Exploring Lancaster's Amish Country: A Journey in Time

Pennsylvania and Ohio are home to the largest populations of Amish in the United States. A number that is still growing due to the Amish traditionally having more children than the rest of Americans on average.

The Amish, a Way of Life

Lancaster, Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the United States. With its rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and quaint small towns, exploring Lancaster's Amish country is like taking a step back in time. From horse-drawn carriages to handmade crafts, the Amish way of life is a fascinating glimpse into a simpler, more traditional way of living.

One of the best ways to explore Lancaster's Amish country is by taking a scenic drive along the country roads. As you drive past farms and fields, you'll see Amish families working in their fields, tending to their livestock, and traveling by horse and buggy. Along the way, you can stop at roadside stands to purchase fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and handcrafted items.

Another popular way to explore Lancaster's Amish country is by taking a guided tour. There are a variety of tours available, ranging from buggy rides to bus tours. These tours offer an up-close look at Amish farms and businesses, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the Amish way of life from knowledgeable guides.

For the Amish, the horse and buggy is an essential part of life.

One of the highlights of any visit to Lancaster's Amish country is a visit to an Amish farm. Many Amish families welcome visitors to their farms, offering tours and demonstrations of traditional Amish crafts and practices. You can learn how the Amish make furniture, quilts, baskets, and other handmade items, as well as how they farm without the use of modern technology.

Another popular attraction in Lancaster's Amish country is the Amish Village, a recreated Amish farmstead that offers a glimpse into Amish life. Visitors can tour a farmhouse, a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a barn filled with farm animals. There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts and activities, as well as a gift shop selling Amish-made items.

For those interested in the history of the Amish, a visit to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society is a must. The society's museum features exhibits on the history of the Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster County, as well as a collection of artifacts and photographs. There are also research facilities available for those interested in genealogy or historical research.

No visit to Lancaster's Amish country would be complete without sampling some of the delicious food that the area is known for. From homemade Pennsylvania Dutch classics like chicken pot pie and shoofly pie to fresh-baked bread and hand-churned butter, there are plenty of mouthwatering options to choose from. Be sure to stop at one of the many family-style restaurants in the area for a hearty meal and a taste of Amish hospitality.

Exploring Lancaster's Amish country is a journey back in time, a chance to experience a way of life that is increasingly rare in today's modern world. Whether you take a scenic drive, a guided tour, or simply wander through the rolling hills and farmland, you're sure to be charmed by the simplicity, hospitality, and traditions of Lancaster's Amish community.

Also, see our article here about more fun things to do in Amish Country.