Lancaster County: 10 Amish Country Tours & Experiences For Your Visit
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is home to the largest and best-known Amish community in the country. It’s a place where traditional ways of life thrive alongside the modern world, offering an opportunity for cultural connection.
From buggy rides and farm visits to family dinners and scenic train rides, there’s no shortage of meaningful ways to experience Amish Country. Here are 10 engaging tours and activities that will deepen your understanding of Amish life and the surrounding Lancaster County culture.
1. Amish Farm and House Tour – Lancaster, PA
One of the oldest and most respected Amish-focused attractions in the area, this tour begins with a guided walk through an authentically furnished Amish farmhouse. You’ll learn about day-to-day life, religious customs, and how Amish families function without modern electricity. Outside, you can visit a working farm complete with animals, barns, a blacksmith shop, and even an Amish one-room schoolhouse replica.
- Highlights: Amish schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, livestock
- Best For: First-time visitors and families
- Website: amishfarmandhouse.com
2. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides – Bird-in-Hand, PA
Offering an experience of Amish transportation, these buggy rides take you through peaceful country roads. Some tour options include stops at Amish farms, roadside stands, and quilt shops. The drivers are typically Mennonite or Amish and happy to answer questions, making the experience both scenic and educational. Besides Aaron and Jessica’s there are a number of other providers, including Abe’s Buggy Rides and AAA Buggy Rides.amis
- Highlights: Flexible ride lengths, possible farm visits
- Best For: Families and casual explorers
- Website: amishbuggyrides.com
3. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm – Bird-in-Hand, PA
This multifaceted experience includes a guided tour of an Amish house and schoolroom, a cultural film called Jacob’s Choice, and countryside bus tours with expert narration. You’ll gain valuable context for Amish traditions and family values through storytelling and immersive exhibits.
- Highlights: Live narration, historical film, backroad access
- Best For: Cultural and historical deep dives
- Website: amishexperience.com
4. Kitchen Kettle Village Tasting Tours – Intercourse, PA
Explore Pennsylvania Dutch food and crafts through walking tours of this charming village filled with over 40 local shops. Learn how jams and pickles are made, sample chow chow and shoofly pie, and meet artisans who specialize in everything from leather to fudge. It’s a tasty way to connect with Lancaster County culture.
- Highlights: Tastings, cooking demos, unique gift shopping
- Best For: Foodies and artisan lovers
- Website: kitchenkettle.com
5. Old Windmill Farm – Ronks, PA
This is a hands-on farm tour hosted by an actual Amish family. Visitors are invited to feed calves, gather eggs, ride on a hay wagon, and even help with chores like milking cows. It’s an up-close look into daily farm life that’s perfect for families and children.
- Highlights: Interactive animal activities, farm tours with Amish hosts
- Best For: Families with young kids and animal lovers
- Website: oldwindmillfarm.com
6. Amish Countryside Bus Tours – Multiple Locations
Guided bus tours provide a relaxed way to see Lancaster County’s iconic farmlands and homesteads. Experienced guides narrate your ride through winding backroads, often stopping at Amish-owned quilt shops, bakeries, and roadside stands. Some tours even include visits inside Amish homes or schoolhouses.
- Highlights: Scenic views, storytelling, optional Amish stops
- Best For: Visitors without a car or short on time
- Providers: The Amish Village, Amish Experience, LoKal Experiences, and others
7. Strasburg Rail Road – Strasburg, PA
Step back in time aboard a historic steam-powered train as it travels through the lush countryside. The 45-minute round-trip ride offers beautiful views of Amish farms, fields, and sometimes even waving families in buggies. The railroad also features themed rides like “Wine & Cheese” evenings and seasonal events for kids.
- Highlights: Vintage cars, themed rides, scenic farmland
- Best For: Train buffs, couples, and families
- Website: strasburgrailroad.com
8. Create-Your-Own Tour with LoKal Experiences – Lancaster, PA
LoKal Experiences specializes in small-group and custom tours with a focus on authentic interaction. Whether you’re baking with an Amish woman in her kitchen, visiting lesser-known family farms, or learning about the area’s architecture, these tours are personal, flexible, and incredibly insightful. LoKal provides both Amish-themed options, and tours focusing on Lancaster city, including city history and a restaurant tour.
- Highlights: Customizable, off-the-beaten-path access
- Best For: Travelers seeking immersive and personal experiences
- Website: lokalexperiences.com
9. Bird-in-Hand Stage Musicals & Entertainment – Bird-in-Hand, PA
End your day with a wholesome musical or variety show at the Bird-in-Hand Stage. Productions are often based on Amish and Mennonite stories, mixing humor, music, and family-friendly messages. Dinner theater packages are available for a complete evening out.
- Highlights: Engaging live shows, group packages
- Best For: Evening entertainment and rainy-day plans
- Website: bird-in-hand.com/stage
10. Dinner in an Amish Home – Various Locations
Several Amish families open their homes for intimate, home-cooked dinners – by reservation only. You’ll enjoy classic dishes like pot roast, homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, and seasonal desserts like shoofly pie or whoopie pies. More than just a meal, this is a chance for genuine conversation and cultural exchange.
- Highlights: Homemade meals, unique cultural access
- Best For: Couples, families, or groups looking for connection
- Booking Options: Through LoKal Experiences, The Amish Experience, or B&Bs
Final Thoughts
Lancaster County’s Amish Country isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience. Whether you’re riding in a buggy, learning to churn butter, or sharing a meal with a local family, each activity offers a deeper connection to a way of life that’s a bit out-of-the-ordinary, but rich with meaning.
Note: Don’t be surprised if you see Amish folks working at or visiting these destinations. This is their community too, and many play an active role in welcoming guests.
Have you tried any of these tours and experiences? Share what you thought – or any others we left out in the comments!
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~article compiled with AI assistance~
