier, with farmland stretching for miles and horse-drawn buggies moving slowly along quiet country roads. In this travel guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Lancaster County PA, how to visit Amish Country respectfully, where to try traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

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Disclaimers:

• This post was originally written after my visit in August 2013 and has now been updated to reflect current travel information.
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🌾 Introduction: visiting Amish Country in Lancaster County

The last leg of our summer road trip through the northeastern United States took us to Pennsylvania, where we explored the Amish countryside of Lancaster County before continuing on to Philadelphia. After spending the night at Northwood Motel in Montgomery, we started the day with a hearty breakfast at Kinfolk Restaurant in Selinsgrove before heading toward one of the most distinctive regions in the state.

Arriving in Lancaster County felt like entering a completely different world. The highways disappeared, replaced by narrow winding roads lined with vast cornfields and traditional farms. Horse-drawn buggies moved slowly along the roadside, and everything around us seemed to follow a calmer rhythm. It truly felt as if time had not passed — a rare sensation during an East Coast road trip filled with busy cities.

Lancaster County is widely considered the heart of Amish Country Pennsylvania and is home to one of the largest Amish populations in North America. Although Amish communities also exist in states such as Ohio and regions like Ontario in Canada, this area remains one of the most accessible places to learn about Amish traditions and experience rural American culture firsthand.

📊 Top attractions in Lancaster County at a glance

Some of the most memorable moments in Amish Country Pennsylvania were the simplest ones. Driving through the countryside and watching everyday life unfold — horse-drawn carriages moving slowly along rural roads and farmers working the land — became one of the highlights of the visit.

📸 Attraction	🪧 Type	❓ Why visit	⏱️ Time needed
Amish Village	Cultural	Learn about Amish homes and traditions	1–2 hours
Bird-in-Hand	Village	Experience traditional Pennsylvania Dutch life	1–2 hours
Intercourse	Cultural	Explore one of the best-known Amish towns	1–2 hours
Kitchen Kettle Village	Shopping & food	Discover artisan goods and homemade treats	1–2 hours
Lancaster Central Market	Food	Taste local specialties and baked goods	1 hour
Scenic farmland drive	Scenic	Observe horse-drawn buggies and farmland	Flexible
Strasburg Rail Road	Historic	Ride a vintage steam train through farmland	1–2 hours

🌾 What is Amish Country and why visit Lancaster County?

Amish Country Pennsylvania refers to the rural landscapes of southeastern Pennsylvania, particularly Lancaster County and the surrounding region often known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This area is famous for its farmland, traditional villages, and communities that continue to follow customs rooted in centuries-old religious traditions.

Understanding the origins of the Amish and the cultural heritage of this region helps make any visit more meaningful, especially when exploring Lancaster County as part of a wider Pennsylvania or East Coast itinerary.

🧭 Origins of the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch culture

The Amish trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement in Europe during the 16th century. Early Amish communities lived mainly in regions that are now part of Switzerland and Germany, as well as the Alsace region of modern-day France. Facing religious persecution, many Amish families migrated to North America in search of religious freedom. William Penn’s invitation to settle in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s allowed Amish communities to establish themselves in Lancaster County around 1720.

The region is often referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, but the word “Dutch” can be misleading. It comes from the German word Deutsch, referring to the German-speaking settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania centuries ago. Many Amish and Mennonite communities belong to this broader cultural group.

Although Amish and Mennonite communities share similar religious roots, there are noticeable differences between the two. Amish communities generally follow stricter rules regarding technology and lifestyle, often avoiding public electricity and automobiles. Mennonites, on the other hand, typically adopt modern conveniences more readily and tend to integrate more easily into modern society.

🏡 Why Lancaster County is the heart of Amish Country

Lancaster County is widely considered the heart of Amish Country Pennsylvania because it hosts one of the oldest and largest Amish settlements in North America. While Amish communities also exist in places such as Ohio and Ontario in Canada, Lancaster County remains one of the most accessible destinations for visitors interested in learning about Amish traditions.

Beyond the well-known villages of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, towns such as Ephrata and Lititz also reflect Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and regional heritage. Many travelers combine Lancaster County with nearby destinations such as Philadelphia, creating a balanced itinerary that includes both rural landscapes and historic urban attractions.

During our own East Coast road trip — which included stops in New York City, Long Island, Boston, Niagara Falls, and Toronto — visiting Lancaster County felt like stepping into a completely different world. After the fast-paced rhythm of major cities, the peaceful countryside and slower way of life in Amish Country offered a refreshing contrast that made this stop especially memorable.

