Enjoy a Trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania This Summer

Visitors to Lancaster County (located in south-central Pennsylvania) are always delighted by the rural scenery, Mennonite and Amish attractions, and numerous historical locations. If you have never been to Lancaster County, I would encourage you to consider this location for a future vacation. There will be something to do for every member of the family, regardless of age and interests.

For the kids, or the kid at heart, I recommend Dutch Wonderland. This clean, well-kept amusement park, located in Lancaster, is geared toward families and children. The park offers more than 30 rides which small children can enjoy. If you have teenagers, they will likely lose interest quickly, in which case you might consider nearby Hershey Park (in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania).

Another great attraction for those visiting with children is the Strasburg Railroad, located in East Strasburg. The railroad had been in operation since 1832 and offers a delightful ride on a historic train to visit farmlands of Lancaster County. The fees for the train ride are, in my opinion, reasonable for a family to afford. There is a train museum on site at no charge, in the event that funds are limited. To cater more toward children, the railroad also now offers "Day Out with Thomas" which is a train pulled by the trademarked character "Thomas" the tank.

A little-known location that I recommend for the history buff is the Ephrata Cloister, located in Ephrata. Founded in 1732, the Ephrata Cloister was a settlement for an early German religious community which truly offers a glimpse into the past. Because this site is not well advertised, it is typically not as crowded as other local tourist attractions, such as the outdoor farmer's market "Green Dragon" which is only open on Fridays. One of the main attractions at the Cloisters for me has always been the displays of original household items that were used by the Anabaptist members who once lived in the homes.

Because it is such a popular tourist destination, one can expect traffic delays and crowded highways during peak seasons. The area offers many fine hotels, as well as a host of lovely bed and breakfasts. Many local communities observe Sunday as a day of rest for religious reasons; therefore, you will especially find restaurants to be closed or crowded on this day of the week. Should you choose to visit Lancaster County, I believe that you will form many lasting memories.