Amish Farm and House | Lancaster

The Amish Farm and House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a premier cultural and historical attraction dedicated to showcasing the unique lifestyle, traditions, and values of the Amish community. It was established in 1955 as the first Amish-related tourist destination in the United States and remains one of the most authentic and educational experiences for visitors interested in Amish culture.

Historical Background and Setting

Historic Farmhouse: The centerpiece of the attraction is a beautifully preserved Amish farmhouse built in 1805. This original home belonged to an Amish family and has been carefully maintained to reflect traditional Amish living conditions. The farmhouse offers a rare glimpse into how Amish families have lived for centuries, with simple yet functional design and furnishings that emphasize practicality and modesty.

Location: Situated on a 15-acre working farm just outside Lancaster city, the property is surrounded by the picturesque Amish countryside, featuring rolling fields, farm animals, and natural landscapes typical of the region.

The Farmhouse Tour

Guided Experience: Visitors embark on a roughly 30-minute guided tour through the historic farmhouse, led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed explanations of Amish beliefs, customs, and daily routines.

Interior Highlights:

The kitchen features hand-crafted tools and traditional cooking methods, showcasing the Amish approach to food preparation without modern technology.

The living areas display Amish clothing, quilts, and household items illustrating Amish craftsmanship and their avoidance of excessive ornamentation.

Rooms are furnished with handmade furniture, wooden chests, and other objects that reflect the Amish commitment to simplicity and self-sufficiency.

Educational Insights: The tour addresses Amish religious principles, community structure, schooling, and the reasons behind their lifestyle choices, such as plain dress, avoidance of electricity, and use of horse-drawn transportation.

Countryside Bus Tours

Classic Bus Tour: A 90-minute narrated ride through the scenic Amish countryside surrounding Lancaster. The tour highlights Amish farms, workshops, and schools visible from the road, allowing visitors to appreciate the agricultural lifestyle and rural traditions still in practice.

Stops at Amish Businesses: The tour includes stops at Amish-owned markets and craft shops where visitors can purchase authentic handmade goods, baked treats, and fresh produce directly from Amish artisans (not available on Sundays or religious holidays).

Premium Package: Combines the bus tour with the farmhouse tour and self-guided access to the farm grounds, providing a full-day immersive experience.

The Farm and Grounds

Animal Encounters: The farm includes a petting area with goats, pigs, chickens, and other animals common to Amish farms. Visitors can feed and interact with the animals, enhancing the hands-on experience.

Amish Schoolhouse: A one-room schoolhouse replica is on site, offering insight into Amish education, which is traditionally limited to the eighth grade and emphasizes practical skills and community values.

Covered Bridge: A quaint covered bridge on the property adds to the authentic rural atmosphere and serves as a popular photo spot.

Amish Scooters: Visitors can rent and ride traditional Amish scooters, a form of transportation used by Amish youth before they begin driving horse-drawn buggies.

Craft Demonstrations: Occasionally, artisans demonstrate traditional Amish crafts such as quilting, woodworking, and basket making, giving visitors a chance to see skills passed down through generations.

Dining and Refreshments

BBQ Barn: Open Thursdays through Saturdays, the BBQ Barn offers Amish-style meals including smoked chicken BBQ, ribs, sandwiches, and soft pretzels. This casual dining option allows visitors to enjoy hearty, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food while relaxing on the farm grounds.

Picnic Areas: Several picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the farm, providing pleasant spots for families and groups to eat and rest.

Special Events and Programs

Seasonal Events:

Sheep Shearing Days (May to August): Live demonstrations of sheep shearing, opportunities to meet lambs, and hayrides around the farm.

Sunset Dinner Tour: A unique dining experience featuring Amish farm-fresh cuisine during sunset, often accompanied by storytelling and live music.

Sweetie Pie Tour: A special Valentine’s Day-themed event with related activities.

Educational Outreach: The Amish Farm and House also offers tailored programs for school groups and larger tours, designed to foster understanding and appreciation of Amish culture.

Visitor Information

Location: 2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602, easily accessible from Lancaster’s city center.

Operating Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The farm is closed on Sundays.

Bus Tour Times: Scheduled at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM daily. Advanced reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Accessibility and Parking: The site provides free parking, including spaces for buses and RVs. The farm and farmhouse are wheelchair accessible, with accommodations available upon request.

Overall Experience

The Amish Farm and House offers an authentic, respectful, and comprehensive look into the Amish way of life, blending history, culture, and hands-on interaction. It serves as an ideal destination for families, history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone curious about this distinctive community. The combination of the farmhouse tour, scenic countryside ride, farm animal encounters, and traditional food makes it a rich and memorable experience.

This attraction successfully balances educational content with engaging activities, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Amish heritage and values in a welcoming and immersive environment.