Taking photos is a wonderful way to remember any occasion, from vacations and travel to a quick adventure with your friends locally. From outdoor landscapes and beautiful architecture to wildlife and more, grabbing your phone or camera while you’re popping around these Lancaster County spots is a must.
Be sure to check out these Instagram-worthy spots in Lancaster County and tag them on social media along the way!
Best Places to Take Pictures in Lancaster County, PA
Aerial of Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania areound the Central Markets
1. Lancaster Central Market
As the oldest farmers market in the country, Lancaster Central Market is nothing short of a show-stopping beauty. Its origins trace back to the 1730s before the United States was founded. The architecture of the building and the variety of local vendors are sure to have you snapping pictures every step of the way.
At Lancaster Central Market, you can find everything from locally made crafts and gifts to fresh flowers, delicious baked goods, and more.
2. Strasburg Railroad
Catch a Ride at Strasburg Railroad
Whether you have a deep love for history or are just looking for a unique Lancaster attraction, the Strasburg Railroad is exciting for visitors of all ages and interests. Gather round as the authentic steam trains pass by or hop on board and explore the 2,500 acres of picturesque countryside.
The Strasburg Railroad is a wonderful option for seeing the Lancaster county countryside and grabbing photos of the seemingly endless landscapes. No matter what time you visit, the views will not disappoint.
3. The Holtwood Nature Preserve
If nature and the outdoors are your types of picture-perfect adventures, the Holtwood Nature Preserve is a must for your must-see list. The Holtwood Nature Preserve is close to Kelly’s Run and Tucquan Glen nature preserves, satisfying flora and fauna photo needs.
At Holtwood, you can find butterflies, moths, bees, birds, and other wildlife and plants. Grab a photo with the local nature or take images of the entire ecosystem at once.
4. Middle Creek Wildlife
You don’t have to be a bird watcher to appreciate the beauty and wildlife at Middle Creek Wildlife in Lancaster County. With over 70,000 migrating snow geese and other birds, you can witness the magic of these creatures dancing in the skies from dawn until dusk.
The seemingly synchronized routine these birds coordinate goes from one side of the sky to the other, all in a matter of seconds. Watch them swoop, swivel, sing, and salute many times throughout the day. A camera is a must for this pit stop along your travels!
5. Lancaster Balloon Rides
Calling Lancaster Balloon Rides the thrill of a lifetime is no exaggeration. Whether you head up in the balloons for a ride or witness them from the comfort of the ground, these brightly colored balloons are a sight to see float up into space.
While the balloons themselves are beautiful and picture-worthy all their own, the view you get from the sky is on another level. Witness Lancaster County’s rolling hillsides and picturesque mountainscape high above the clouds. Though these memories will undoubtedly be in your mind forever, we encourage you to take some photos to share with friends and family, too!
6. Wolf Sanctuary
In northern Lancaster County, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA is home to over 50 wolf rescues. The sanctuary is surrounded by 80+ acres of natural woodland, making it the perfect place to capture the gray wolves and wolf-dogs in their natural habitat.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA has also grown into an educational facility offering guided tours by reservation to educate the public about gray wolf conservation and biology. Take a tour, learn about the wildlife, and record the experience with photos throughout your time spent there.
7. Lancaster Mud Sales
Experience a real Lancaster County activity by attending a Mud Sale and supporting a local mission. Volunteer fire companies protect many Lancaster County towns and villages, and these companies need to raise funds to pay for needed equipment and supplies. Once a year, they host a benefit auction, also known as an “Amish Mud Sale.”
Auctioned items at mud sales often include Amish-made furniture, craft items, quilts, building materials, cute farm animals, buggies and carriages, tools, farming supplies and equipment, garden items, and much more. Plus, there is always lots of delicious home-cooked food for sale!
8. White Cliffs of Conoy Township on Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
It’s no wonder the While Cliffs of Conoy Township are a frequented spot for engagement sessions, photoshoots, and other picture-worthy events. Unlike any other, the While Cliffs are called that for a good reason. Glowing and devoid of vegetation, the cliffs loom 60 feet over the Susquehanna River in Conoy Township, above the Haldeman Riffles. Limestone and dolomite give the cliffs their characteristic white appearance.
The White Cliffs are a beautiful backdrop or perfect focal point for those who love a show-stopping photo.
9. The Exchange
The Exchange offers unqiue skyline views
The Exchange bar and restaurant in downtown Lancaster offers arguably the best views in the city. Perched 12 floors up in the heart of downtown, enjoy a different view of Lancaster County, including the best of both the city and the countryside. With views stretching miles wide, the atmosphere is hard to beat – let alone the delicious food and drink options that come with it. Grab a seat by a fire pit and take in the view (with a photo to remember!).
10. Backroads of Amish Country
When you think about Lancaster County, the beautiful Amish countryside may come to mind. If you’re looking to explore the rolling hills and green pastures of Lancaster, an exploration by scooter on the backroads is the perfect ticket.
Strasburg Scooters provides 30+ miles of countryside tours with sights to see, including bridges, sunsets, Pennsylvania Dutch favorites, Amish life, and more. We have a feeling you won’t just be snapping photos of the landscape, but you’ll be capturing pictures of yourself and your friends on these fun-to-ride scooters, too!
Start Capturing Pictures In Instagram-Worthy Lancaster Today!
Lancaster offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking, fun, and memorable photos throughout the county. There is something for everyone in picturesque Lancaster, PA, from nature and landscapes to tours and local history.
Start planning your trip to Lancaster today and enjoy the endless activities the area has to offer. Snap some photos along the way and take in all that Lancaster County has to offer.
