Rolling farmland, horse-drawn buggies, homemade whoopie pies—welcome to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where the pace is slower and the views are straight out of a painting.
This road trip is all about winding back roads, hidden gems, and a mix of history, nature, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to stay a little longer.
You’ll explore places where steam trains still run, chocolate fills the air, and sweeping mountain views make you forget about your phone for a while.
Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or just the adventure, this trip has a little bit of everything.
1. Kitchen Kettle Village
Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse is a quirky little spot packed with over 40 shops, homemade jams, and air that smells like fresh-baked whoopie pies.
It’s famous for its homemade jams and relishes, which you can watch being prepared while snacking on free samples of sweet and tangy relishes.
Beyond the food, there are handmade quilts, leather goods, and even a working fudge shop where you can watch chocolatiers whip up gooey, melty treats right in front of you.
If you want the full Pennsylvania Dutch experience, hop on a horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish farmlands, then grab a warm shoofly pie for the road.
2. Strasburg
Just a short drive from Kitchen Kettle Village, Strasburg is the place to go if you love trains, history, or just the feeling of stepping into a classic American small town.
Home to the Strasburg Rail Road, you can ride a real steam train through rolling Amish farmlands, complete with chugging engines, vintage coaches, and that perfect “clickety-clack” on the tracks.
Train lovers should also check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which showcases a vast collection of historic locomotives and railroad artifacts.
If you’re more into theater, the Sight & Sound Theatre puts on massive, Broadway-level Bible story productions with real animals on stage—yes, actual camels and horses trot right past the audience.
Please note that Sight & Sound Theatre is normally closed during the winter and usually reopens from mid-March through December.
3. Lancaster
Lancaster is the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where Amish horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern cars, and fresh produce stands pop up on nearly every corner.
Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the U.S., is the best place to grab homemade scrapple, warm soft pretzels, and locally made cheese.
If you’re up for a little shopping, Lancaster’s downtown is packed with cool vintage shops and cafés serving farm-fresh meals that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
And for a true Amish experience, you can tour a real working farm, learn how to make butter the old-fashioned way, and even take a buggy ride with a local Amish guide.
4. Susquehannock State Park
If you need a break from the shops and markets, Susquehannock State Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak up some seriously stunning views.
Perched high above the Susquehanna River, the park’s overlooks give you sweeping panoramas of tree-covered hills, winding rivers, and maybe even a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Hiking trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs, with the Rhododendron Trail leading you through forests that explode with flowers in late June and early July.
Pack a picnic and don’t skip the Hawk Point Overlook—it’s the kind of view that makes you want to just sit, stare, and take it all in.
5. York
Heading west from Susquehannock State Park, York is where history, factory tours, and some seriously good snacks all come together.
This city is known as the “Factory Tour Capital of the World,” which means you can watch motorcycles being built at Harley-Davidson or see how potato chips are made.
History buffs will love checking out the Colonial Complex, where you can walk through 1700s buildings and learn about York’s role as a temporary capital of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.
And if all that sightseeing makes you hungry, York’s Central Market has everything from Amish baked goods to spicy tacos.
Please note that the Colonial Complex is normally closed during the winter and reopens from April through November.
6. Gettysburg National Military Park
Just southwest of York, Gettysburg National Military Park is where history gets real—like, stand-on-the-battlefield-where-it-happened real.
You can drive the scenic battlefield loop, walk through hauntingly quiet fields where cannons still sit, and even hear gripping stories from park rangers who bring the Civil War to life.
The Gettysburg National Cemetery is where Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, and if you visit at sunset, the rows of white headstones feel even more powerful.
For a deeper dive, the Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War has everything from soldier uniforms to interactive exhibits, and if you’re feeling brave, there are plenty of ghost tours too.
7. Cowans Gap State Park
After all that history at Gettysburg, Cowans Gap State Park is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in fresh mountain air, and just enjoy the great outdoors.
Located in the Buchanan State Forest, this park has a gorgeous 42-acre lake where you can swim, kayak, or just chill on the sandy beach with your toes in the water.
If you’re up for a hike, the Standing Stone Trail offers stunning views from the ridgeline, especially in the fall when the whole valley turns into a sea of red, orange, and gold.
Whether you’re camping overnight or just stopping for a picnic, it’s the kind of peaceful spot that makes you want to ditch your phone and soak up the scenery.
8. Carlisle
Heading east from Cowans Gap, Carlisle is full of small-town charm, rich history, and some of the coolest car shows you’ll ever see.
Home to the famous Carlisle Events, this town draws car lovers from all over for massive auto shows featuring everything from classic muscle cars to rare vintage finds.
History fans can explore the Cumberland County Historical Society to learn about everything from Revolutionary War battles to frontier life.
You can also learn about the history of Carlisle Barracks, one of the nation’s oldest military installations, established in 1757.
And if all that walking works up an appetite, grab a bite at one of the town’s cozy cafés or old-school diners.
9. Hershey
From Carlisle, head east to Hershey, where streetlights along Chocolate Avenue are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses—both wrapped and unwrapped.
And depending on the day and the weather, you might even catch the sweet scent of chocolate in the air.
Hersheypark is the main attraction, with roller coasters, a water park, and enough sweet treats to keep your sugar levels sky-high all day.
For a behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most famous chocolate is made, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers a fun (and free!) ride-through tour.
Please note that Hersheypark typically closes in January and reopens in April, with daily operations in summer and special seasonal events in fall and winter. Be sure to check their official website for the latest schedule before planning your visit!
10. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
After indulging in all that chocolate, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the perfect place to get some fresh air and maybe spot a bald eagle soaring overhead.
This wildlife refuge is famous for its incredible bird migration views, where thousands of hawks, eagles, and falcons glide over the Appalachian ridgeline every fall.
The hiking trails lead to breathtaking overlooks, with North Lookout being the ultimate reward—1,500 feet up with a panoramic view that stretches for miles.
Bring binoculars and get ready to be amazed, because watching a golden eagle ride the wind currents over the mountains is one of those nature moments you’ll never forget.
11. Reading Pagoda
Not far from Hawk Mountain, the Reading Pagoda is hands down the most unexpected sight in Pennsylvania—a bright red, seven-story Japanese-style pagoda sitting on a hilltop with an epic view of the city below.
Built in 1908 as part of a failed luxury resort, it somehow became Reading’s most famous landmark, and now it’s a must-see for anyone passing through.
You can climb to the top for sweeping views, check out the museum inside, and even send a postcard from the tiny on-site post office, which stamps mail with a special pagoda postmark.
At night, the whole thing lights up, making it look even more magical—or, at the very least, the most random roadside attraction you never knew you needed to see.
Please note that, as of this writing, the museum and post office are currently closed for restoration, but you can still enjoy the stunning views, and the grounds remain open from dawn to dusk.
12. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site takes you back to the days when iron ruled the American economy—and everything was powered by fire, sweat, and sheer determination.
This 18th-century iron plantation is like a living history lesson, with preserved buildings, a massive stone furnace, and costumed interpreters, showing how workers turned raw iron into stove plates, pig iron, and other essential goods.
You can walk through the old ironmaster’s mansion, see the waterwheel in action, and even visit the farm where sheep still graze, just like they did centuries ago.
It’s history you can actually step into, and if you visit in the fall, you can even try your hand at old-fashioned apple picking in the site’s historic orchard.
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