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Would you like to visit an
historic Amish farm?
Visiting an historic Amish farm is a great alternative - or addition - to your exploration of Amish culture. Lancaster County is fortunate in that it has several such places to choose from, but we think the best are the two that are also historic. As with so many other attractions, there we have no clear preference, it just depends on your perspective.
The Hans Herr House
As somewhat of an amateur historian, this attraction is the more interesting of the two to me. Hans Herr was a founding father of Lancaster and one of the leaders in a small group of Mennonites that settled here in 1711 (He is also my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather).
The house is the oldest existing structure in the county and now part of a larger museum. Tours of the house are offered, but you may stroll around the grounds and see the blacksmith shop, bake oven, animals, smoke house, and equipment for free. The Snitz (apple) Fest in September is an opportunity to see costumed re-enactors demonstrating and explaining displays and aspects of early Mennonite life. It is no longer a working establishment but there is a very interesting apple orchard. For more information about visiting the museum click here:
Hans Herr House.
The Amish Farm and House
Our other choice is very different. The house here was built in 1805 and has undergone many changes over the years. Click on the picture to go to their web site.
It, too, is part of a larger complex that includes a 15-acre homestead, one-room schoolhouse, springhouse, water wheel, windmill, barns, equipment, and small covered bridge. The self-guided walking tour around the complex is well laid out. There is a gift shop on the premises, of course. Don't be put off by it's location between a Target store, a strip mall, and the American Music Theater; it was there first and is not affiliated with them.
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