41 Best Sights in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Pennsylvania

Formerly the home of a unique monastic community, Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German immigrant Conrad Beissel. He assembled a secluded society of 80 celibate brothers and sisters who lived an austere life of work, study, and prayer. On 250 acres of wilderness, the sect built 30 structures, including a monastery and a printing press. The last celibate member died in 1813, and the members who lived outside the cloister closed the church in 1934. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania turned the complex into a museum that now offers 75-minute tours of two restored buildings. You can poke through nine others on your own, including the stable, printshop, and crafts shop. 

There are few American landmarks as moving as Gettysburg National Military Park, where General Robert E. Lee and his Confederate troops fought and lost to the Union forces of General George Meade from July 1 through 3, 1863. More than 1,300 mournful and inspiring markers and monuments honor the estimated 7,058 soldiers killed in the battle. Thirty-plus miles of marked roads lead through the 6,000-acre park to key battle sites; you can traverse them by driving, bicycling, or hiking yourelf or with a licensed guide, or via guided bus tours. In the first week of July, Civil War reenactors dress in period uniforms and costumes to commemorate the three-day battle.

This is an absolute must-see for railroad buffs. In a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall, the remarkable Smithsonian-affiliated museum showcases a world-class collection of 100-plus vintage locomotives and railroad cars made or operated in Pennsylvania. Exhibits contain a treasure trove of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia documenting the history of railroading in the state.

Built in 1719 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hans Herr House is the oldest building in Lancaster County and the oldest remaining Mennonite meeting house in the Western Hemisphere. It is believed to have been the residence of Herr, a Mennonite bishop, and was where his descendants lived. The main house remained a home until the early 1900s, when it fell into disuse. Never modernized, the house retains most of its original old-country German features, which were preserved when it was restored in the 1970s. An hour-plus tour covers the house and grounds, which include two other Pennsylvania German homes, Colonial-era barns and outbuildings, and a collection of period farm equipment. The site's re-created Native American longhouse, which illuminates the culture of the Conestoga–Susquehannock tribe, is a highlight.

The museum and visitor center is the place to start your exploration of the events and impact of the Battle of Gettysburg. A dozen galleries display a compelling mix of the museum's more than 40,000 artifacts, such as scores of weapons, uniforms, and a wooden desk believed to have been used by General Robert E. Lee. Interactive video and audio displays further illuminate the events, the centerpiece being the 377-foot-long "Battle of Gettysburg" cyclorama, a painting in-the-round depicting Pickett's Charge. Made in 1884, the painting is the largest in North America and one of the last cycloramas in existence, now completely restored. Stand in the center with the lights down while stirring narration and special effects immerse you in the story. It's paired with a documentary film, A New Birth of Freedom, in a 45-minute experience. In the main entry hall the National Park Service has an information desk offering help with everything from battlefield walking tours to free ranger-conducted programs. Private, licensed guides may also be hired at the center. There is a restaurant and a bookstore on-site.

Billed as the "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hersheypark offers more than 65 amusement park rides and attractions, including 15 roller coasters; classic rides and kiddie rides; the Boardwalk, a waterpark with a lazy river and wave pool; ZooAmerica, a wildlife park with hundreds of animals; and tons of live entertainment options. Among the park's vintage rides is the Comet, a 1946 wooden roller coaster. Holidays are celebrated with themed decorations and activities.

Built in 1889, this indoor farmers' market gave a new home to the city's original open-air market, in operation since 1742. The grand Romanesque building is a city fixture as a place to shop for fresh produce, meat, flowers and baked goods, most of it from the county's farms. In addition to Amish and Mennonite staples like Lebanon bologna and chowchow, there are stalls selling globally inspired prepared foods, from pierogis to Puerto Rican empanadas. It's open 6 am--3 pm on market days (Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday).

This open-air museum showcases Pennsylvania German rural life and local folk culture between 1750 and 1940. Founded by brothers Henry and George Landis on their homestead in the 1920s, the farm and village are now operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. You can visit the more than 15 historical buildings that have been moved here from other Lancaster County locations, with costumed guides providing interesting bits of history. There are demonstrations of skills such as spinning and weaving, pottery making, and tinsmithing. Many of the crafts are for sale in the delightful museum shop.

