Something Old and Something New

There are plenty of reasons to visit Lancaster County. After all, it’s just a short drive west that takes you to a world offering some very different experiences. Beyond the open farmland and quaint horse-drawn buggies, there’s something new to learn or enjoy on every visit.

Take a few of Lancaster County’s recent accolades. TastingTable.com spotted the best pie in Pennsylvania at the Bird-in-Hand Bakeshop, citing its rhubarb crumble and shoofly pies, while Cosmopolitan magazine found the Victorian-Italianate mansion at the Belvedere Inn in Lancaster City to be the state’s best date spot, including its romantic piano bar upstairs. For family fun, USA Today put Dutch Wonderland #6 on its list of the best theme parks for the holidays, with nearby Hersheypark as #9 (true, Hersheypark is in Dauphin County, but it’s only 30 miles away from Dutch Wonderland).

There’s more to discover, whether you want the latest cool thing or a bit of history.

History and Heritage

If you’re planning heritage outings for America’s 250th anniversary, head for a place that was briefly our young nation’s capital. Yes, Lancaster City served as the capital for just one day when the Second Continental Congress met there on September 27, 1777, while escaping the British army’s occupation of Philadelphia after the Battle of Brandywine. Check back for details on the annual celebration of that brief moment of glory on Capital Day in September.

Although Lancaster County was not the site of Revolutionary War battles like those fought across Chester County, it was affected in other ways that can be experienced during the semiquincentennial (250th). Dating back to 1729, the county has long celebrated its history and has plans for festivities in 2026.

Start by picking up your free Discover Lancaster’s America 250th Passport at the Visitors Center (or other attractions on DiscoverLancaster.com) to guide you on a yearlong journey commemorating the country’s milestones as you collect unique stamps at 23 historic sites across the county. The passport is a keepsake, plus it has coupons for special offerings at local businesses to enjoy during your visit.

At the top of your list should be the new heritage site opening May 1, the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. That long name marks an interpretive museum and education center built in Congressman Stevens’s former 19th-century law office, commemorating the hard-fought struggle for freedom and equality in our country. Through exhibits, immersive experiences and programs, the lives and legacies of Stevens, his confidante Smith and their social networks of abolitionists are explored.

For a different kind of immersive experience, step back in history to April 1865, when President Lincoln’s funeral train crossed through the area at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown. This narrated living history event lets you ride aboard the newly expanded train tracks on period-correct replicas of passenger cars on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad. Walk through the world’s only full-scale replica of President Lincoln’s Funeral Car, “United States,” and visit a Civil War encampment to learn what life was like for soldiers and civilians from the presenters, reenactors and historians there on April 24 and 25. More train rides are available on other dates.

Just outside Lancaster City, Historic Rock Ford, former home to General Edward Hand, adjutant general to George Washington, will be hosting lectures and special events for America 250. Programs in April include “Untold Stories of the Revolution” about women’s roles on April 12, “Songs and Stories of the American Revolution” on the 19th, and “Revolutionary Lancaster” on the 20th. More programs continue throughout the year, with “What Were They Wearing? Lancastrians (and Others) at the Time of the Revolution” on May 17, highlighting fashion of the 18th and 19th centuries. Also worth a visit, the mansion is recognized as one of the most intact examples of Georgian domestic architecture remaining in Pennsylvania.

In Theaters

The performing arts are rolling out the red carpet to present shows with history. The intimate venue at the Prima Theatre in Lancaster City presents “The Complete History of America (Abridged),” April 17 to May 3. Come for 90 minutes of fast, fearless fun as three performers bring centuries of history to life with wit, energy and nonstop laughs. From the Pilgrims to pop culture, American history gets a fast, fearless, laugh-out-loud remix in this high-octane comedy that finds the funny in our shared story. No homework, no partisan politics — just a joyful reminder that it’s all one big, shared American ride.

For something more traditional, head for the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, July 19 through August 2, for “1776 The Musical.” This award-winning musical brings America’s founding to life with stirring songs and larger-than-life portraits of Revolutionary leaders. It captures the debate, doubt and determination behind the Declaration of Independence in a heartfelt, high-spirited celebration for audiences of all ages. Worth the drive!

More history, but biblical history this time, is at Sight & Sound Theatres in Ronks, celebrating their 50-year anniversary of when a dairy farmer went from producing milk to producing live entertainment with a purpose. Now with two state-of-the-art theater locations, an online streaming platform and a film studio, they’re presenting a new stage production through 2026. See “Joshua,” the story of when Joshua was called to replace Moses as the faithful leader of the Israelites to the Promised Land.

What’s New?

Dutch Wonderland may have been a Lancaster attraction for 60 years, but Dutch Wonderland Inn is brand new and right next door. Enjoy fun for everyone with convenient dining, an expanded arcade, a cool pool and family accommodations for a perfect night’s sleep. Plus, your favorite Dutch Wonderland characters — like Duke the Dragon and Princess Brooke — make special appearances at the Inn. Bundle park tickets with your overnight visit to double your pleasure.

Foodies will find new attractions in Lancaster City. For example, 2026 marks the first full year for Decades’ new outdoor patio experience. While the indoor space is open year-round with restaurant, retro arcade, bowling alley and bar, the ice cream bar became a local favorite spot for hand-dipped flavors, classic and boozy shakes, and more.

Or head to the new Lancaster location of Fawn Grove’s South County Brewing (the former Pressroom location). Try their taproom/restaurant with scratch kitchen, outdoor patio, family-friendly ambiance, plus beer, spirits and merch.

