An Amish Day Trip
A relaxing drive through time

A day trip through the real Amish country is a great way to start your visit to Lancaster. Too many tourists take a hotel somewhere on or near Route 30 and spend all or most of their time in that area. When they go home they wonder, "What's the big deal about the Amish culture. I didn't see much of it, and what I did see was very commercialized."

Don't want to do that? Then take the relaxing and informative drive suggested on the map below.
View An Amish Day Trip in a larger map


It's only about twenty miles long, even if you go all the way back to the starting point. About half of it is off the main tourist routes of 30 and 340, but even those have a some of our recommended sites. Once you're on the back roads you'll encounter only scattered cars, a few tourist buses, and some Amish buggies, scooters, and bicycles. More important, you will also see Amish farms and homes, peaceful countryside, and some interesting places to visit. Have kids with you? Don't worry, there's enough to keep them occupied and interested.

All of the places shown on the Amish Country map are noted elsewhere on this site, so don't be surprised. In addition to them you will also find numerous other roadside businesses and stands, most of which are operated by the Amish. How long will it take? That depends on how many stops you make and whether or not you take part in paid attractions; this day trip could be anywhere from half to a full day. Some of the roads may be tricky to find, so you might want to pick up a copy of the free "Official Map & Overnight Getaway Guide". It's available at the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitor's Bureau and elsewhere in the county.

Your day trip of the Amish country can start anywhere along the route, but we suggest beginning at the Mennonite Information Center. It is an excellent source of information about the Mennonites and Amish, and it has two films (either or both) that help you get a better understanding of the culture. From there head east on Route 30 to the Amish Farm and House on your left, next to the Target store. There is an authentic Amish home, schoolhouse, farm, and more. From there get back on Route 30 and head east to Route 896; turn left at the traffic light. Before long you'll see the Good n' Plenty Restaurant; if it's meal time fine, otherwise keep going but you may want to stop by on the return trip. Head farther north on 896 to Route 350 and turn right; from there it's about about a quarter of a mile to Abe's Buggy Rides. It's fun to take a ride around Amish country, but don't make it too long, you're just getting started on your driving tour. Even if you don't take a ride it's a chance to study a buggy up close and there is a free petting zoo. Just a little further on to the east is the Bird-In-Hand Farmer's Market on the right. It isn't a huge place, but it's clean, well laid out, and has a variety of foods and crafts. Joan likes the meats sold by S. Clyde Weaver, and thinks the cinnamon buns and raisin bread sold by Michael's are the best in the county; buy some, what better way to snack during your day trip.

After you leave the market is where your country day trip starts to get tricky, and interesting. Almost immediately to the east on 340 is Ronks Road (ask if you don't see it); turn left (north) and follow it to the end at Church Road. Turn right (east) and go about a third of a mile to Monterey Road; turn left and watch for a small sign on the left that says "Glick's Foods and Crafts" (Amish, so no web site). This is truly an Amish store, with food, clothing, quilts, and more - all locally made - and furniture made on site. You can watch while articles are made in the attached workshop or in the store. If you do, note that none of the equipment (sewing machine, saws, drills, etc.) is run by 110 volt electricity, it's either powered by compressed air or batteries. Do try the baked good samples, but do NOT take pictures of the people working there!

Leaving Glick's, turn left (north) and continue on Monterey Road to Stumptown Road and it's intersection with Newport Road (Route 772). There you will find the Mascot Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home. We haven't been in the family home, but the mill is fascinating. Built in the 1730's the mill has been enlarged and updated over the years. Now, instead of the typical large millstone you may have seen before in Amish country or elsewhere, the system in use is very different. It's..., no, you'll have to see it for yourself since it's tough to explain it here. The mill still works on a limited basis for free tours and you can watch while corn and wheat are ground. The building also houses the post office for the settlement of Mascot, a name with a story of its own. There is a nice little park on the other side of Newport Road if the kids need a day trip break and would like to play alongside the stream.

Continue your day trip north on Stumptown Road a short distance to the next stop, the Countryside Road Stand (Amish, so no web site), another Amish store where you can see ceiling fans powered by air pressure and note the lack of electric lights. The store has everything from food to dolls to birdhouses to quilts. There is a window on the porch to buy pretzels and ice cream if you're interested.

Leaving the Stand, turn right (north) and continue on Stumptown Road to the end, where you'll turn right (east) on Eby Road. Close by on the left is Riehl's Quilts & Crafts (Amish, so no web site). This store is much like the last one, but with a larger supply of quilts. Even if you don't want to shop, stop anyway. The private Amish country residence and landscaping make a great picture, and you can study some beautiful private buggies in detail.

When you leave, the day trip continues by turning left (east) on Eby Road. The next turn will be Hess Road to the south on your right; NOT the Hess Road turn on the left which heads north. Stay on Hess Road until you get to Newport Road (Route 772) and then follow that on to the town of Intercourse. There are a lot of shops in town if you're interested, and one in particular which I'll come back to in a moment. However, at this point it may be time for lunch or dinner, and if so you may want to stop at the Stoltzfus Farm Restaurant; to get there continue on Newport Road, cross Route 340, and the restaurant on the right, perhaps a mile south and off the road a bit. We've eaten there and discussed in on the Amish Food page. If you've eaten elsewhere or aren't hungry, skip this and stay in Intercourse.

By this time you've probably had it; if not, the kids have. Continue west on 340 to your overnight accommodations, or whatever other restaurant or activity you have planned. We hope you had a great day trip touring at least a small part of our Amish country!

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