Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center 501 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 717-299-8901 www.padutchcountry.com
Historic Rivertowns & Western Villages Trail
Western Lancaster County towns of Marietta, Columbia, Mount Joy and Manheim
Travel through the historic towns of Marietta, Columbia, Mount Joy and Manheim while exploring five unique covered bridges throughout western Lancaster County. Soak in the heritage of Marietta and Columbia (known as the Rivertowns for their location adjacent to the Susquehanna River), visiting a museum packed with clocks and a farmers' market filled with fresh delicacies. Then venture to Mount Joy, stopping for a dining experience in a historic brewery and a game of laser tag. The surrounding Manheim area holds more fun, by way of a renaissance village and dairy farm tour!
Download printer-friendly trail guide and directions. (90 KB pdf)
From the center of Marietta, head west on Market St. to highway 441.
Turn right onto Rt. 441 and proceed for 2.3 miles, heading into the town of Columbia.
Town: Columbia
In Columbia, be sure to visit the National Watch & Clock Museum, where you'll find more than 12,000 items dedicated to time. At the Columbia Market, which is open Thursdays and Fridays, peruse the isles filled with fresh produce, baked goods, sweets and more - and find the perfect snack to munch on during the remainder of the trail!
In Columbia, be sure to visit the National Watch & Clock Museum, where you'll find more than 12,000 items dedicated to time. At the Columbia Market, which is open Thursdays and Fridays, peruse the isles filled with fresh produce, baked goods, sweets and more - and find the perfect snack to munch on during the remainder of the trail!
After exploring the town, follow signs for highway 462 and head east for 3.3 miles.
Turn left onto Prospect Rd. and proceed for 2.3 miles.
Turn left onto highway 23 and proceed for 1 mile.
Turn right onto Bridge Valley Rd. and proceed for 0.2 miles.
Covered Bridge: Forry's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1869, which was the same year the first transcontinental railroad was completed. Minor repairs were made to the floor and sides in 1925.
Covered Bridge: Forry's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1869, which was the same year the first transcontinental railroad was completed. Minor repairs were made to the floor and sides in 1925.
Turn around after the bridge, continuing back on Bridge Valley Rd. for 0.2 miles.
Turn left onto Miller Dr. and proceed for 0.6 miles.
Turn left onto Farmdale Rd., which has no street sign, and proceed for 0.4 miles.
Turn left onto Siegrist Rd. and continue for 0.3 miles.
Covered Bridge: Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1885. It was originally called Michael Moore's Mill Bridge, but was renamed after the Siegrist family when they purchased the bridge in 1895.
Covered Bridge: Siegrist's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1885. It was originally called Michael Moore's Mill Bridge, but was renamed after the Siegrist family when they purchased the bridge in 1895.
Continue driving on Siegrist Rd. for 0.4 miles.
Turn left onto Pinkerton Rd. and proceed for 0.8 miles.
Turn right onto Longenecker Rd. and proceed for 2.2 miles.
Turn left onto highway 230/East Main St., Mount Joy.
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Town: Mount Joy
Stroll through the streets of Mount Joy, a small town dedicated to providing a lasting experience to those who travel through the area. Located in town, Bube's Brewery, a 19th century brewery, offers delicious food for lunch and dinner, with a choice of three restaurants that range from casual fare to fine dining. Also enjoy high-quality drinks, entertainment and if you're prepared, learn about the Brewery's history and take a ghost tour.
Stroll through the streets of Mount Joy, a small town dedicated to providing a lasting experience to those who travel through the area. Located in town, Bube's Brewery, a 19th century brewery, offers delicious food for lunch and dinner, with a choice of three restaurants that range from casual fare to fine dining. Also enjoy high-quality drinks, entertainment and if you're prepared, learn about the Brewery's history and take a ghost tour.
To continue the trail, take 772 East/Manheim St. and follow for 3.3 miles.
