Best things to do in Lancaster

Discover the Amish way of life at The Amish Farm and House, a 200-year-old estate providing insight into one of the country's most private communities. The working farm sits on 6 hectares (15 acres) that were part of a 1715 land grant made by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. The farm's walking paths lead to a blacksmith's shop, milk house, school, and a covered bridge, giving you a chance to see how a real Amish farm functions on a daily basis. The historic farmhouse, built in 1805, displays furnishings of a modern Amish home. Check online for coupons and available tour packages; you can combine countryside bus tours with guided farm visits.

The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a 100-acre living history museum located on the site of a former rural crossroads village in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded by brothers Henry K. Landis and George Landis in 1925 and incorporated in 1941, it is now operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Its staff and volunteers collect, conserve, exhibit, and interpret Pennsylvania German material, culture, history and heritage from 1740 through 1940.

Located on the site of one of the bloodiest episodes in American history, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the landscape of the historic 1863 battle between the Union and Confederate forces. Though the battle resulted in the largest number of casualties in the entire American Civil War, it became the turning point of the dramatic conflict when the Union army turned back the Confederate attempt to invade the North. The military park contains most of the original battlefield, as well as many support areas, including the supply and hospital locations. Start your exploration at the park's museum and visitor center, where you can see over 40,000 war artifacts and an enormous cyclorama painting of the battle by French artist Paul Philippoteaux.

One of the United States' premier botanical gardens, Longwood Gardens spans over 436 hectares (1,077 acres) and is home to 11,000 different types of plants and trees. The Longwood conservatory hosts 20 indoor gardens, with one of the world’s most impressive greenhouse structures. The greenhouse spans 0.8 km (0.5 mi) and boasts an array of colorful plants from around the world. Outside, the chimes tower and waterfall and the Italian water garden make fantastic places to sit and relax. End your visit with a cup of coffee and a pastry at The Lodge, where you can enjoy superb views of Longwood.

Wheatland, or the James Buchanan House, is a brick, Federal style house outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster Township, Lancaster County. It was formerly owned by the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan.
The house was constructed in 1828 by William Jenkins, a local lawyer. It was sold to William M. Meredith in 1841. Wheatland changed hands again in 1848, when it was purchased by Buchanan. Buchanan occupied the house for the next two decades, except for several years during his ambassadorship in Great Britain and during his presidency. After his death in 1868, Wheatland was inherited by Buchanan's niece, Harriet Lane, who sold it in 1881 to George Willson. It was inherited by a relative of Willson's in 1929. Wheatland was put up for sale again after the relative died in 1934 and was acquired by a group of people who set up a foundation for the purpose of preserving the house. Wheatland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. It was designated a contributing property to the Northeast Lancaster Township Historic District in 1980. The foundation and the adjacent historical society merged in 2009.

The imitation stone facade of Dutch Wonderland was built by a potato farmer in 1963. The park has 34 rides and Duke's Lagoon water park, as well as shows and games for children. The Kingdom Coaster and Joust roller coasters are favorites, along with the traditional carnival rides, such as bumper cars. For a glimpse of the past, visit Exploration Island, which is home to 15 early animatronic dinosaurs that growl and bow as you walk the Prehistoric Path.

Historic Rock Ford or the General Edward Hand House is an historic house in southeastern Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Although the property is surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park, it is privately owned and operated by the Rock Ford Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 21, 1976. Edward Hand was an adjutant general to George Washington during the American Revolutionary War.

Open since 1937, Hershey Gardens features 9.3 ha (23 ac) of flowers, trees, shrubs, and butterflies. Stroll 11 themed gardens, such as the rose garden with 5,600 roses, the seasonal garden with 30,000 flowers, and the herb garden with medicinal, aromatic, household, culinary, and dye-making plants. You can take a moment for reflection at the Japanese reflective pond set in a field of giant sequoias and exotic plants. You'll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of butterflies, and have the chance to observe their typical life cycle, at the butterfly house. For the youngest visitors, an area of 32 themed gardens offers an array of interactive programs and activities, hiding spots, play areas, and learning opportunities.