One of the area's myriad breakaway religious sects established this community in 1732; despite celibacy vows and infighting, it lasted until 1934. Now it has an almost ghost-town feel. You can walk around alone, but ideally join a tour (included with admission) to see inside all of the buildings.
Ephrata Cloister
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
13.97 MILES
Set over nearly 18 acres, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has 100 gigantic mechanical marvels to climb around and admire. Combo tickets are available…
7.88 MILES
Based on an 18th-century village, this open-air museum is the best way to get an overview of early Pennsylvania Dutch culture, and Mennonite culture in…
13.64 MILES
Let's be clear: you can have never touched a toy train in your life and still love this odd little museum. The push-button interactive dioramas are so up…
14.56 MILES
The 1719 Hans Herr House is generally regarded as the oldest original Mennonite meeting house in the western hemisphere. Today, the property displays…
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
22.03 MILES
Once eastern woodland, then the site of an early American 'iron plantation,' Hopewell is a fascinating historical detour. Pick among the ruins and…
11.64 MILES
At this art museum you'll find art and objects d'art sourced from across different eras of American history, plus Soviet recruitment posters and Arabic…
6.27 MILES
The first commercial pretzels in America were made here starting in 1861 – and back then pretzel-making was a coveted and high-paying job. You can try…
20.23 MILES
The woods that blanket the Schuylkill Highlands constitute the largest contiguous forest between Washington, DC, and New York City. Within the 7730…
Nearby Pennsylvania Dutch Country attractions
1. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
6.27 MILES
The first commercial pretzels in America were made here starting in 1861 – and back then pretzel-making was a coveted and high-paying job. You can try…
7.88 MILES
Based on an 18th-century village, this open-air museum is the best way to get an overview of early Pennsylvania Dutch culture, and Mennonite culture in…
3. American Military Edged Weaponry Museum
10.89 MILES
This oddball little museum appeals to a very specific demographic: people are who are into swords and knives, particularly American swords and knives…
4. Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society
10.93 MILES
The small museum here displays beautiful glass and woodwork, along with the story of how Mennonites established themselves in this area. There's a well…
11.64 MILES
At this art museum you'll find art and objects d'art sourced from across different eras of American history, plus Soviet recruitment posters and Arabic…
11.7 MILES
The Modernist painter Charles Demuth and his family had deep ties to Lancaster. His work is grounded in an expansive regionalism and can be found…
7. North Museum of Nature & Science
11.91 MILES
This cute little museum is mainly of interest to families with kids, who will have a great time romping through exhibits on geology, dinosaurs, and…
8. Lancaster Historical Society
12.27 MILES
The museum of the Lancaster Historical Society takes a deep dive into regional history, crafts and culture. Your ticket gets you a guided tour of…