A History Filled Itinerary in Lancaster City
Spend a day walking through Lancaster’s past while experiencing the city as it is today. From a historic market and fascinating museums to preserved landmarks, independent shops and a memorable downtown dinner, this itinerary brings together some of the stories, places and businesses that have shaped Lancaster over the centuries.
This itinerary is perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone who wants to experience Lancaster City’s rich past through its markets, museums, landmarks, and downtown dining scene.
Lancaster Central Market
Begin with Breakfast in the Historic City Center
Central Market | Downtown Lancaster
Start your morning at Lancaster Central Market, right in the heart of downtown. The market dates back to the 1700s and remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Wander through the historic market building while browsing local vendors, picking up breakfast and watching the morning bustle unfold around you.
Historic Note: A Lancaster institution since 1730, Central Market is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating public farmers markets.
Step Back In Time
President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
Step Into Lancaster's Past
LancasterHistory & Wheatland
Continue your history-filled morning at LancasterHistory, where local stories stretch from the city’s earliest days through more recent chapters of Lancaster County history. The campus also includes President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, the former home of Lancaster’s only U.S. president. Guided tours of the historic mansion offer a closer look at 19th-century life and one of the city’s most recognizable historic figures.
Historic Note: Step into Lancaster’s past through stories, artifacts and the former home of President James Buchanan, the nation’s 15th president.
Demuth Museum
Explore the Story of a Lancaster Artist
Demuth Museum | Downtown Lancaster
Head back toward the center of the city for a visit to the Demuth Museum, located in the former home and studio of Lancaster artist Charles Demuth. The museum preserves his legacy through artwork and exhibitions while giving visitors a glimpse inside the historic setting where he lived and worked.
Historic Note: Learn about Lancaster artist Charles Demuth and his role in American modernism through his former home and studio.
Visit His Home & Studio
BUiLDiNG CHARACTER
Browse a Downtown Lancaster Original
BUiLDiNG CHARACTER | North Queen Street
Take some time to wander through the shops along North Queen Street and stop at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER. Housed in historic brick warehouses, this multi-vendor marketplace brings together independent makers, artists, vintage finds, furniture, gifts and other locally interesting treasures. It’s a chance to experience a piece of Lancaster’s old warehouse district while supporting today’s small businesses.
Historic Note: Browse a downtown shop housed in a historic building while taking in Lancaster’s distinctive architecture and evolving city streetscape.
Uncharted Lancaster
Take a Walk Through Lancaster's History
Downtown Lancaster Historic Streets & Landmarks
Before dinner, take some time to simply walk. Lancaster’s downtown streets are filled with historic buildings and details that are easy to miss when you’re rushing from one destination to another. Stop around Penn Square, look for historic architecture and landmarks, and take a short stroll past some of the city’s older buildings.
LancasterPA.com notes that Penn Square serves as the hub of downtown, with historic landmarks including the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Fulton Theatre and nearby Central Market. The city also has connections to figures including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine and President James Buchanan.
Historic Note: Stroll through downtown to see historic architecture, landmarks and streets that have shaped Lancaster’s story for generations.
Plough
End the Day with Dinner in a Historic Setting
Plough | Lancaster City
After a day spent walking through Lancaster’s history, settle in for dinner at Plough, located in the heart of downtown Lancaster. The restaurant pays homage to Lancaster’s rich heritage while bringing a modern touch to the dining experience, with seasonal dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. Its downtown location makes it a natural final stop after exploring the city’s historic streets, museums and shops.
Historic Note: End the day in downtown Lancaster with a restaurant that celebrates the region’s heritage through locally inspired food and hospitality.
Enjoy Farm-To-Table DiningDowntown Lancaster City has more history, culture, and local flavor waiting around every corner
Keep Exploring Downtown Lancaster
Plan Your Visit
