PA Counties

18 Must-See Attractions in Lancaster County

Rusty Glessner

A collage of images from Lancaster County PA.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania highlighting the location of Lancaster County.

The county was formed in 1729 and is named in honor of Lancashire in England.

Lancaster County’s large Amish population and Amish-themed attractions are a major tourist attraction.

An Amish farmer, dressed in traditional attire with a straw hat, is working the fields with a team of six horses pulling a plow. In the background, there are several large, white barns, a greenhouse, and two silos, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear, blue sky. The scene is typical of the rural landscape near Intercourse in Lancaster County, PA.

So too are the county’s numerous railroad-themed attractions.

The image depicts the front entrance of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County. The museum's façade is modern with a central clock tower topped with a weathervane. A large graphic of a classic steam locomotive adorns the front above the main entrance, which is flanked by posters and red canopies. The entrance is marked with a bold red sign reading "Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania." The setting is sunny with a clear blue sky, and there's a tranquil grassy area in front of the building, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of railroading housed within.

From museums and historic sites to farmers markets and railroad-themed experiences, here are 18 of the best things to see and do in Lancaster County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

A scenic photo of a farm in Lancaster County, PA, near the Red Caboose Motel. The image captures a sprawling farmland with a large barn and several silos. The foreground features a partially plowed field, while the midground showcases green pastures and a fenced area. The barn is surrounded by trees and additional farm buildings. In the background, a picturesque sunset with a pink and orange sky enhances the serene rural landscape. A windmill is also visible to the right of the barn, adding to the rustic charm of the scene.

1. The Strasburg Railroad

The Strasburg Railroad offers scenic sightseeing excursions through the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country, pulled by majestic steam locomotives.

A collage of 5 photos showing scenes from the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, PA.

2. The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon Farmers Market in Ephrata was named “The Best Farmers Market in America” by USA Today, and has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists since its establishment in 1932.

Collage of four photos showcasing the Green Dragon Farmers Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The first image displays the entrance sign for the market, indicating its hours of operation. The second image shows Amish vendors organizing baked goods, including various breads and cakes. The third image captures fresh produce such as broccoli and cherries at a vendor's stall. The fourth image features the outdoor vendor area bustling with people browsing through a variety of stalls offering diverse products. The collage highlights the lively atmosphere and wide range of goods available at the market.

3. The Burning Bridge Antiques Market

The Burning Bridge Antiques Market in Lancaster County is a three-story, 24,000-square-foot antique store in Columbia, featuring over 200 vendors.

A collage of four photos showcasing different aspects of the Burning Bridge Antiques Market in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows the exterior of the market, a brick building with striped awnings and large display windows. The top right image captures a long aisle inside the market, lined with wooden furniture, shelves, and various antiques. The bottom left image features a section dedicated to vinyl records, with walls covered in album covers and crates filled with records, along with neon beer signs adding a retro feel. The bottom right image displays a detailed aisle filled with glass cases containing collectibles and vintage items, highlighting the market's extensive and diverse offerings from over 200 vendors.

4. The Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister is a state historic site that was originally home to a distinctive religious community established in 1732 by German immigrant and spiritual mystic Johann Conrad Beissel.

A collage of four photos from the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a historical marker and a white clapboard building with a cupola. The top right image features mannequins dressed in traditional cloister attire in a museum exhibit. The bottom left image displays a large, multi-story wooden building with dormer windows, surrounded by trees and a grassy area. The bottom right image depicts an interior room with a wooden table, bench, and a framed piece of calligraphy on the wall, showcasing the simple living quarters.

5. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg was established to chronicle the history of railroading in the Keystone State, through the preservation of rolling stock, artifacts, and archives from various railroad companies.

This collage from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, showcases a variety of exhibits that highlight the rich history and technological evolution of rail transport. The first image features a weathered black steam locomotive displayed outdoors, illustrating the grandeur and complexity of early 20th-century railway engineering. The second image highlights a bright blue Conrail diesel locomotive, a representation of modern advancements in rail technology, housed within the spacious interior of the museum. The third image captures a vibrant yellow Fruit Growers Express refrigerated boxcar accompanied by a vintage black truck, demonstrating the historical logistics of perishable goods transportation. The final image displays the museum’s entrance sign, set against the backdrop of the museum's contemporary architecture and inviting green landscape, providing visitors with directions and accessibility information. Together, these images encapsulate the diverse attractions and educational opportunities available at the museum, celebrating the legacy of railroads in Pennsylvania.

