posted Jul 22, 2024

Easy Road Trips in and Near Lancaster, PA

Looking to hit the road this fall? Lancaster County has something for everyone.

Most people are initially drawn to our area for the picturesque Lancaster countryside. We have over 2,700 miles of winding country roads connecting our small towns and villages to their inviting main streets, charming boutique shops, and art galleries. You can lose yourself along these back roads for hours exploring the Pinterest-worthy farmlands, covered bridges and PA Amish life.

Lancaster is a short drive from big cities like Philadelphia (1-hour); Baltimore, Maryland (1.5-hours); and New York City (less than 3-hours).

Lancaster County

Lancaster Central Market:
Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is America's oldest continuously running public farmers’ market. Peruse 65+ local vendors, and grab a fresh lunch.
Amish Attractions:
There are many Amish attractions in Lancaster County that let you gain an authentic look into Amish life. From The Amish Village and Amish Farm and House to Old Windmill Farm and Aaron and Jessica Buggy Rides; and even more.
Strasburg Rail Road:
Whether you’re looking for an authentic steam train ride or wanting to hitch a ride with Thomas and his friends, the Strasburg Rail Road is a much-loved experience, and is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the western hemisphere.

Gettysburg, PA

Best known for its role as the turning point in the Civil War, the Gettysburg National Battlefield is now a popular destination among visitors, particularly history buffs who come to venture out on the Battlefield with a licensed guide.

The Gettysburg National Military Park is often the first stop, as it includes the Battlefield, interactive exhibits at The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, and Gettysburg National Cemetery. A memorial at the Cemetery marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address.

If you're looking for less historical insight and more excitement, downtown Gettysburg has plenty of unique boutique shops and restaurants to explore. The best way to truly experience a new place is by listening to the stories of the locals. You can take guided history tours to learn about key figures and take spooky nighttime ghost tours to hear tales of the deceased. You can also follow themed trails through farmers' markets and taprooms where you can meet the farmers and brewers who created the products you're enjoying. With the help of knowledgeable local experts, you can discover all aspects of Gettysburg.

Harrisburg, PA

Nestled on the Susquehanna River is Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg has undergone a revitalization in recent years, largely due to a citywide mural project and mural fest that brings international artists together to paint a series of walls in a short period of time. As a result, Harrisburg is growing in artist colonies and makes for a great place to wander outdoors and see larger-than-life works of art.

While you’re looking for art, make time to visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building—it’s said to be the most beautiful in the nation. Its centerpiece is a 52 million-pound dome inspired by Michelangelo's design for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The National Civil War Museum is a great way to wrap up your time within city limits. It's the only museum in the U.S. that portrays the whole story of the Civil War and houses the single largest collections of Civil War colors in the nation. Just outside of Harrisburg, adventure seekers can tour Echo Dell & Indian Echo Caverns' beautiful and historic limestone caves dating back 400 million years.

York, PA

If you’re looking to mix sightseeing and hiking, York should be atop your list. You’ll want to head to the ADA-accessible Heritage Rail Trail County Park, which extends more than 21 miles. The park winds through scenic areas of southern York County and connects York’s historic district with Maryland’s Northern Central Rail Trail, while traveling through 11 different municipalities—all adjacent to an active rail line. Along the path, you’ll pass various historic milestones, like Howard Tunnel (second oldest active rail tunnel in the U.S.), four Railroad Bridges, New Freedom Train Station, and Hanover Junction Train Station, as listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another must-see is the Nixon Park Nature Center, about 5 miles south of York city. This 187-acre park is set aside for wildlife and education and only allows foot traffic. The property offers six miles of marked trails featuring a variety of habitats and topography.

The York County History Center is a great resource on other historic spots worth visiting, like the Victorian-era Bonham House, the Agricultural and Industrial Museum, and the Colonial Complex, which includes a mid-1700s home, a courthouse, and the Golden Plough Tavern, among others.

Make sure to sign up for your free Good Libations Trails® Map & Passport. The passport lists over three dozen members of the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail®—everything from family-owned vineyards to historic breweries and Prohibition-era distilleries.

Hershey, PA

Just east of Pennsylvania’s state capital of Harrisburg is Hershey. The town marks the spot where Milton S. Hershey built his renowned chocolate company. And yes, without a doubt, Hersheypark is the most popular attraction. It features more than a dozen roller coasters and hours of family fun.

On the opposite side of the park is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can take a simulated tour of the Hershey’s chocolate factory and learn how chocolate is made. For more of a hands-on experience, reserve a paid ticket to create your own candy bar, where you’ll get to choose your ingredients and design your own wrapper.

Set atop a hill overlooking Hersheypark, you’ll find the 23-acre Hershey Gardens, with one of the few indoor butterfly gardens across the country. Nearby, Hersheypark Stadium still serves as the home to the Hershey Bears ice hockey team, the longest-existing member of the American Hockey League since 1938. Those into vintage cars won’t want to miss the AACA Museum.

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