5 Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path in Lancaster County, PA

Posted on by in Experiences

Visiting Lancaster County, PA and looking for something to do beyond the typical attractions? Maybe you’ve visited before, and you’re looking for something new to do. Perhaps you’re a local who’s already frequented the well-known attractions in Amish Country and Lancaster City.

Fortunately, Lancaster County, PA is one of the most interesting and beautiful places in the United States, and we’ve built a list of our favorite fun activities and hidden gems in Lancaster that locals know and enjoy. These places are often off the beaten path of where tourists go or they’re just not as popular as many of the Amish attractions in Lancaster.

Watch the Mud Fly at “The Buck”

Get your thrills at Buck Motorsports Park, the high octane jewel of Pennsylvania Dutch country tucked away in southern Lancaster County. You’ll find tractor pulls, monster trucks, and demolition derbies (adult bumper cars). Known to locals as “The Buck,” every weekend from April to September, you can enjoy the excitement of special events, revving engines, and plenty of flying mud. Visitors can also visit the pit area and watch the teams prepare their machines for competition.

Pick Pumpkins at Corn Cob Acres

Hidden Gems At Corn Cob Acres Fun

Memorable fun awaits at Corn Cob Acres.

Once the season shifts to autumn, make your way to Corn Cob Acres to celebrate the season and make memories. The farm boasts over 40 farm activities for your family to enjoy together, including hayrides, barnyard tours, gem panning, pedal karts, and pumpkin patch activities. With plenty of activities to keep you entertained all day, Corn Cob Acres is sure to become a fall tradition.

Explore Fresh Variety at Farmers Markets

Hidden Gem Of Bird In Hand Farmers Market In Lancaster, Pa

Shop local at one of the many farmer’s markets in Lancaster, PA

Due to Lancaster County’s proximity to an abundance of many an Amish farm, the area is bursting with farmer’s markets flush with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, fresh-from-the-farm meats, and delicious desserts. Local restaurants use the same fresh ingredients you come across at the local markets. You’ve probably heard of the country’s oldest public farmers’ market, Lancaster Central Market, but what about Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market? With about 25 vendors from the Amish community, the farmers’ market is home to meats and cheese, produce and other staples, as well as locally made silk floral arrangements and crafts. Enjoy the outdoors and the fresh foods offered at the Lititz Farmers Market on Thursdays from May to October. For a unique community-minded farmers’ market, visit New Holland Farmers Market on Saturdays from May to September. Check out more farmers markets in Lancaster, PA here.

Enjoy the small-town pace in Lititz, PA

Lititz Chocolate Walk - Hidden Gems

Browse the shops of Lititz, PA

Voted the “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel in 2013, Lititz sure lives up to its title. This unique small town offers specialty stores with gourmet foods, candy, coffee, pastries, and vintage clothing. For a delicious assortment of chocolate and candy products, be sure not to miss Wilbur Chocolate, a landmark of Lititz for over 100 years. Once you finish shopping, wander over to Lititz Springs Park to feed the ducks and relax in the shade.

Tour the oldest homestead in the county

1719 Hans Herr House Museum - Lancaster, Pa

The Hans Herr House is the oldest homestead in the county

Not only is the 1719 Hans Herr House & Museum the oldest structure in Lancaster County, but this hidden gem is also the oldest Mennonite meetinghouse in the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about the rich history on a house tour and ramble around the grounds of three Pennsylvania German farmhouses and a replica of a Native American longhouse. See for yourself what everyday living was like 300 years ago.

Morr Range

Morr Range - Lancaster, Pa

At Morr Range you get to keep your targets too!

Engaging in shooting sports is not typically considered a mainstream or conventional activity for leisure. It offers an alternative experience that deviates from the usual recreational options people tend to pursue. By offering Firearms Training, and 12 indoor shooting lanes, Morr Range opens the door for newcomers and veterans alike to enjoy an unconventional activity. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, the range challenges and rental guns create a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart from more conventional recreational activities.

That’s Not All!

This list is merely a sampling of the fun things to do in Lancaster, PA and nearby area. Authentic experiences await you and your family and friends in Lancaster, PA. You just need to know where to look. For more hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, check out some of our other favorite things to do in Lancaster….

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