6. Chickies Rock

Chickies Rock is one of the most popular scenic overlooks along the eastern side of the Susquehanna River, a towering rock outcropping more than 100 feet above the river.

Exploring Chickies Rock Overlook in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

7. The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle Overlook, often referred to simply as “The Pinnacle”, is located just north of the Holtwood Dam in Lancaster County, on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River.

Exploring Pinnacle Overlook at Susquehannock State Park in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

8. Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall in Lancaster County spans 26,000 square feet and boasts an impressive selection of antiques and collectibles.

A collage of four photos taken at the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall in Lancaster County, PA. The first photo shows the large, red roadside sign for the antique mall under a bright blue sky. The second photo features a collection of vintage blow mold holiday decorations, including pilgrims, a turkey, reindeer, and other festive characters. The third photo highlights vintage Star Wars glassware with detailed illustrations of characters from "The Empire Strikes Back." The fourth photo captures a brightly lit aisle filled with display cases showcasing various collectibles, including vintage toys and memorabilia, in an organized layout.

9. The Red Caboose Motel

The Red Caboose Motel near Strasburg features over 40 vintage cabooses and train cars that have been repurposed into retro motel rooms.

A collage of four photos taken at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a red caboose labeled "Southern" with a red SUV parked in front of it. The top right image features two rows of colorful cabooses, including blue, yellow, and red ones, lined up on either side of a driveway. The bottom left image depicts the interior of a cozy motel room with a bed, table, and chair. The bottom right image showcases a sign for the Red Caboose Motel with a yellow caboose in the background. The Red Caboose Motel includes over 40 cabooses and train cars converted into retro motel rooms.

10. The National Clock and Watch Museum

The National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia houses the most extensive collection of horological (time-keeping) artifacts in North America.

A collage of four photos taken at the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows an exhibit of early mechanical clocks, including a large white clock face with Roman numerals and intricate mechanisms. The top right image is the exterior of the museum, featuring a neoclassical design with four large white columns and a traditional street clock in front. The bottom left image displays a unique locomotive-shaped clock with intricate details, housed in a glass display case. The bottom right image shows a collection of wall and floor clocks, each with unique designs and intricate woodwork, alongside a glass case containing smaller clocks and horological instruments. The collage highlights the diverse and extensive collection of timepieces at the museum.

11. The National Toy Train Museum

The National Toy Train Museum near Strasburg houses one of the world’s largest publicly exhibited collections of toy trains and accessories.

A collage of four photos taken at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the museum's entrance, featuring a glass building with an "OPEN" flag and a sign indicating various museum sections. The top right image captures a vibrant model train layout with an orange passenger train, a central station, and various surrounding accessories. The bottom left image displays a detailed model train layout with mountainous terrain, bridges, and multiple trains running on tracks, along with shelves filled with model trains in the background. The bottom right image showcases an "American Flyer" exhibit, highlighting a variety of model trains and accessories on a realistic train layout.

12. The Choo Choo Barn

The Choo Choo Barn is a 1,700-square-foot train display featuring 22 operating trains and over 150 hand-built animated figures, making it one of the largest model railroad layouts in Pennsylvania.

A collage of four photos taken at the Choo Choo Barn in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a wide-angle view of the extensive model train display featuring a circus tent, carousel, and various detailed miniature scenes. The top right image captures the display at night with the lights dimmed, creating a magical ambiance with illuminated buildings and train tracks. The bottom left image depicts a snowy mountain landscape with a moving gondola lift, detailed buildings, and vehicles on a winding road. The bottom right image shows the exterior of the Choo Choo Barn building, complete with a colorful children's train display and picnic tables, set against a scenic countryside backdrop.

13. Barry’s Car Barn

Barry’s Car Barn in Intercourse is a classic car museum focusing primarily on American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

A collage of four photos showcasing Barry's Car Barn in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a blue Shelby AC Cobra and a row of classic muscle cars in various colors. The top right photo shows an indoor exhibit with a collection of vintage Corvettes and retro automotive signs from brands like Texaco and Gulf. The bottom left photo displays a row of colorful classic cars, including a red 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, set against a backdrop of nostalgic memorabilia. The bottom right photo captures the exterior of Barry's Car Barn, a white barn-style building with vintage Gulf and Texaco signs, surrounded by a grassy area and a clear blue sky. The museum highlights American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

14. Hawk Point

Hawk Point Overlook in Lancaster County offers visitors panoramic views of the lower Susquehanna River and the surrounding area from a vantage point at Susquehannock State Park.

