Free Things To Do in Lancaster County
Free Things To Do

Looking to stretch your tourism dollar? We've got just the activities for you! Check out all of the free things to do that you can add to your itinerary.

  • Antiquing    
    Adamstown, PA
    The dealing begins in Lancaster County before the sun even begins to shine, at antique malls such as those in Adamstown, where you'll find unique treasures of the past from more than 3,000 dealers. If you're a true bargain-hunter, grab your coffee for an extra-early morning, and scout out your favorites before throwing your bid into the ring at antique auctions.

  • Bubes Brewery Art Gallery
    Mount Joy, PA 717-653-2056
    The Brewery began producing beer again in November 2001 for the first time since 1917. The present day brewery operates in the original brewery's ice house. Visitors are welcome to tour the brewery.

  • Conestoga Area Historical Society
    Conestoga, PA 717-872-1699
    See a Conestoga wagon on display at this museum which is housed in an old tobacco shed. The museum gallery features revolving local exhibits and Native American artifacts.

  • Covered Bridges
    Just the sight of our covered bridges brings to mind thoughts of old charm and romance, and in Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, we have plenty of both!  Sometimes referred to as “kissing bridges” because of the many couples who have strolled across them over the years, our area offers more than two dozen of these architectural beauties – each with its own inviting story.

  • Demuth's Tobacco Shop & Museum
    Lancaster, PA 717-397-6613
    Go to many major museums across the country, and you have a good chance of seeing a painting by Charles Demuth (1883-1935). Come to the Demuth Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and you are guaranteed an intimate, rotating view of our permanent collection, which consists of 27 Charles Demuth originals, as well as the opportunity to experience the environment in which Demuth created his more than 1,000 watercolors, drawings and architectural oils. Stand in his studio and look out at the antique graden from which he drew inspiration for his beloved and masterful floral watercolors, or see the view that motivated Demuth to undertake his Precisionist works based on Lancaster buildings.

  • George's Woodcrafts
    Marietta, PA 800-799-1685
    We are building tomorrow's antiques today. Handcrafted solid walnut, cherry and oakwood furniture for kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and offices. You can select from our standard designs or we will custom tailor your piece just for you. Also, tour George's unique woodworking shop and museum showrooms. The place where your dreams come true.

  • Hayloft Candles and Petting Zoo
    Leola, PA 717-656-9463
    A petting zoo for kids and the young-at-heart. Critters of the field and forest have found a home at the Hayloft Petting Zoo. Very tame sheep, goats and donkeys make friends in a hurry. You'll also be enchanted with up close looks at the deer, peacocks and turkeys roaming the grounds.

  • Heritage Center Museum
    Lancaster, PA 717-299-6440
    Explore the customs and traditions of our Amish neighbors.  Experience letterpress printing in our 1920s Print Shop.  Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster in two historic buildings, the former City Hall of Lancaster and the Masonic Lodge No. 43, both built in the 1790s, the Museum highlights the culture and history of the area.

  • Herr's Snack Factory Tour
    Nottingham, PA 800-63-SNACK
    Take the tastiest tour in town and sample warm chips, freshly made.

  • Hershey's Chocolate World Visitors Center
    Hershey, PA 800-HERSHEY
    Free chocolate-making tour, free sample, Hershey's Really Big 3D Show, trolley tours of Hershey, gift shops and food court.

  • Intercourse Canning Company
    Intercourse, PA 717-768-0156
    Come and see one of Lancaster County's working canneries. Sample pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, Amish peanut butter over 20 different items to taste. We offer a selection of 40 varieties of gourmet coffees; our own dip mixes and more.

  • Intercourse Pretzel Factory
    Intercourse, PA 717-768-3432
    A free pretzel factory tour (when factory is in operation) where you'll learn to twist a pretzel.

  • Kitchen Kettle Village
    Intercourse, PA800-732-3538
    Stroll through our village of 42 shops and restaurants built around our nationally celebrated Jam & Relish Kitchen. Sample pepper jam, watch fudge being rolled, listen as Banjo Jimmy plays a tune and much more.

  • Lancaster Museum of Art
    Lancaster, PA 717-394-3497
    Changing exhibitions of local, national and international artists located in a scenic downtown public park.

  • Lancaster Newspapers Newseum
    Lancaster, PA 717-291-8600
    Lancaster Newspapers Newseum, located at 28 South Queen Street in the City of Lancaster, is a glass-enclosed, self-guided display that traces the evolution of how newspapers served people from earliest times, with special attention to the evolution of the Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News...all published by Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.