Turn right onto Esbenshade Rd., and proceed for 0.8 miles.
Make a sharp left onto Auction Rd., right before the highway 283 overpass, and proceed for 1.2 miles.
Point of Interest: Located on Auction Rd., the Laserdome features amazing high-tech family entertainment, including laser-light shows, multi-floor laser tag, arcades, virtual reality games and more.
To return to trail, proceed on Auction Rd. to Erisman Rd.
Point of Interest: Located on Auction Rd., the Laserdome features amazing high-tech family entertainment, including laser-light shows, multi-floor laser tag, arcades, virtual reality games and more.
To return to trail, proceed on Auction Rd. to Erisman Rd.
Turn right onto Erisman Rd. and proceed for 0.3 miles.
Covered Bridge: Shenck's Mill Covered Bridge was originally built in 1847, but because of extensive flood damage, it was rebuilt in 1855. This bridge is the third oldest covered bridge in the county that is still open to traffic.
Covered Bridge: Shenck's Mill Covered Bridge was originally built in 1847, but because of extensive flood damage, it was rebuilt in 1855. This bridge is the third oldest covered bridge in the county that is still open to traffic.
Turn around and continue back on Erisman Rd. for 0.1 mile.
Turn right at Auction Rd. and proceed for 1.3 miles.
Turn left onto Colebrook Rd. and proceed for 1.1 mile.
Turn right onto highway 772/Mount Joy Rd. and proceed for 0.6 miles.
Turn right onto Sun Hill Rd. and continue for 0.1 miles.
Covered Bridge: Kaufman's Distillery Covered Bridge was first built in 1857 and later rebuilt in 1874. Kaufman's Distillery Mill was actually one of 130 distilleries in the county in the 1800s.
Covered Bridge: Kaufman's Distillery Covered Bridge was first built in 1857 and later rebuilt in 1874. Kaufman's Distillery Mill was actually one of 130 distilleries in the county in the 1800s.
Turn around and continue on Sun Hill Rd., proceeding for 0.2 miles.
Turn right on 772/Mount Joy Rd. and proceed for 1.1 mile.
At the light in the center square of Manheim, bear right onto High St. and continue to next light.
Turn left onto Main St. and proceed for 0.2 miles.
Turn right onto Gramby Rd. and proceed for 0.7 miles.
Turn left onto Laurel St. and proceed for 0.3 miles.
Turn right onto Adele Ave. and proceed for 0.3 miles.
Covered Bridge: Originally built in 1847, Shearer's Mill Covered Bridge was damaged by a flood nine years later and had to be rebuilt. It was also scheduled to be replaced with a concrete bridge, many local residents negotiated its transfer to this spot, Memorial Park.
Covered Bridge: Originally built in 1847, Shearer's Mill Covered Bridge was damaged by a flood nine years later and had to be rebuilt. It was also scheduled to be replaced with a concrete bridge, many local residents negotiated its transfer to this spot, Memorial Park.
If you're interested in extending your journey, return to Main St., / Rt. 72 and head north or south to these family attractions:
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Point of Interest: Travel south on Rt. 72 and experience the Kreider Farm Tour for a unique behind-the-scenes dairy tour unlike any other! With the company of a step-on guide, you'll drive in your car through a farm operation from start to finish, observing a 54-cow carousel milking parlor, calves, a loafing barn and field crops. Adjacent to the tour facility is a family-style restaurant with hearty, home cooked food to satisfy everyone.
Point of Interest: Travel north on Rt. 72 to Mount Hope Estate & Winery, home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The estate is home to award-winning specialty and sparkling wines, as well as seasonal events and activities that take place all year round.
Point of Interest: Travel north on Rt. 72 to Mount Hope Estate & Winery, home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The estate is home to award-winning specialty and sparkling wines, as well as seasonal events and activities that take place all year round.
Download printer-friendly trail guide and directions. (90 KB pdf)
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