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20 Unique Things to do With Friends in Lancaster County (updated for 2023)

An Ephrata National Bank balloon spotted in Amish Country during a Strasburg Scooters guided scooter tour.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a wonderful destination for both friends and family alike. This charming county is renowned for its rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and quaint Amish communities, but it also offers a wealth of unique and exciting activities that are perfect for groups of friends. Locals know that this beautiful county is a great place to live, work, and play.

So, Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for unique activities to do with friends, Lancaster County is the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country!

Enjoy These Fun Activities & Unique Things To Do With Friends in Lancaster, PA

1. Go on a Covered Bridge Tour

A photo of a wooden covered bridge representing the type of sights participants will see on the Covered Bridge Tours in Lancaster County, PA by Strasburg Scooters | Strasburg Scooters

Lancaster County is home to over 25 historic covered bridges, and going on a covered bridge tour can be a unique way to see the area’s beautiful countryside. Strasburg Scooter Tours offer guided covered bridge tours that take you through the back roads of Lancaster County and highlight some of the area’s most scenic bridges.

2. Take a Local Cooking Class

An inside look at Zest Cooking School in Lititz, PA

Lancaster County is known for its fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, and taking a local cooking class, at places like Zest!, can be a unique way to experience this. Several companies offer classes that allow you to learn how to cook with local ingredients while supporting small farmers.

3. Visit the Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata, PA

The Ephrata Cloister is a historic site that was once a religious community founded in the early 1700s. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the community’s unique beliefs and practices.

    4. The Turkey Hill Experience

    Interior view of the Turkey Hill Experience, a family friendly place to visit in Lancaster County, PA

    Turkey Hill is a popular ice cream and iced tea brand that originated in Lancaster County. The Turkey Hill Experience is a family-friendly attraction that offers interactive exhibits and activities that showcase the history and production of the brand. Visitors can make their own ice cream flavor, taste test different iced teas, and even milk a mechanical cow.

    5. Take a Goat Yoga Class

    Goat yoga at the Amish Farm and House in Lancaster, PA

    The Amish Farm and House in nearby Lancaster offers a fun and unique experience with goat yoga classes. You can practice yoga poses while playful and friendly goats wander around and interact with you. This activity can be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends.

    6. Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market

    Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market in Bird-in-Hand, PA

    The indoor Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market is nestled in the heart of Amish country. Enjoy a hearty lunch with fresh meats and homemade baked goods, or take home a new family heirloom handcrafted by local Amish artisans.

    7. Horse Inn

    Interior view of the Horse Inn in Lancaster, PA

    In the early 1900s, the Horse Inn opened as a speakeasy with a hot griddle. It quickly grew a reputation as a place to slake one’s thirst and get a tasty meal. Throughout the years little has changed about it’s charm, and although the menu and drink selection has expanded considerably, someone from the 1930’s would find it’s décor and style quite the same today!

    8. Lancaster Central Market

    An aerial view of the Lancater County Farmer's Central Market in Lancaster, PA

    Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continually operating farmer’s market in the United States. Today, the market is frequented by locals picking up their weekly groceries or enjoy lunch at one of the many foods stands found within.

    9. Riehl’s Quilt and Crafts

    Inside view of Riehl's Quilts and Crafts in Leola, PA

    What better place to purchase Amish quilts and handicrafts than on a farm? This store, located on the Riehl family farm, features hand-stitched quilts and other goods made by over 100 local families.

    10. Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall

    Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall in Lancaster, PA

    Lancaster is renowned for its antiquing, and there’s no better place to start than Cackleberry Farm. Over 100 vendors can be found in this antique wonderland.

    11. Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm

    Lil Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm in Ronks, PA

    Join owners Henry and Linda Stoltzfus on their Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm to get up close with miniature horses, alpacas, and goats.

    12. Buck Motorsports Park

    A monster truck at Buck Motorsports Park in Quarryville, PA.

    Known as “The Buck” to locals, this bustling motorsports park hosts monster truck, truck pulling, and demolition derby events from the spring through fall.

    13. Refreshing Mountain Zip Lines

    People doing an obstacle course at Refreshing Mountain in Lancaster County, PA

    Visitors seeking an outdoor adventure enjoy zipping through the trees at Refreshing Mountain. This beautiful wooded retreat offers zip lining, obstacle courses, climbing walls, a pool, and other outdoor activities.

    14. Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve

    A trail at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve in Conestoga, PA

    This outdoor hiking spot is located along the Susquehanna River and features beautiful wildflower trails that bloom in the spring.

    15. Taste Lancaster

    People at Taste Lancaster in Lancaster, PA

    If there’s one thing Lancaster does right, it’s food! Taste Lancaster’s self-guided walking tours are organized around a culinary theme. Participants can sample multiple dishes from hidden local gems and nationally-recognized restaurants alike.

    16. Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk

    People enjoying beer at Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk.

    Take an educational walk through downtown Lancaster City and learn about local history before sampling some of the town’s best brews. Lancaster’s booming brewery culture has historical roots in the area dating back to early German settlers in the 1800s.

    17. Landis Valley Museum

    People watching a historical reenactor make wooden bowls at the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, PA

    Learn about Lancaster’s Pennsylvania German roots at the Landis Valley Museum, a unique living history museum nestled in the heart of the county. Tour the outdoor museum at your own pace and learn about early settlers in Lancaster.

    18. Wolf Sanctuary of PA

    A portait image of one of the wolves at the Wolf Sanctuary in Lancaster, PA

    This unique sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing gray wolves and wolfdogs who cannot live in the wild. The sanctuary’s volunteers and staff will guide you on a personalized walking tour to safely view the wolves and learn more about how wolves live at the sanctuary and in the wild.

    19. Old Windmill Farm

    The entrance to Old Windmill Farm in Ronks, PA

    If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live on a farm, the Old Windmill Farm family is happy to give you a peek. Visitors to the fully operational farm can take a tour, help to feed the animals, try their hand at making traditional foods, and more.

    20. Lancaster Balloon Rides 

    Amish children watching a Lancaster Balloon Rides hot air balloon rise into the sky in Lancaster, PA

    Set sail in a shared hot air balloon ride or experience a private flight and see Lancaster from a bird’s eye view. You’ll soar over the beautiful Amish farmland and countryside around Strasburg, Intercourse, and Bird-in-Hand with the balloon pilots of Lancaster Balloon Rides.

     

    A group of friends preparing to depart on the Ultimate Amish Adventure with Strasburg Scooters
    See Lancaster on a Scooter 

    You can also experience the heart of Lancaster County from the comfort of your very own scooter! The Covered Bridge Tour is the perfect addition to any Lancaster vacation or to add to your list of things to do with friends in Central PA. Over a few hours and 30+ miles of Amish Country back roads, you’ll experience exceptional views of the countryside as well as a tour of Lancaster County’s oldest covered bridges. Plus, our local guides are more than happy to share their favorite things to do in Lancaster. Perfect for first-time riders and repeat visitors looking for things to do with friends in Lancaster County, our array of award-winning scooter tours give you the best of Lancaster in a day.

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