posted Feb 24, 2025

Lancaster County Bucket List

Take part in the Lancaster County Bucket List challenge! Our list includes a few of the top things to do in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster has plenty to offer, but if you're only here for a short time, you need to take advantage of these must-do activities. If you're a repeat visitor, you might have already checked off a few things on this list (good for you!), but there are bound to be some activities that you haven't done yet!

1. Shop & Eat at Kitchen Kettle Village

Kitchen Kettle Village offers a Lancaster County experience with over 40 shops and eateries. You can sample pepper jam, watch fudge being rolled, and experience one of our many food festivals and events. You can also cherish locally made treasures like heirloom quilts, hand-thrown pottery, handmade furniture, art, and more. Come and enjoy the experience and create exceptional memories.

Guide to Kitchen Kettle Village

2. Take a Train Ride on Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road is America's oldest operating railroad. During the 45-minute train ride, you can enjoy the picturesque farmland of Lancaster County. The steam trains offer seating in our Presidential, First-Class, Coach, and Open-Air Cars. There are plenty of unique extras such as pump cars, a shop tour, and fun extras for the little passengers. Strasburg Rail Road also hosts special events throughout the year, including the Easter Bunny Train, Wine & Cheese Train, Day Out With Thomas, Santa's Paradise Express, The Night Before Christmas Train, and Christmas Tree Train.

Guide to Strasburg Rail Road

3. Have a Fun-Filled Day at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park

Dutch Wonderland is a premier family amusement park with over 35 rides, attractions, and shows. It features Duke's Lagoon water play area, Exploration Island, and Merlin's Mayhem, the park's first suspended coaster. It is designed for families with young children in mind. Since its opening in 1963, it has consistently been recognized as one of the Top 5 Best Kid's Parks in the World by Amusement Today magazine. Come visit and experience why it's a kingdom for kids!

Guide to Dutch Wonderland

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4. Get the Perfect Hand-Made Gift

Lancaster County is filled with locally owned shops that have one-of-a-kind items. Pick up the perfect hand-crafted gift for someone special! From quilts and furniture to sweet treats and apparel, the perfect gift awaits. We have a vibrant downtown, complete with a shopping district on the 300 Block of North Queen Street, and walkable shopping towns that are each bursting with fantastic local shops just waiting to be explored.

Gift Guide

5. Shop Amish-Made Goods

The Amish Community is known for their top-notch craftmanship, ranging from foods to furniture. There is something handmade and uniquely crafted waiting for you here! Quilts, often stitched with care by Amish and Mennonite women, are excellent examples of the craftsmanship and quality that is common among Lancaster County artisans.

If you are visiting Lancaster County in the Spring, be sure to check out Lancaster's renowned mud sales. Hosted by a number of local fire companies, mud sales attract thousands of people looking for bargains on anything from Amish quilts and antiques to lumber, buggies, and lawn equipment.

Amish-Owned Business Guide

6. Eat at a PA Dutch Restaurant

Explore the authentic flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in Lancaster County. From hearty pot pies to scrumptious shoofly pies and whoopie pies, our restaurants proudly serve up generations-old recipes, to savor the rich heritage and homestyle goodness that defines Lancaster County. Experience the goodness of Amish-owned restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets in Lancaster!

Find Authentic PA Dutch Restaurants

7. Shop the Freshest Local Product at a Roadside Stand

Lancaster County is known for its locally owned roadside stands. As you drive along our country roads, you may notice little stands or huts filled with fresh produce and a cash box. These are a staple of our area, paying homage to our roots of neighbors helping neighbors. Stop by one of the many dotted across the countryside to pick up the freshest, seasonal produce. From farm-fresh fruits and veggies, bountiful blooms, and even made-from-scratch baked-goods and dairy products- roadside stands in Lancaster County just can’t be beat. Be sure to bring cash and respect the honor system with every purchase!

Find Roadside Stands

8. Find 25+ Historic Covered Bridges

Locals have grown accustomed to Covered Bridges as part of our normal commutes around the county. These bridges are a historic trademark of our Lancaster – making them intriguing to tourists from all over! We've developed driving tours of covered bridges in Lancaster County to pull you off the main roads and onto our winding, country routes. Fall back in love with the old charm and quaintness of your hometown this month.

Guide to Covered Bridges

9. Ride in a Horse and Buggy

Locals are very familiar with horse & buggies as the Amish use this mode of transportation all around the County. We see them on the roads, in parking lots, and tons at Amish churches on Sundays. Have an immersive and experiential adventure by seeing for yourself what it's like to ride in a horse & buggy. To learn how to safely drive around horse & buggies on the road, click here.

Guide to Horse & Buggy Rides

10. Experience Lancaster's Rich History

Lancaster County is the proud home of a some of America's "oldests". We have the Country's oldest farmers' market building which is still operating today as Lancaster Central Market, the first commercial pretzel bakery in America, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, and America's oldest, continuously operating theatre, Fulton Theatre. Your visit isn't complete until you immerse yourself in the history and culture of the former (just for one day!) capital of the United States of America.

Museums & History Experiences

11. Experience Farm Life

Lancaster County provides ample opportunities to experience "farm life" firsthand. Book a farm tour with Old Windmill Farm to see an authentic working Amish Farm in action. Visit Verdant View to experience hands-on learning at their family operated-farm. Milk a cow, hold baby goats, explore barns and so much more when you tour one of our many farm attractions. For even more immersion in the culture, book a farm stay for your overnight trip!

Farm Animal Experiences

12. Explore our Vibrant Downtown

Downtown Lancaster is a treasure trove of new experiences, hidden gems, unique shopping, and culinary wonders. From rooftop restaurants like The Exchange, and international dining options like Citronnelle, to the local's favorites - Southern Market and Central Market - something exciting awaits every type of visitor.

Discover Downtown Lancaster

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Author

Olivia•

Senior Marketing Manager

Olivia is a Lancaster County native, born and raised in the quaint, small town of Manheim. She fell in love with the impressive diversity of Lancaster, from its vibrant food scene to its endless array of activities, believing there's truly something for everyone here. She hopes visitors experience the warm and welcoming spirit of the local community. Having traveled to five countries and nearly 30 US states, Olivia's appreciation of her hometown grows with every trip. Outside of writing, she enjoys exercising, playing soccer, and reading.

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