  • Long’s Park
    Lancaster, PA 717-735-8883
    Enjoy the petting zoo, spring fed lake, walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, and many free events held throughout the year.

  • Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home
    Ronks, PA 717-656-7616
    Each year more than 12,000 visitors from throughout the world find their way to this historic site, nestled in the heart of a thriving Amish community in eastern Lancaster County. Visitors to the site, which features a remarkably preserved water-powered grain mill, step back in time to learn about milling history along the banks of scenic Mill Creek. The adjacent 1855 miller's house, home to three generations of Resslers, is a clear window to early 20th century housekeeping and family life. The home is preserved just as it was when brother and sister Franklin and Anna Ressler offered their neighbors the finest flour, along with neighborly hospitality.

  • Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate
    Bainbridge, PA 800-522-2387
    Featuring tastings of award winning Lancaster Valley wines, and tours of scenic operating winery. Also wine shop, picnic patios and country roadways for biking.

  • Old Candle Barn
    Intercourse, PA 717-768-8926
    Relax and browse through our gatherings of primitive, homespun treasures.  Whether it is a comfy wing chair, a corner cupboard or a deliciously scented candle, we have what you are looking for.  Let our friendly staff help you achieve the cozy, warm and inviting look that country creates.  While visiting with us, make sure to stop by the candle making room where we still make candles the "old fashioned way." 

  • Outdoors
    Escape to the great outdoors during your trip to Lancaster County, which boasts a whole host of ways to enjoy our landscape and relish a breath of fresh air! Bike or hike one of our many trails, and explore our scenic back roads, which have been voted one of the best places to "get lost." Our seemingly endless miles of rolling Amish farmlands and 29 covered bridges will serve as your pathway to simpler times.

    You're sure to enjoy opportunities for birding and admiring scenic beauty at one of our Lancaster County Pennsylvania parks and preserves. Waterfowl and wildlife sanctuaries abound, along with several thousand acres of thickly wooded Pennylvania state gameland. If your penchant is for waterways, you'll want to explore the mighty Susquehanna River and all the water activities we recommend to enjoy its beauty, from fishing to kayaking and boating.

  • People’s Place Quilt Museum
    Intercourse, PA 800-828-8218
    This exquisite museum features antique Amish and Mennonite quilts and decorative arts.

  • State Museum of Pennsylvania
    Harrisburg, PA 717-787-4979
    Four floors of exhibits about Pennsylvania's story from the beginning of time to the present.

  • Stoudt's Brewery and Beer Festivals
    Adamstown, PA 717-484-4386
    Pennsylvania's first micro brewery. Over 20 years of quality brewing and numerous award winning beers. Garnering national and international attention with a pile of gold, silver and bronze medals. Fourteen varieties to choose from. Lagers, ales, and seasonal beers.

  • Twin Brook Winery
    Gap, PA 717-442-4915
    Our winery is located on a picturesque estate dating back over 300 years. We have 30 acres of planted vineyards. All of our wine is produced on-site. Taste our award winning wines in our beautifully restored 19th century bank barn which houses state of the art wine-making facilities. We offer tours, picnic areas, free tastings, wine supplies and gift items. 

  • Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store
    Lititz, PA  888-294-5287
    If you're a chocolate lover, a visit to the Wilbur Chocolate Candy Factory Store will stir delightful memories of yesteryear. You will enjoy a large selection of Wilbur items, chocolate specialties, and many other confections. You can also watch our candy makers at work hand-dipping homemade marshmallows into luscious Wilbur chocolate and creating mounds of gooey caramel crunch, chunks of velvety almond bark, and rich pralines chockful of pecans and cashews

Farmers Markets
Lancaster County grows food for the entire nation. Fortunately, you can buy direct at roadside stands and farmers markets. Here, organic, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables appear daily. It's one of the perks everyone enjoys!

  • Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market
    Bird-in-Hand, PA 717-393-9674
    Experience mouth-watering aromas and tastes, and bountiful displays.
  • Columbia Market
    Columbia, PA 717-684-5767
    Peruse the large array of farm fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, candy, prepared foods and much more.
  • Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction
    Ephrata, PA717-738-1117
    Clean, pleasant shopping in a country atmosphere. Thousands of bargains, lots of activity, and good family style restaurants.
  • Lancaster Central Market
    Lancaster, PA 717-291-4723
    Welcome to a real historic treat, Lancaster's Central Market. A farmers' market since the 1730's.

Download this list as a PDF: Free Things to Do (23 KB)

 

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Great overnight deals enable you to wake up in Lancaster County, where magnificent mornings are just the beginning of fun for the whole family!