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An overview of the Pennsylvania Dutch County

Then enjoy our diverse attractions for all ages, our world famous stage shows, incredible dining, fantastic shopping opportunities, and comfortable accommodations. Our hospitality welcomes over five million people each year. So, why not bring your family orClick for Lancaster, Pennsylvania Weather Forecast group for a weekend or week-long getaway to a whole different world...the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Amish BuggySure, we have our busy streets and highways. But once you turn off the main roads, you'll experience the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that draws so many urban and suburban dwellers back here year after year. Quiet, rolling farmlands dotted with windwheels and teams of horses or mules. So peaceful and relaxing.

Bird-In-HandThe city of Lancaster is the county seat and hub of Lancaster County. It has an interesting history and character. But so do the many smaller towns and villages spread throughout the county. Towns like Strasburg, Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, and Paradise. These villages have retained their own distinctive character and individuality.

Strasburg Rail RoadThis 'Amish Country' is far more than just the Amish. Visitors are surprised to find out how diverse this area really is. We have attractions and entertainment for all ages and interests. Nestled in among the Amish farms and our country villages are activities just waiting to be discovered!

And there's more. You can tour a former Amish schoolhouse, enjoy challenging miniature golf or waterslides, go tubing down a quiet country river, visit an outdoor petting zoo, and bicycle through the Amish farmlands. Experience the fantasy of bygone days and knights at one of the Top 100 Events In America, as selected by the American Bus Association and relive toy train displays like those you enjoyed as a child.

This is just skimming the surface. Come and explore all the attractions awaiting you here in the Dutch Country.

Here, too, you will find numerous state and local museums and historic sites dating back to the 1700's. From the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America to the home of a former U.S. president, you'll find much to explore. All are open to the public, and some offer costumed tour guides. You'll also find some notable sites not nearly so old, such as the farm and the hardware store John Book (Harrison Ford) visited in the Paramount movie, "Witness".

Farmers markets here offer a pleasurable, down-home flavor of the Dutch Country. Throughout this area you'll also find many roadside stands offering a variety of home grown vegetables, freshly baked pastries and desserts, and handmade craft items.

Due to the agricultural productivity of this area, one of the most popular attractions here is the food. The local restaurants and markets offer foods that have that fresh-from-the-farm goodness. Be sure to savor delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, whether it's smorgasbord, family style, or menu dining. Local favorites include chicken pot pie and chow chow. For dessert, don't forget a fresh slice of shoofly pie, a Dutch Country favorite! And you can take home some freshly made pretzels, which were first introduced to America right here in Lancaster County.

The Dutch Country has a number of local wineries that offer visitors entertaining tours of their facilities. These tours are capped off with free sampling of their home-grown products. Some even celebrate the traditional Octoberfest, complete with oom-pa-pa bands and dancing. You can even tour the site of one of the oldest breweries in Lancaster County, then enjoy a delicious meal served in their vault 40 feet underground!

Gift ShopSouvenirs are a part of every vacation trip. But you'll find more than touristy souvenirs here. The work ethic and reputation of local craftsmen has brought special recognition for quality and design of products made in Lancaster County. When you're visiting our retailers, you'll find a broad spectrum of quality merchandise, including quilts, craft items, hex signs, fine furniture, antiques, and much more.

This area has also developed a reputation for factory outlet shopping -- over 240 factory outlet stores featuring name brands and quality merchandise prices at reduced prices.

Finally, after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, you can settle back for a good night's sleep with our fresh country air and our comfortable accommodations. Here, you'll find major lodging chains, quality independent properties, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds that have earned national recognition. Around here they are anxious to serve up heaping portions of Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality.