Free Things To Do in Lancaster County

Looking to stretch your tourism dollar? We've got just the activities for you! Check out all of the free things to do that you can add to your itinerary.

• Antiquing
  Adamstown, PA
  The dealing begins in Lancaster County before the sun even begins to shine, at antique malls such as those in Adamstown, where you'll find unique treasures of the past from more than 3,000 dealers. If you're a true bargain-hunter, grab your coffee for an extra-early morning, and scout out your favorites before throwing your bid into the ring at antique auctions.
   
• Bubes Brewery Art Gallery
  Mount Joy, PA / 717-653-2056
  The Brewery began producing beer again in November 2001 for the first time since 1917. The present day brewery operates in the original brewery's ice house. Visitors are welcome to tour the brewery.
   
• Columbia Historic Preservation Society
  Columbia, PA / 717-684-2894
  Sundays 1p.m. to 4p.m. Closed during winter months

• Covered Bridges
  Just the sight of our covered bridges brings to mind thoughts of old charm and romance, and in Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, we have plenty of both! Sometimes referred to as “kissing bridges” because of the many couples who have strolled across them over the years, our area offers more than two dozen of these architectural beauties – each with its own inviting story.
   
• Demuth Museum
  Lancaster, PA / 717-299-9940
  Six rotating exhibitions, tours or the restored 1700's home and painting studio of Lancaster's most famous resident and world famous artist, Charles Demuth

• George's Furniture
  Marietta, PA / 717-426-1004
  Tour our unique woodshop where skilled craftsmen are creating the highest quality furniture, signed and dated. 100% solid hardwood – no plywood or veneers.

• Hayloft Candles and Petting Zoo
  Leola, PA / 717-656-9463
  A petting zoo for kids and the young-at-heart. Critters of the field and forest have found a home at the Hayloft Petting Zoo. Very tame sheep, goats and donkeys make friends in a hurry. You'll also be enchanted with up close looks at the deer, peacocks and turkeys roaming the grounds.
   
• Herr's Snack Factory Tour
  Nottingham, PA / 800-63-SNACK
  Take the tastiest tour in town and sample warm chips, freshly made.
   
• Hershey's Chocolate World Visitors Center
  Hershey, PA / 800-HERSHEY
  Free chocolate-making tour, free sample, Hershey's Really Big 3D Show, trolley tours of Hershey, gift shops and food court. HERSHEY'S GREAT AMERICAN CHOCOLATE TOUR This FREE tour begins in a tropical rainforest where cocoa beans grow and are harvested. Then follow their journey across the ocean to America and their delivery to THE SWEETEST PLACE ON EARTH - Hershey, Pennsylvania. The cocoa beans continue through a simulated HERSHEY'S chocolate factory where you'll see, feel, smell and hear the delicious transformation from bean to milk chocolate. Your fun, informative tour concludes with a FREE HERSHEY'S sample!
   
• Intercourse Canning Company
  Intercourse, PA / 717-768-0156
  Come and see one of Lancaster County's working canneries. Sample pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, Amish peanut butter over 20 different items to taste. We offer a selection of 40 varieties of gourmet coffees; our own dip mixes and more.
   
• Intercourse Pretzel Factory
  Intercourse, PA / 717-768-3432
  A free pretzel factory tour (when factory is in operation) where you'll learn to twist a pretzel.
   
• Kitchen Kettle Village
  Intercourse, PA / 800-732-3538
  Stroll through our village of 42 shops and restaurants built around our nationally celebrated Jam & Relish Kitchen. Sample pepper jam, watch fudge being rolled, listen as Banjo Jimmy plays a tune and much more.
   
• Lancaster Newspapers Newseum
  Lancaster, PA / 717-291-8600
  Lancaster Newspapers Newseum, located at 28 South Queen Street in the City of Lancaster, is a glass-enclosed, self-guided display that traces the evolution of how newspapers served people from earliest times, with special attention to the evolution of the Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News...all published by Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
   
• Life Streams Productions at Living Waters Theatre
  Ronks, PA / 717-687-4263
  Some of their Christian-themed dramas, films, concerts, seminars and other events are by donation only.
   
