Amish farmland at sunset in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

The Best of
Lancaster PA

Your guide to Amish Country. Discover the best restaurants, tours, attractions, and local businesses in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

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Lancaster County FAQ

What is Lancaster, PA best known for?

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Lancaster County is the heart of Pennsylvania Amish Country — home to one of the oldest and largest Amish settlements in North America, family-style Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States, and the Strasburg Rail Road.

How many days do you need in Lancaster, PA?

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Two full days is the sweet spot: one for Amish Country (a farm tour, buggy ride, and family-style meal) and one for downtown Lancaster, the Strasburg railroad attractions, or Dutch Wonderland. Add a third day in October or if you are seeing a Sight & Sound show.

Is anything open in Lancaster on Sundays?

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Yes, but plan carefully. Most Amish-owned businesses — buggy rides, farm tours, smorgasbords, quilt shops, and roadside stands — close on Sundays. The Strasburg Rail Road, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Dutch Wonderland, and downtown Lancaster restaurants generally stay open.

Can you take photos of the Amish?

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Never photograph Amish people’s faces — it conflicts with their religious beliefs about graven images. Photographing farms, landscapes, and buggies from a respectful distance is fine.

What is the best time of year to visit Lancaster County?

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Late September through mid-October is the most beautiful, with fall foliage over the farmland and harvest season in full swing, though it is also the busiest. May and early June offer nearly the same weather with far fewer crowds, and January through March brings the lowest hotel rates of the year.

About Lancaster County

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — the heart of Amish Country — is home to rolling farmland, covered bridges, and one of the oldest Amish settlements in North America. Known for its authentic Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, Lancaster offers visitors a unique glimpse into a simpler way of life alongside modern attractions and farm-fresh cuisine.

Whether you're seeking an authentic Amish farm tour, looking for family-style Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, or planning a day at Dutch Wonderland with the kids, we've curated the best of what Lancaster County has to offer.