Discovering Amish Country in Lancaster, PA: A Journey into Simplicity and Tradition
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is home to the oldest and largest Amish settlement in the United States. With its rolling farmland, horse-drawn buggies, and hand-crafted goods, this region offers a rare opportunity to step into a world where simplicity, faith, and community are central to everyday life. Whether you’re seeking quiet countryside charm or immersive cultural experiences, Amish Country in Lancaster delivers both.
Understanding the Amish Way of Life
The Amish are a group known for their “Plain” lifestyle, which emphasizes humility, hard work, and separation from modern conveniences. In Lancaster, tens of thousands of Amish residents live without electricity, cars, or digital technology, choosing instead to focus on family, farming, and faith. Visitors are often struck by the peaceful pace and the beauty of handcrafted living.
Top Amish Attractions and Tours
1. Amish Farm and House
Located just outside downtown Lancaster, this heritage site offers guided tours of a historic Amish farmhouse, a working farm, and countryside bus tours. It’s ideal for families and first-time visitors.
Explore more at the Amish Farm and House website
2. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm
This immersive attraction includes a guided tour of Amish farmlands, a visit to a one-room schoolhouse, and the “Jacob’s Choice” multimedia presentation.
Details available on The Amish Experience site
3. Abe’s Buggy Rides
Offering private horse-drawn buggy rides through scenic Amish countryside, Abe’s has been a Lancaster staple since 1968.
Learn more at Abe’s Buggy Rides
4. Discover Lancaster’s Amish Guide
For a comprehensive overview of Amish culture, events, and seasonal experiences like mud sales, visit Discover Lancaster’s Amish page
5. LancasterPA.com’s Amish Attractions List
This curated guide includes over 17 Amish attractions, from quilt shops and furniture makers to authentic meals in Amish homes.
Browse the full list on LancasterPA.com
What to Expect
- Scenic Drives: Wind through backroads dotted with farms, roadside stands, and covered bridges.
- Handmade Goods: Shop for quilts, furniture, baked goods, and crafts made by Amish artisans.
- Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy hearty Pennsylvania Dutch meals at local restaurants or in Amish homes.
- Respectful Tourism: Photography of Amish individuals is discouraged; visitors are asked to be mindful of cultural boundaries.
Lancaster’s Amish Country isn’t just a destination—it’s a chance to reflect on a different way of life. Whether you’re exploring by buggy, browsing hand-stitched quilts, or sharing a meal with an Amish family, the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
All Aboard!
Lancaster county is also home to many Railroad themed attractions, including the Strasburg Rail Road, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and many other attractions, making Lancaster an excellent place to visit and even spend a night or two to fully experience everything to do.