🧑‍🌾 Understanding Amish culture & how to visit respectfully

Understanding Amish traditions helps visitors appreciate the region more deeply and ensures respectful interactions with local communities.

The Amish lifestyle is built around values of simplicity, humility, and strong community ties. Many Amish families continue to live without modern conveniences such as public electricity or cars, choosing instead to maintain traditions that reflect their religious beliefs. Agriculture remains central to daily life, which becomes obvious when driving through the countryside and seeing carefully maintained fields, barns, and gardens.

During our visit, one of the most noticeable aspects of Amish culture was their distinctive clothing. Men typically wear dark garments supported by suspenders and broad-brimmed hats, and many grow a beard once they are married. Women dress modestly in long dresses paired with aprons and bonnets, and their hair is traditionally kept long and never cut, usually tied back or covered.

Language is another interesting cultural element. Most Amish people speak Pennsylvania Dutch at home, a dialect derived from old German spoken by early settlers in the region. Children attend school within their communities, usually until around the eighth grade, where they learn subjects such as reading, writing, and English, allowing them to communicate easily with visitors.

When visiting Amish Country Pennsylvania, showing respect for local customs is essential. Photography is one of the most sensitive topics, as many Amish individuals prefer not to be photographed directly. If you wish to take photos, it’s best to focus on landscapes or capture scenes from behind rather than photographing identifiable faces. Visitors should also avoid entering private property unless permission is clearly given and drive carefully on country roads where horse-drawn buggies are common.

🏡 Best things to do in Lancaster County PA

Exploring Amish Country Pennsylvania offers a variety of experiences, from cultural attractions to scenic drives perfect for road trip lovers. While several destinations are well known, some of the most memorable moments happen simply by slowing down and observing everyday life across the countryside.

Many visitors begin their trip at the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center, located just off Route 30 near Lancaster. This is a helpful place to pick up maps, brochures, and local recommendations before heading into Amish Country. We also stopped here at the start of our visit, and it made it much easier to understand the layout of the region and decide which villages and scenic roads to explore first.

🚗 Drive through scenic Amish farmland

Driving through the countryside was one of the most memorable parts of our visit to Lancaster County. The narrow roads wound through cornfields and farmland, and we frequently shared the road with horse-drawn buggies — a moment that truly reinforced how different life feels in Amish Country.

Some of the most scenic drives in the area follow quiet rural routes that pass traditional farms, roadside stands, and historic covered bridges, which are considered local landmarks throughout Lancaster County. These wooden bridges add a nostalgic charm to the landscape and are often included in recommended driving routes through Amish Country. Notable examples located within Lancaster County include Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge, Kurtz’s Mill Covered Bridge, Lime Valley Covered Bridge, Poole Forge Covered Bridge, and Weaver’s Mill Covered Bridge, all of which help illustrate the region’s historic character.

Along the way, we also noticed small roadside stands selling homemade goods. Some relied on honesty boxes, allowing visitors to leave payment even when no one was present — a simple but memorable detail that reflected the trust-based values of Amish communities.

🌽 Experience Amish farm tours

Visiting a traditional Amish farm is one of the best ways to understand daily life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These experiences allow visitors to see working farmland, traditional buildings, and simple routines that have been passed down through generations.

While exploring the area, we stopped at The Amish Village, one of the most popular places to learn about Amish culture in Lancaster County. The visit included the Amish Farmhouse and Village Tour, which allowed us to walk through a traditional farmhouse, explore barns and workshops, and better understand how daily life revolves around farming and craftsmanship. Other well-known farms worth visiting in the area include Old Windmill Farm and The Amish Farm and House, both offering guided tours designed to introduce visitors to rural Amish traditions.

Agriculture plays a central role in the region, and this becomes especially clear when traveling through the countryside. The Pennsylvania Dutch region surrounding Lancaster County is home to nearly 5,000 small family-run farms, many of which continue to follow traditional agricultural methods. Fields of corn, vegetable gardens, and carefully maintained barns dominate the landscape and highlight the deep connection between Amish culture and the land.

Even if you don’t visit multiple farms, taking time to explore at least one working property adds valuable context to the rest of your trip. After seeing how Amish families live and work, driving through the surrounding farmland feels far more meaningful and easier to understand.