Church Square is the grounds of the Lititz Moravian church, built here in 1787 and still in operation today. Make an appointment for a free tour with a church volunteer who will regale you with historical facts and stories. You'll see the sanctuary with its exquisite organ and the coffee kitchen where goodies were prepared for gatherings. Your guide will also point out other historical buildings on the property and take you into the Moravian Museum and Archives, a true treasure trove of historical artifacts. In the gift shop you can buy an iconic Moravian star.

Recognized as the largest horological collection in North America, this museum is home to thousands of timepieces and time-related items. The museum's location isn't random: Columbia has had a long clockmaking and watchmaking tradition. In the museum, you'll see early sundials and water clocks; a German Black Forest organ clock with 94 pipes; moon-phase wristwatches; and other timekeeping devices from around the world.

This giant indoor-outdoor market, only open on Friday, is an oddball mash-up of Amish snack bars, smoked meat and preserves purveyors, bric-a-brac, tools, toys, and everything in between, including the kitchen sink. There are separate auctions of furniture, hay, and small farm animals. As the website states, there's a "carnival atmosphere" like no other.

This is a one-stop spot for exploring the history of chocolate and how it's made. The attractions are many, including a free 30-minute chocolate factory tour ride; Unwrapped, an interactive theatrical performance with chocolate tasting kit; and Create Your Own Candy Bar (additional fee). It's also the starting point for Hershey Trolley Works, which offers historical tours of the town and landmarks relevant to Milton Hershey. The largest Hershey store in the world is here, and there's also an extensive chocolate-themed food court (think milkshakes and s'mores).

At this designated Lancaster County heritage site, take a guided tour of a replica nine-room Old Order Amish house and attached one-room schoolhouse. Along the way, you'll learn about Amish culture, clothing, and day-to-day life. The Super-Saver Tour Package ($47.95) includes a 90-minute mini-shuttle tour; a guided tour of the homestead; and a ticket to see the film Jacob's Choice.

The Amish Experience Theater presents Jacob's Choice, a multimedia production about the history and culture of the Amish people. Multiple screens, three-dimensional sets, and special effects make the show quite engaging. Small children might find some of the effects frightening.

The 40-minute tour of this family-owned farm museum takes you through a 10-room circa-1805 house furnished in the Old Order Amish style, and another tour takes you through a one-room schoolhouse. You can explore the grounds on your own to see a waterwheel, lime kiln, and working artisans such as blacksmiths and farriers. Farm animals and Amish scooters entertain the kids, and van tours are on offer; some include a farm visit. 

This 12-acre historic homestead offers guided tours of an authentically furnished 1840 home and one-room schoolhouse. The property includes a barn with farm animals, blacksmith shop, simulated smokehouse, and market. There are outdoor picnic grounds when the weather permits, and shuttle-bus tours of the area are also available.

This 1,700-square-foot display of Lancaster County in miniature has 22 model trains, mainly O-gauge, with 150 animated figures in scenes such as an Amish barn raising, a three-ring circus, and a blazing house fire with fire engines. Periodically, the overhead lights dim and the scene turns to night, with streetlights and locomotive headlights glowing in the darkness.

The David Wills House is where Abraham Lincoln stayed and completed his Gettysburg Address on November 18, 1863. The restored building features seven galleries, including the bedroom where Lincoln slept and worked on the final versions of his speech, as well as the office of Wills, a prominent lawyer who was a leading force behind the creation of the national cemetery.

This museum includes the restored 18th-century home, studio, and garden of Charles Demuth (1883–1935), one of America's first modernist artists, who lived in the city of Lancaster for most of his life. A watercolorist, Demuth found inspiration in the geometric shapes of machines and modern technology, as well as the flowers in his mother's garden. Items from the 42-piece collection of Demuth's works are displayed on a rotating basis; one gallery is dedicated to changing exhibits of regional and national artists. Next door is the now-shuttered Demuth Tobacco Shop, which dates to 1770.

