Lancaster Amish Country: Day Trip from Philadelphia with Museum & Local Lunch

Summary

Horse-drawn buggies, homemade pies & stories in Lancaster’s fields

You’ll ride out from Philadelphia into Lancaster County’s peaceful farmlands, meeting locals who share their stories and traditions along the way. Explore an authentic Amish homestead museum, enjoy hearty home-cooked lunch and sweet bakery treats, and browse handmade crafts with your guide’s tips. You might leave thinking about life’s quieter rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft clop of horse hooves outside our van window — not something you hear back in Philly. We’d barely left the city behind when the landscape started to roll out wide and green, with neat rows of corn and laundry flapping on long lines. Our guide, Mark, grew up nearby and pointed out a family in straw hats stacking hay by hand; he said it’s just how his neighbors have done it for generations. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it felt better to just watch for a minute. The air smelled like earth after last night’s rain.

At the Amish Village Museum, we stepped into a quiet kitchen where butter churns sat next to gas lamps. There was this moment when our group went silent listening to Mary (she runs tours there) talk about her school days in a one-room schoolhouse — her hands moved as she spoke, quick and careful. I didn’t expect to feel so curious about things like quilting patterns or why the barns are painted red (apparently linseed oil is the secret). It’s strange what sticks with you.

Lunch was at this small place where everyone seemed to know each other — roast chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy so thick you could stand your fork in it. The shoo fly pie was sticky-sweet and I’m still not sure what’s in it (molasses? magic?). After that we stopped at a roadside stand for whoopie pies; Mark teased me for buying three “for later” but they didn’t make it past the parking lot. There were quilt shops too, but mostly I remember how people nodded hello without rushing. The whole day trip from Philadelphia felt slower than I’m used to — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Amish Country in Lancaster

• Travel from Philadelphia to Lancaster County
• Observe horse and buggies on roads
• Visit Amish Village Museum
• See schoolhouse, barn, and blacksmith shop
• Enjoy homemade Amish lunch
• Taste whoopie pies and shoo fly pies
• Shop for Amish-made goods and quilts

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Philadelphia to Amish Country?

The tour covers a full day including travel time between Philadelphia and Lancaster County.

Is lunch included on this Amish Country tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included during your visit.

Will we visit an actual Amish home or farm?

You’ll explore the Amish Village Museum, which is a preserved homestead open to visitors.

Are there stops for shopping or buying local goods?

Yes, you’ll stop at quilt shops and roadside stands featuring Amish-made goods.

Is transportation provided from Philadelphia?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle departing from Philadelphia.

Are guides local or knowledgeable about Amish culture?

Your guide is English-speaking and familiar with Lancaster County and its culture.

Can children or infants join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Are service animals allowed on this day trip?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable pickup and transport from Philadelphia in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided entry into the Amish Village Museum homestead, plus a hearty homemade lunch at a local restaurant before returning in the evening.