Lancaster County Day-to-Day Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 of Things To Do in Lancaster County
Lancaster County is the first and oldest settlement of the Amish in the United States. The Plain community is a keystone of the culture in the area. Learn about this interesting religious subculture and their simple way of life at one of our interpretive experiences, like The Amish Farm & House or The Amish Experience. Both have incredibly knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and provide an authentic look into the Amish lifestyle and culture. Enjoy a relaxing and educational trip through rolling farmland with a step-on guide and make stops at Amish-owned businesses.
Your group can enjoy a slow afternoon behind the hooves of a horse and buggy as you travel like the Amish do. Your driver will answer questions and steer your buggy to Amish farms and through scenic back roads. Visit AAA Buggy Rides or Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides for this authentic and immersive experience.
After a full day of touring, fill your hungry bellies with classic Pennsylvania Dutch-style fare with a stick-to-your-ribs meal at one of our many smorgasbords or buffets. Try Miller’s Smorgasbord, Hershey Farm Resort Grand Smorgasbord, or Shady Maple Smorgasbord for a meal that is sure to satisfy the whole group. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert…try a whoopie pie or a slice of shoofly pie (or both!) Check into your group-friendly hotel for some well-deserved beauty sleep. Lancaster County has more than 8,500 overnight rooms throughout the county, so you’re sure to find a stay to fit your group’s needs and budget.
Day 2 of Lancaster Attractions
Time to shop till you drop! Try Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the United States. Group favorites also include the Tanger Outlets center with name-brand deals and Kitchen Kettle Village, a boutique shopping village with more than 40 unique shopping and dining outlets. Freshen up before a night at the theater, with options ranging from dinner theatres to unique magic shows to Amish-centric storylines to Broadway-caliber productions in a historic theater. A group favorite is Sight & Sound Theatres, where stories from the Bible are brought to life on a massive stage.
Day 3
Your last day in Lancaster is a history buff’s dream! Start the morning with a tour of our 15th President, James Buchanan’s Federal-style mansion, Wheatland. Lancaster History will be opening the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy in 2026, which will explore the struggle for freedom and equality in America through interactive exhibits and immersive media experiences.
Journey through the picturesque farmland on a 45-minute ride aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, the oldest short-line railroad in the United States. Finish your visit to Lancaster County on a sweet note with a visit to Turkey Hill Experience, where the young and old can learn how ice cream is made, and even make your own flavor in their taste lab!