Exploring Hawk Point Overlook at Susquehannock State Park in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

15. The Strasburg Antique Market

The Strasburg Antique Market in Lancaster County, spanning three floors and covering 15,000 square feet features over 70 dealers, each presenting a unique array of treasures.

A collage of four photos highlighting different aspects of the Strasburg Antique Market. The top left image features the exterior of the restored 1898 tobacco warehouse, showcasing its modern white facade and inviting entrance. The top right image shows an aisle lined with glass display cases filled with vintage Halloween decorations and various collectibles. The bottom left image captures a room filled with vintage military memorabilia, toy trucks, and pottery, all displayed in a well-lit space with wooden floors and beams. The bottom right image depicts a bustling aisle with vintage clothing, decorative plates, and patriotic memorabilia, illustrating the market's diverse and eclectic selection of antiques.

16. The Old Mill Antique Store

Open in Strasburg since 1978, the Old Mill Antique Store offers a treasure trove of high-end, quality antique furniture and collectibles.

A collage of four photos taken at the Old Mill Antique Store in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows the store's exterior, featuring a historic brick building with a white extension and a vintage pickup truck parked outside. The top right photo displays a collection of vintage dirt bikes and motorcycles set against a brick wall adorned with posters and vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling. The bottom left photo captures an eclectic array of collectibles and decor items, including kitchenware, a deer head mount, a mannequin, and various decorative pieces, all arranged in a cozy display. The bottom right photo shows the store's interior filled with a variety of antique furniture, including sofas, chairs, and tables, with vintage bicycles and chairs hanging from the ceiling, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.

17. Shupp’s Grove Flea Market

Shupp’s Grove Flea Market in Adamstown offers an unusual shopping experience where vendors set up their tents and booths under the canopy of towering trees, creating a serene and shaded atmosphere that makes shopping feel more like a leisurely stroll through a nature park.

A collage of four photos highlighting different aspects of Shupps Grove Flea Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows vendor tents with a variety of vintage furniture, bicycles, and other collectibles displayed outside, set in a tree-filled area. The top right image captures a section of the market where tables are covered with a range of items, including jewelry and small antiques, under the shade of tall trees. The bottom left photo offers an inside view of a vendor tent, showcasing neatly organized tables filled with glassware, wooden items, and various other antiques. The bottom right image features the market's entrance sign, celebrating its 40th anniversary and advertising a theme week focused on political memorabilia. The collage reflects the unique, wooded, park-like setting and eclectic offerings of this flea market, which has been a beloved destination since 1962.

18. Renninger’s Antique Market

Renninger’s Antique Market in Adamstown is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts and early risers alike, featuring both an indoor antique mall and an outdoor flea market.

A collage of four photos taken at Renningers Antique Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, showcasing different aspects of the market. The top left image captures the bustling interior of the indoor antique mall, with rows of glass cases filled with collectibles and vendors attending to customers. The top right photo highlights an outdoor section of the flea market, with vendors displaying a variety of items including vintage clothing and collectibles on tables under the open sky. The bottom left image provides a view inside one of the covered pavilions at the flea market, where tables are filled with an eclectic mix of antiques, toys, and household items. The bottom right photo shows the entrance sign of Renningers Antique Market, welcoming visitors and listing the market's offerings, which include antiques, retro items, and pop culture collectibles.

Nearby Attractions

Longwood Gardens in neighboring Chester County is a horticultural paradise that happens to be one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world.

A collage of four photos from Longwood Gardens: The top left image shows the Main Fountain Garden with an elegant staircase and manicured hedges. The top right image captures the Italian Water Garden with symmetrical pools and a tall central fountain. The bottom left image features the lush conservatory with hanging plants and vibrant flowers. The bottom right image depicts a colorful flower-lined brick walkway in the Lakes District.

The Northern Central Railway offers sightseeing excursions through the picturesque landscape of southern York County, using both a replica 1860s steam locomotive and a 1959 GP9 diesel engine to pull the trains.

Collage of four photos taken at the Northern Central Railway of York. Top left: Two steam locomotives, Number 17 and Number 85, are on display in front of the New Freedom Station, with steam billowing into the blue sky. Top right: Number 85 steam locomotive pulls a yellow passenger car and red caboose along the tracks, surrounded by green trees. Bottom left: View from the locomotive showing the train tracks and the adjacent trail, with smoke trailing behind. Bottom right: People standing on the gondola car platform near the E.K. Krebs building, a historic red and white building, as they enjoy the scenic ride.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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