Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
Relive the Civil War's most famous battle at this vast historic site. Explore over 3,500 acres of hallowed ground and learn about the significant events that took place.
- Historic Significance: Provides a deep understanding of the American Civil War's turning point
- Guided Tours: Offers insightful guided tours for visitors to fully appreciate the history
- Monumental Landscape: Features over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials commemorating the battle's participants
2. Hershey Park
Enjoy a fun-filled family weekend at this chocolate-themed amusement park. Ride thrilling roller coasters, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in sweet treats.
- Chocolate-Themed Attractions: Offers unique rides and experiences based on Hershey's famous chocolate
- Thrilling Roller Coasters: Boasts some of the most exciting roller coasters in the region
- Family-Friendly Activities: Provides a variety of activities suitable for all ages
3. Lancaster Central Market
Experience America's oldest continuously operated farmers' market. Browse stalls offering fresh produce, local goods, and traditional Amish food.
- Local Produce: Offers a vast selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products
- Amish Cuisine: Features traditional Amish food such as whoopie pies, shoofly pie, and scrapple
- Artisanal Goods: Showcases artisanal products including handcrafted jewelry, quilts, and furniture
4. Strasburg Rail Road
Step back in time on a vintage steam train ride. Enjoy a scenic journey through the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside.
- Vintage Steam Trains: Rides are pulled by authentic, historic steam locomotives
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and small towns
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including Strasburg and Ronks
5. Dutch Wonderland
Enter a kingdom of fun for families with young children. Ride kid-friendly attractions, enjoy live entertainment, and cool off in Duquesa's Kingdom water park.
- Kid-Friendly Attractions: Features rides and activities suitable for children under 12
- Water Park: Offers water attractions to help families cool off on hot days
- Live Entertainment: Features live shows and parades throughout the day
6. Lancaster County Balloon Rides
Experience the beauty of Lancaster from above on a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy panoramic views of the rolling countryside and picturesque towns.
- Breathtaking Views: Provides stunning, bird's-eye views of Lancaster County
- Peaceful Experience: Offers a serene, relaxing experience for small groups
- Customizable Flights: Allows for customizable flight paths and times to suit your schedule
7. Lancaster County Countryside
Explore the picturesque Lancaster countryside on a scenic drive or bike ride. Admire the rolling hills, farmland, and quaint Amish communities.
- Scenic Drives: Offers numerous picturesque routes for leisurely drives
- Bike Trails: Features bike trails that wind through the countryside and small towns
- Amish Communities: Provides an opportunity to observe Amish life and culture
8. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Enjoy a fun-filled day of farm activities for the whole family. Pick your own fruits and vegetables, enjoy corn mazes, and take a hayride.
- Pick-Your-Own Produce: Allows visitors to pick their own fruits, vegetables, and pumpkins
- Corn Mazes: Features challenging corn mazes for all ages
- Hayrides: Offers scenic hayride tours through the farm
9. Rockvale Mansion
Step into history at this elegant 18th-century mansion. Tour the historic home and grounds, and learn about the life of the wealthy Rockafeller family.
- Historic Mansion: Provides a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy Rockafeller family
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by costumed interpreters
- Gardens and Grounds: Features beautiful gardens and grounds for leisurely strolls
10. Turkey Hill Experience
Discover the history of America's favorite iced tea brand at this interactive museum. Learn about the production process and taste over 60 varieties of teas.
- Iced Tea History: Provides an in-depth look into the history of Turkey Hill Iced Tea
- Tasting Room: Offers visitors a chance to taste over 60 varieties of teas
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience
11. Lancaster Maritime Museum
Explore the maritime history of Lancaster County at this engaging museum. Learn about the region's rich shipbuilding and sailing traditions.
- Maritime History: Provides an in-depth look into Lancaster's maritime past
- Ship Models: Features intricate ship models and artifacts
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience
12. Renfrew Museum and Park
Step back in time at this historic estate. Explore the Georgian mansion, visit the working gristmill, and wander through the beautiful gardens.
- Historic Mansion: Provides a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy Renfrew family
- Working Gristmill: Allows visitors to observe the process of grinding grain into flour
- Gardens and Grounds: Features beautiful gardens and grounds for leisurely strolls
13. York County Rail Trail State Park
Enjoy a scenic bike ride or walk through York County's picturesque countryside. The trail passes by charming small towns and historic sites.
- Scenic Trails: Offers beautiful, serene trails for biking and walking
- Small Towns: Provides opportunities to explore charming small towns along the way
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including York and Wrightsville
14. Susquehanna State Park
Escape to nature at this beautiful state park. Hike through the picturesque Susquehanna River Valley and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding hills.
- Nature Escapes: Provides opportunities for peaceful, natural retreats
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails along the Susquehanna River
- Scenic Viewpoints: Features numerous viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the valley and hills
15. Choo-Choo Barn
Marvel at this incredible model railroad exhibit featuring over 200 handcrafted structures. Watch as trains travel through the detailed landscapes.
- Model Railroad Exhibit: Showcases an amazing model railroad exhibit with over 200 handcrafted structures
- Detailed Landscapes: Features intricate, realistic landscapes for the trains to travel through
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience