Ready to slow things down and trade highways for horse-drawn buggies?
This road trip through Pennsylvania’s Amish Country is packed with old-school charm, rolling farmland, and some seriously good eats (we’re talking homemade pie, people).
You’ll visit places where time feels like it’s paused—think covered bridges, quiet backroads, and cozy little towns where everyone waves hello.
Along the way, you’ll find hands-on experiences, epic snacks, and a bunch of surprises you definitely won’t see on your average road trip.
If you’re into history, food, or just want a fun weekend that’s totally different from the usual touristy stuff, keep reading—this one’s gonna be good.
1. Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata Cloister, located in Lancaster County, is a historic religious community founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, a German Pietist, seeking a simple, spiritual life.
The site is famous for its unique wood-framed buildings with steep roofs, where monks and nuns once lived and even created their own eerie, high-pitched music.
You can tour the original meetinghouse, see the monks tiny, narrow beds (because they believed comfort was a sin), and check out the old printing press that produced some of America’s earliest books.
It’s a fascinating stop that feels like stepping straight into the 1700s—just with better shoes and no risk of getting drafted into 3 a.m. hymn practice.
2. Lancaster Central Market
After soaking up history at Ephrata Cloister, head straight to Lancaster Central Market for a completely different kind of experience—one that smells way better.
This market has been running since 1730, making it the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S., and it’s packed with fresh produce and Amish-baked treats.
Grab a soft pretzel from Kom Essa, try a slice of gooey shoofly pie, or pick up some homemade chow-chow (a sweet-and-sour pickled veggie mix that locals swear by).
With its red-brick building, buzzing energy, and over 60 vendors, this place is a dream—just don’t blame me when you leave carrying way more snacks than you planned.
3. Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge
Once you’ve eaten your weight in market snacks, take a scenic drive to Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge, one of Lancaster County’s most charming photo spots.
Stretching 180 feet across the Conestoga River, this wooden bridge is the longest single-span covered bridge in the county and dates back to 1843 (though it got a full rebuild in 1973 after some flood damage).
Driving through it feels like stepping back in time—just with fewer horse-drawn buggies and more people stopping mid-bridge for the perfect Instagram shot.
Roll down your windows, soak in the peaceful farmland views, and enjoy the slower pace—because in Amish Country, life is meant to be savored, one scenic stop at a time.
4. The Amish Farm and House
Keep the old-school vibes going with a visit to The Amish Farm and House, a spot that’s been giving travelers a peek into Amish life since 1955.
You can tour a real Amish farmhouse, check out a one-room schoolhouse, and even meet the farm’s friendly goats, alpacas, and potbelly pigs (who, let’s be honest, totally steal the show).
For the full experience, hop on a 90-minute guided bus tour through the countryside, where you’ll pass Amish homes, see laundry flapping on the line, and maybe even spot a farmer plowing his field with a team of mules.
It’s a fun, laid-back way to learn about Amish culture—plus, the gift shop sells a variety of Amish-made items, like canned goods and goat milk soaps.
5. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm
If you’re still curious about Amish life (or just want another excuse to soak up the scenery), The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm is a must.
This place goes all out with its “Jacob’s Choice” theater experience, a dramatic (and surprisingly high-tech) story about an Amish teen deciding whether to stay in the community or leave for the modern world.
After the show, you can tour a real Amish homestead, offering insights into Amish life.
You can also take a guided farmland tour—while the tour is by shuttle bus, horse-drawn buggy rides are available nearby through Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides for the ultimate countryside experience.
6. Intercourse
After that, make your way to Intercourse—yep, the name always gets a laugh, but this little town is all charm and zero awkwardness.
It’s one of the most walkable spots in Amish Country, packed with quilt shops, handmade furniture stores, and local craft stands where you can actually watch artisans at work.
Swing by Kitchen Kettle Village, a mini village of over 40 shops where you can sample jams, pickles, fudge, and cheese until you need a snack break from all your snacking.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll lose track of time chatting with shop owners, watching horse-drawn buggies roll by, and wondering if you really need another jar of apple butter (spoiler: you do).
7. Strasburg Rail Road
From Intercourse, it’s just a short hop to the Strasburg Rail Road, where you can ride a real steam train straight through the heart of Amish Country.
This isn’t just any old train—it’s the oldest operating railroad in America, and the vintage coaches, clanging bells, and puffing smoke make it feel like a scene from a movie.
The ride lasts about 45 minutes, chugging past rolling farmland, grazing cows, and the occasional waving Amish kid, plus there’s open-air cars if you want that fresh country breeze.
There’s also a train-themed playground, a model train museum next door, and even dinner rides if you want to make it extra special.
8. Lapp Valley Farm
After your train ride, cool down with a sweet stop at Lapp Valley Farm, a dreamy little dairy farm known for making some of the best ice cream in Pennsylvania—no exaggeration.
This family-run farm lets you hang out with Jersey cows, watch the milking process, and then grab a fresh cone made from the milk of cows you probably just said hi to.
The ice cream is crazy creamy, with flavors like butter pecan, peanut butter, and classic chocolate that’ll make you seriously consider moving in next door.
And if you’re into the full farm life experience, you can also visit the calves, bunnies, and goats, then relax on a bench with your cone and soak in the chill, countryside vibes.
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