🧺 Explore Kitchen Kettle Village

Located in Intercourse, Kitchen Kettle Village is one of the most popular stops in Lancaster County and a lively place to experience traditional Pennsylvania Dutch crafts and homemade specialties. Walking through the village, visitors can browse artisan shops selling jams, baked goods, handcrafted items, and local souvenirs, making it an enjoyable stop even if you’re simply passing through Amish Country.

A short drive away, the Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village offers a similar atmosphere with locally made crafts, baked goods, and specialty shops that reflect the region’s strong tradition of craftsmanship. Many visitors combine both stops in the same outing, as they are located close to one another and provide complementary experiences that highlight the cultural and culinary heritage of Amish Country.

🚂 Ride the Strasburg Rail Road

One of the most iconic experiences in Lancaster County is riding the Strasburg Rail Road. This historic steam train travels through farmland and provides a unique view of the surrounding landscape.

Watching the countryside pass slowly from the train helps visitors appreciate the agricultural beauty of the region. This ride is especially enjoyable for families traveling with children, but it’s equally appealing to adults interested in history and scenic landscapes.

🎡 Visit Dutch Wonderland

For families traveling with children, Dutch Wonderland is one of the most popular attractions in the region. This family-oriented amusement park features rides, water areas, and themed entertainment designed especially for younger visitors.

Even if you’re not traveling with children, its popularity makes it a notable destination in Lancaster County and a frequent addition to family-focused itineraries.

🏘 Discover Amish towns and nearby Pennsylvania destinations

Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse are two of the best-known villages in Amish Country Pennsylvania and are often included in scenic driving routes through Lancaster County. Walking through these towns offers the chance to browse bakeries, craft shops, and small local businesses, while the surrounding farmland and roadside stands help illustrate the everyday rhythm of life in the region.

Beyond these well-known villages, several nearby destinations are also worth considering when exploring the region. The town of Ephrata is home to the historic Ephrata Cloister, one of the earliest religious communities in Pennsylvania, while Lititz is known for its charming streets and strong Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. The city of Lancaster itself offers additional museums and cultural sites, including the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, which provides insight into traditional rural life and early Pennsylvania settlements. Larger cities such as Philadelphia provide a striking contrast between rural and urban Pennsylvania and are often included as part of a wider itinerary through the state.

For those planning a broader road trip across Pennsylvania beyond Lancaster County, additional destinations such as New Castle, McConnell’s Mill State Park, Moraine State Park, and the historic Montgomery Locks and Dam can be included as part of a longer itinerary through the state.

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🍽 Enjoy Amish food and local markets

Food is an essential part of the experience when visiting Amish Country Pennsylvania. Many traditional dishes reflect the region’s agricultural roots and emphasize homemade preparation using locally grown ingredients.

One of the best places to explore regional flavors is the Lancaster Central Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States. Located in downtown Lancaster, the market offers a wide variety of baked goods, cheeses, fresh produce, and preserves from local vendors. It typically operates on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, making it important to plan your visit accordingly.

Another popular stop is the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, which features a mix of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Visiting one of these markets provides an excellent opportunity to sample traditional foods and experience the strong connection between Amish culture and agriculture.

Some traditional foods worth trying include shoofly pie, a molasses-based dessert that has become one of the most iconic treats in the region, as well as Pennsylvania Dutch whoopie pies, soft cake-like cookies filled with sweet cream that are widely sold across local bakeries and markets. Fresh preserves, homemade breads, and other Pennsylvania Dutch desserts are also widely available throughout the region.

For sit-down dining, several restaurants across Lancaster County specialize in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Well-known options include Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, Dienner’s Country Restaurant, Katie’s Kitchen, and Plain & Fancy Restaurant, all of which are known for serving hearty regional dishes inspired by Amish cooking traditions. Many of these restaurants offer buffet or family-style meals, making them a great choice for visitors who want to sample several traditional dishes in one sitting.

📝 Travel tips for Lancaster County

Planning ahead helps make the most of your time in Lancaster County.

📅 Best time to visit

Lancaster County offers something unique in every season. Spring brings blooming fields, summer is lively and popular with families (and it’s precisely when we visited), fall offers colorful foliage and harvest season, and winter provides a quieter atmosphere.

Throughout the year, several local events add extra interest to a visit:

• Lancaster County Mud Sale Season (February–April): a long-standing local tradition featuring community auctions that sell quilts, tools, handmade goods, and baked items, often organized to support volunteer fire companies.
• Lititz Fire & Ice Festival (February): one of the most popular winter events in the region, where the town of Lititz comes alive with ice sculptures, live demonstrations, and seasonal activities.
• Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival (September): one of the largest celebrations in the area, featuring colorful hot air balloon launches, food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities set against the scenic countryside.