• Lititz Moravian Church Square Archives & Museum
  Lititz, PA / 717-626-8515
  You will find displayed musical instrument and artifacts accumulated over the long history of the Congregation that established Lititz as a church community in 1756.
   
• Long’s Park
  Lancaster, PA / 717-735-8883
  Enjoy the petting zoo, spring fed lake, walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, and many free events held throughout the year.
   
• Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home
  Ronks, PA / 717-656-7616
  Each year more than 12,000 visitors from throughout the world find their way to this historic site, nestled in the heart of a thriving Amish community in eastern Lancaster County. Visitors to the site, which features a remarkably preserved water-powered grain mill, step back in time to learn about milling history along the banks of scenic Mill Creek. The adjacent 1855 miller's house, home to three generations of Resslers, is a clear window to early 20th century housekeeping and family life. The home is preserved just as it was when brother and sister Franklin and Anna Ressler offered their neighbors the finest flour, along with neighborly hospitality.
   
• Mennonite Information Center
  Lancaster, PA / 717-299-0954
  "Postcards from a Heritage Faith" is a free movie shown on the half hour.
   
• New Holland Agricultural
  New Holland, PA / 717-355-1588
  Come tour the New Holland manufacturing operations.
   
• Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate
  Bainbridge, PA / 800-522-2387
  Featuring tastings of award winning Lancaster Valley wines, and tours of scenic operating winery. Also wine shop, picnic patios and country roadways for biking.
   
• Old Candle Barn
  Intercourse, PA / 717-768-8926
  Relax and browse through our gatherings of primitive, homespun treasures. Whether it is a comfy wing chair, a corner cupboard or a deliciously scented candle, we have what you are looking for. Let our friendly staff help you achieve the cozy, warm and inviting look that country creates. While visiting with us, make sure to stop by the candle making room where we still make candles the "old fashioned way."
   
• Outdoors
  Escape to the great outdoors during your trip to Lancaster County, which boasts a whole host of ways to enjoy our landscape and relish a breath of fresh air! Bike or hike one of our many trails, and explore our scenic back roads, which have been voted one of the best places to "get lost." Our seemingly endless miles of rolling Amish farmlands and 29 covered bridges will serve as your pathway to simpler times.
  
  You're sure to enjoy opportunities for birding and admiring scenic beauty at one of our Lancaster County Pennsylvania parks and preserves. Waterfowl and wildlife sanctuaries abound, along with several thousand acres of thickly wooded Pennylvania state gameland. If your penchant is for waterways, you'll want to explore the mighty Susquehanna River and all the water activities we recommend to enjoy its beauty, from fishing to kayaking and boating.
   
• Stoudt's Brewery and Beer Festivals
  Adamstown, PA / 717-484-4386
  Pennsylvania's first micro brewery. Over 20 years of quality brewing and numerous award winning beers. Garnering national and international attention with a pile of gold, silver and bronze medals. Fourteen varieties to choose from. Lagers, ales, and seasonal beers.
   
• Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store
  Lititz, PA / 888-294-5287
  If you're a chocolate lover, a visit to the Wilbur Chocolate Candy Factory Store will stir delightful memories of yesteryear. You will enjoy a large selection of Wilbur items, chocolate specialties, and many other confections. You can also watch our candy makers at work hand-dipping homemade marshmallows into luscious Wilbur chocolate and creating mounds of gooey caramel crunch, chunks of velvety almond bark, and rich pralines chockful of pecans and cashews

Farmers Markets
Lancaster County grows food for the entire nation. Fortunately, you can buy direct at roadside stands and farmers markets. Here, organic, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables appear daily. It's one of the perks everyone enjoys!

• Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market
  Bird-in-Hand, PA / 717-393-9674
  Experience mouth-watering aromas and tastes, and bountiful displays.
   
• Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction
  Ephrata, PA / 717-738-1117
  Clean, pleasant shopping in a country atmosphere. Thousands of bargains, lots of activity, and good family style restaurants.
   
• Lancaster Central Market
  Lancaster, PA / 717-735-6890
  Welcome to a real historic treat, Lancaster's Central Market. A farmers' market since the 1730's.