A self-proclaimed "Kingdom for Kids," this 44-acre amusement park features rides and activities suited for families with younger children. Most rides, such as the roller coaster, merry-go-round, and giant slide, are quite tame. The adjacent water park (no separate admission), Duke's Lagoon, is open weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the park is open for its "Dutch Winter Wonderland," with holiday-themed rides and a light show. The Cartoon Network Hotel is next door; hotel guests get special park admission discounts and early access to the park and rides.

The farm residence of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who bought it in 1950, was a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. The property adjoins the battlefield and the brick-and-stone farmhouse is preserved in 1950s style. Free home tours are conducted Thursday through Sunday, and seasonal walking tours of the farm are offered once a week.

This museum presents the story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg through artifacts, a 20-minute film, 3D videos and photos, and interactive displays. At the front desk, you can book battlefield tours (for a fee) by Victorian carriage, horseback, electric bike, or foot. Costumed guides lead 90-minute walking tours of the town (also for a fee).

Also known as Soldiers' National Cemetery, this is the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers who died on the battlefield. Dedicated by President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address, the cemetery is also where some 3,000 veterans of subsequent conflicts were laid to rest. A stroll through the beautiful grounds past row after row of white grave markers is a sobering reminder of the cost of war. 

Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 with a single 3½-acre plot of roses, and over eight decades has grown to include 11 theme gardens on 23 landscaped acres. Home to more than 3,500 rosebushes and 20,000 tulips, the gardens come to life in spring as thousands of bulbs burst into bloom. Flowering displays last until fall, when late roses open. The year-round Butterfly Atrium hosts hundreds of pollinators from around the world, and don't miss the chocolate-themed Children's Garden. A garden shop is on-site.

This multimedia experience features the life and work of Milton S. Hershey, who founded the town bearing his name—and just about everything in it. On display is a working Hershey Kiss wrapping machine plus other memorabilia from the company's long history. A highlight is the Chocolate Lab, which offers hands-on workshops (for a fee). The Pantry Cafe sells tasting flights of hot chocolates from around the world as well as light fare.

Just outside the gates of Hersheypark, Chocolatetown greets visitors with a gentle amusement-style ride through the chocolate-making process. The Hyperdeck virtual reality experience transports you away from all things chocolate; outside is the 1919 Carrousel with 66 hand-carved wooden horses and Candymonium, Hersheypark's tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster. The year-round eateries include a full-service restaurant, ice cream parlor, and confectionery shop that all focus on chocolate (Heath Bar–crusted salmon, anyone?).

The caverns are a tranquil change of pace from theme-park action, offering guided walking tours of ancient limestone caves and their formations. Historians believe that Native Americans used the caves as shelter from harsh weather. The temperature inside is naturally at 52°F year-round, so bring a sweater. The caverns are not handicap accessible, and strollers are not allowed. There's a gift shop with gemstones and souvenirs, a petting barnyard, and a picnic area.

In 1861, pretzel maker Julius Sturgis opened America's first pretzel bakery. These days, the original site, a stone house on the National Register of Historic Places, operates guided tours and a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting. An on-site bakeshop has souvenirs and fresh pretzels. Tours with lessons are by appointment only.

The modern architecture of this museum belies the deep collection of Lancaster County artifacts within. Exhibits illuminate the history of Lancaster County going back 350 years. Furniture, tools, crafts, and Native American objects are on display. On the grounds, the peaceful Tanger Arboretum features 250 kinds of trees. Also on the grounds is Wheatland, the home of President James Buchanan, which you see up close on a tour run by LancasterHistory.

This small but first-rate museum about Mennonite history and culture has exhibits of furniture, needlework, tools, and photographs. The highlight of the center is a reproduction of the tabernacle carried by the Hebrews on their journey through the wilderness; a 35-minute multimedia presentation tells the story. There is also an extensive bookstore and a gift shop selling international crafts. Don't miss the Fraktur—elaborate, usually illustrated, works of Gothic calligraphy on paper (think needlework samplers).