🧭 Itinerary across Amish Country

Planning your time in Lancaster County depends largely on how long you plan to stay, especially if you’re hoping to cover some of the top things to do in Amish Country. During our trip, we explored the area as part of a longer East Coast road trip and didn’t stay overnight, although spending at least one night would likely allow for a more relaxed experience.

If you only have one day, focus on a few key highlights. A good starting point is the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center, followed by a visit to The Amish Village to learn about daily life and traditions. From there, driving through the countryside toward Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse allows time to explore shops, markets, and scenic farmland.

With two days available, you can explore at a slower pace and include nearby towns such as Ephrata, home to the historic Ephrata Cloister, or Lititz, known for its charming streets. A second day also makes it easier to visit Kitchen Kettle Village, scenic covered bridges, or the city of Lancaster, while longer stays can naturally extend toward destinations such as Philadelphia.

🚙 How to get around Lancaster County

Getting around Lancaster County requires a bit of planning, as most attractions are spread across rural areas rather than concentrated in one place. The region is ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace, especially if you’re including it as part of a wider Pennsylvania or East Coast road trip.

• 🚗 By car: having a car is the easiest way to explore Amish Country, as public transportation options are limited. This is how we explored the region ourselves, driving along scenic country roads and stopping along the way. Roads are generally easy to navigate, but it’s important to remain attentive to horse-drawn buggies, which travel slowly and may be difficult to see at night.
• 🚌 By guided tour: for visitors who prefer not to drive, guided tours provide a practical alternative. Some attractions, such as The Amish Village, offer backroads bus tours that take visitors through farmland while sharing cultural insights about Amish life. Other companies, including Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides and AAA Buggy Rides, organize buggy rides and countryside tours, making it possible to explore Amish Country without navigating rural roads independently.
• ✈️ By plane: Lancaster County is served by the small regional Lancaster Airport, located just a few miles north of downtown. That said, most travelers arrive via nearby major hubs such as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). All three airports offer a wide range of domestic and international flights and provide easy access to the Lancaster area.
• 🚆 By train: travelers arriving from nearby cities such as Philadelphia or New York City can reach the region via the Lancaster train station (LNC), which is served by Amtrak. The station is located close to downtown Lancaster, making it easy to access the area without a car initially, although renting a vehicle or joining a guided tour is still recommended to explore the surrounding countryside.
  

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🛏 Where to stay in Lancaster County

Choosing where to stay in Lancaster County depends largely on your travel style and how much time you plan to spend exploring Amish Country. While Lancaster city offers more urban-style accommodations, many visitors prefer staying in smaller towns such as Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, or Ronks, where the rural atmosphere feels more authentic and scenic.

Accommodation options across the region range from budget-friendly motels to charming countryside inns. To help you choose the best option for your trip, here are some suggested types of accommodation organized by budget.

• Luxury accommodation (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): The Inn at White Oak, which is not located in Lancaster County but about 1.5 to 2 hours away near Gettysburg.
• Mid-range accommodation (⭐⭐⭐ or ⭐⭐⭐⭐): AmishView Inn & Suites, Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites, Country Inn of Lancaster, Fulton Steamboat Inn, Lancaster Arts Hotel, The Inn At Leola Village, The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village, The Wilbur Lititz.
• Budget accommodation (⭐⭐ or below): Classic Inn Lancaster, Olde Amish Inn Ronks, The Red Caboose Motel at Paradise Station, Weathervane Motor Court.

To find the best accommodation deals in Lancaster County, I also recommend checking platforms such as Airbnb or Booking, where you can compare prices and read verified guest reviews.

🗺 Lancaster County map

For your ease of reference, below you will find a Lancaster County attractions map featuring all the places mentioned throughout this travel guide. The locations are color-coded by category — including things to do, restaurants, hotels, and nearby destinations — making it easier to organize your itinerary and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Use this map to plan your route through Amish Country and make the most of your visit.

🎒 Final thoughts on the Amish Country

Visiting Lancaster County was one of the most memorable parts of our East Coast road trip. The peaceful countryside, traditional farms, and slower pace of life created a refreshing contrast to the cities we visited before and after, including Philadelphia.

If you’re planning an itinerary through Pennsylvania, Lancaster County offers a unique cultural experience that feels completely different from most urban destinations.

Have you visited Amish Country Pennsylvania? I’d love to hear about your experience or answer any questions — feel free to leave a comment below!

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