Elsewhere in the county, two beloved foodie spots have returned after significant renovations: Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord for Amish fare and Dutch comfort food along with the Kling House Restaurant at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, now serving lunch Monday through Saturday. Also in Intercourse, Barry’s Car Barn added a restaurant on its second floor — BJ’s Pit Stop Bar & Grill, combining the nostalgia of classic American cars with the comfort of traditional pub fare. And finally, there’s a refreshed Strasburg Creamery in the village square, where they’re crafting memories, served in a dish or a cone filled with velvety ice cream in creative flavors using the freshest local ingredients.

One More Thing

To cap off your America 250 tour, consider returning for a visit to Lititz, a gem in Lancaster County and home to one of the country’s oldest continuous July 4th celebrations — the 209th in 2026! Since 1818, Lititz has hosted a full day of activities, now including the unique Grand Illumination of Candles (5,000 candles!) along Lititz Run creek followed by fireworks and laser display. All in a perfect setting of small-town America.

Are There Mud Sales in April & May?

Yes, although best known for happening in late winter and early spring when thawing ground provides the mud, these huge fundraisers for volunteer fire companies in Amish communities — sometimes drawing 20,000 people — continue throughout most of the year.

Sales generally begin at 8 or 8:30 a.m., with activities running until mid-afternoon for those who wish to glimpse some local color and sample traditional Lancaster County fare. You’ll find everything from hand-stitched quilts and locally made crafts to livestock, furniture, produce, baked goods, antiques, housewares, even the kitchen sink are up for bid.

Here are a few April and May mud sales benefiting local fire departments. Find more at DiscoverLancaster.com.

• April 4: Robert Fulton Sale – 2271 Robert Fulton Hwy. (Rtes. 272 & 222), Peach Bottom. 717-548-8995
• April 10 & 11: Rawlinsville Mud Sale – 33 Martic Heights Dr., Holtwood. 717-284-3023
• April 18: Schoeneck Fire Company Mud Sale – 125 N. King St., Denver. 717-336-6767
• May 1 & 2: Fivepointville Auction – 1087 Dry Tavern Rd., Denver. 717-445-4933
• May 8 & 9: Honey Brook Quilt Sale & Consignment Auction – 679 Firehouse Ln., Honey Brook. 610-273-2688
• May 22 & 23: Weaverland Valley Mud Sale – 1030 Precast Rd., New Holland. 717-445-7066

Events in Lancaster County

Through August 8
Dutch Apple Theatre. Through May 10, “Oklahoma!;” May 22–June 20, “All Shook Up;” June 26–Aug. 8, “Mary Poppins.” 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Times and tickets, 717-898-1900; DutchApple.com.

Through October
At Mount Hope Mansion. Through Apr., Murder Mystery Dinner Theater; Apr. 25, VolksFest 2026; May 23 & 24, FlavorFest at Mount Hope; June 27–28, Celtic Fling & Highland Games; July 11, 17th Annual Blues & Brews at Mount Hope; Aug. 15–Oct. 25, Renaissance Faire. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Times and tickets, PARenFaire.com.

Ongoing
American Music Theatre. Here are just a few—check the website for more: Apr. 9, The Temptations & The Four Tops; Apr. 10, An Evening with Jeff Foxworthy; Apr. 12, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Apr. 19, Folsom Prison Experience: A Johnny Cash Music/Dramatic Production; Apr. 23, One Night of Queen; Apr. 25, Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees; Apr. 26, My Generation Tour: The Lovin Spoonful, Terry Sylvester and Gary Lewis & The Playboys. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster. Times and tickets, AMTShows.com.

April 2–October 15
Bird-in-Hand Stage. Apr. 2–July 25, “Ned & Nancy See America;” Apr. 9–Oct. 15, Ryan & Friends: Lifetime of Laughter. 2760 #A Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-in-Hand. Times and tickets, 717-768-1568; Bird-In-Hand.com/Stage.

April 10–July 12
At The Fulton. Apr. 10–May 3, “Hairspray;” June 12–July 12, “West Side Story.” 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Times and tickets, 717-397-7425; TheFulton.org.

May 2
Ephrata Rhythm & Brews. Live music, craft beverages from local breweries, wineries and distilleries and food from Ephrata’s favorite vendors. Thomas P. Grater Community Park, Cocalico St., Ephrata. Noon to 5. $25. MainSpringOfEphrata.org

May 8
Bridge of Hope Spring Gala. Celebrate the mission to end family homelessness. This year’s theme is “Hope Can’t Wait: Stories of Strength and Resilience.” Doubletree, 2400 Willow Street Pk., Lancaster. BridgeOfHopeInc.org/Gala

May 8 & 9
Landis Valley Museum Herb & Garden Faire. Find handmade garden decor and accessories, demonstrations and workshops, heirloom plants and live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. 9 to 5. LandisValleyMuseum.org

May 15 & 16
Kitchen Kettle Village Rhubarb Festival. Rhubarb is the harbinger of spring in PA Dutch Country, and the festival offers lots of cooking, family activities and more. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pk., Intercourse. Free. KitchenKettle.com

June 5
Taste of Lititz. Block party to celebrate all the flavors of Lititz from local restaurants with live music. On Main St., Lititz. 5 to 9 pm. LititzPA.com

June 6 & 7
Lancaster VegFest. Celebrate the plant-based/vegan lifestyle and learn about vegan lifestyles. Benefits Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. Buchanan Park, 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Noon to 5. Free. PAVegFest.com