Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of those rare destinations that feels both like a step back in time and a super fun, family-friendly getaway. It’s got something for everyone, storybook landscapes, old-timey trains, Amish horse-and-buggies trotting past cornfields, and an amusement park built just for kids (and those of us who are still kids at heart).
We spent many long weekend here and left with sticky fingers (shoofly pie), full bellies, and countless train photos. Here's how to make the most of a trip to Lancaster County—a little slice of Americana with just the right mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Dutch Wonderland: “A Kingdom for Kids”
First up—Dutch Wonderland. If you’re traveling with little ones (or nostalgic adults), this small-but-mighty amusement park is basically a fairy tale brought to life. From the castle entrance to the kiddie-sized roller coasters, everything is designed with families in mind.
There are gentle rides like the Wonder Whip, splash zones for hot summer days, and the classic Sky Ride that glides you over the park’s colorful rooftops. We loved the old-fashioned charm of it all—no massive crowds, no overwhelming thrill rides—just lots of smiles and a dragon named Duke who waves back when you wave to him.
Bonus: it’s only a short drive from downtown Lancaster and shares a parking lot with one of the outlet malls (more on that later…).
All Aboard in Strasburg: Trains, Trains, Trains
You don’t have to be a train buff to fall head over heels for Strasburg, just a few miles southeast of Lancaster. It’s a little town with big train energy.
The Strasburg Rail Road is the main event. We took a steam-powered train ride through Amish farmland in a beautifully restored vintage railcar. The smell of coal smoke, the rhythmic chug of the engine—it felt like time slowed down just a little. Kids stared wide-eyed out the windows, and adults seemed just as mesmerized.
Across the street is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, home to over 100 historic locomotives and railcars. You can walk among giants of steel, peek inside old dining cars, and even climb into the cab of a massive steam engine. It’s both interactive and educational, and honestly, one of the coolest train museums we’ve visited.
I have a dedicated blog posting on these two sites alone, called, Strasburg, PA: All Aboard for a Trip Through Time.
Casey Jones’ Restaurant at Paradise Station: Dine by the Tracks
Right next to the railroad is a little gem: Casey Jones’ Restaurant at Paradise Station. We grabbed lunch here after a morning of train rides, and it was the perfect pick-me-up.
The restaurant is part of an actual train car hotel, and many of the tables look out over the Strasburg Rail Road line, so you can eat while vintage trains chug by. The food is classic and comforting: pot roast, meatloaf, fried chicken, and the kind of homemade desserts you don’t skip, no matter how full you are.
We've also come here for breakfast on other trips. Never a disappointment.
Amish & Mennonite Life: Simplicity and Tradition
You can’t visit Lancaster without noticing the Amish and Mennonite communities that shape this region’s culture and landscape. From horse-drawn buggies to laundry flapping on lines, their way of life feels quietly beautiful and deeply grounded.
On one trip, we stayed a few nights in an Amish Farm and House bed and breakfast, just off Route 30. The stay allowed us to tour an authentic farmhouse, and have full access to their fully operational farm. The far end of the property line was right up against the railroad tracks of the Straburg Railroad so we would walk up there and wave to the passengers of the train. The whole trip gave us a sense of respect, informative, and a much deeper appreciation for their traditions and values.
If you’re looking for hand-made souvenirs, don’t miss roadside stands or markets like Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market—fresh pies, whoopie pies, hand-woven baskets, and quilts that are actual works of art.
Retail Therapy: The Outlets
If you’ve got some energy left (or maybe you need new walking shoes after all the exploring), Lancaster’s outlet malls are surprisingly good. The Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Outlets are both right off Route 30 and feature a mix of big-name brands.
It’s not the reason you come to Lancaster, but it’s a nice perk—especially if you’re traveling with teens or need a little rainy-day activity.
Final Thoughts: Where the Modern Meets the Timeless
Lancaster is one of those places that makes you slow down, in the best way. Whether you’re watching the sunset over a field dotted with hay bales, riding a steam train through golden cornfields, or eating soft pretzels made by hand, it all feels a little more intentional, a little more connected.
It’s a place where kids can scream on a dragon-themed roller coaster, parents can relive childhood dreams of trains, and everyone leaves with a full heart (and probably a shoofly pie in the car).
If You Go:
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Dutch Wonderland is seasonal (usually spring through early fall).
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Book Strasburg Rail Road rides ahead, especially in summer or during special events.
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Bring cash for Amish markets, many don’t take cards.
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Most attractions are within 20 minutes of each other, perfect for long weekends.
Bring lots of antihistamines, my allergies are always in full overdrive every time I'm in Lancaster.
