Visit one of our Pennsylvania Dutch farms

If you would like to experience life on one of the early Pennsylvania Dutch farms, then a visit to one of two excellent local examples is in order. I'll cover the one that is better known first, the Landis Valley Museum. A quote from their brochure is a good place to start; "...it is a nationally significant living history museum that exhibits and interprets Pennsylvania-German culture." On 100+ acres it provides an excellent picture of 18th and 19th century rural life in Lancaster County. A sampling of the buildings on site are: brick, log, and wood farmhouses; barns; a hotel; a tavern; blacksmith, print, and leather working shops; a school; a gun exhibit; a collections building; a visitor center; a museum shop; and areas with demonstrations of various crafts. All of the foregoing are definitely of interest to adults, and possibly children, but the small working agricultural area is more likely to be more to their liking with its heritage crops and animals. In addition, a wide variety of special events are held throughout the year. The museum is operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and is rated an Exceptional attraction by the American Automobile Association.


The location of the second place, The Amish Farm and House, is also 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 an original 1803 stone bank barn of Pennsylvania Dutch design and in the barn and surrounding meadows are many animals including goats, sheep, cows, chickens, and more. Your kids might even want to try milking the imitation cow. 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; the homestead was there first and is not affiliated with its neighbors.

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