Lancaster Amish Country: Farmlands Tour, Jacob’s Choice & Homestead

Summary

Amish farmlands stories, family choices & one-room schoolhouse

You’ll wander Lancaster’s country roads by mini-bus with a local guide, watch “Jacob’s Choice” unfold on five screens, and step inside an Amish homestead and schoolhouse. Expect real stories, small surprises (like homemade pretzels), and moments that linger long after you leave—the kind you don’t plan for but remember anyway.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—our morning started with me spilling coffee on my shirt in the car park at Plain & Fancy Farm. Not the “simple life” I’d imagined for our day in Lancaster’s Amish Country. But our guide, Ruth, just smiled and handed me a napkin like she’d seen it all before. The air was sweet with cut grass and something yeasty from the bakery next door. We piled into this little 14-seater bus—air conditioning humming—and set off down narrow roads that felt almost too quiet. Ruth pointed out laundry lines flapping behind white farmhouses, and at one stop we bought soft pretzels from a girl who barely looked up but gave us this shy half-smile. I tried to say thank you in Pennsylvania Dutch (don’t ask me how it sounded).

The film “Jacob’s Choice” surprised me more than I expected. It’s about this young Amish guy deciding whether to stay or leave, and honestly, I got choked up watching his family around the dinner table—there’s something about seeing those choices play out on five screens that makes it feel bigger than just history. The theater smelled faintly of popcorn even though no one was eating any (I guess old habits die hard). Afterward, people were quieter as we walked out—like we were all thinking about our own families for a second.

Last part was the guided walk through the Amish Country Homestead and one-room schoolhouse. Our guide explained why there are hooks instead of closets (no buttons), and showed us these tiny desks lined up facing a chalkboard—I tried sitting at one but my knees didn’t fit. The light inside was soft and yellowish, dust motes floating around while kids’ voices drifted in from outside. It’s strange how peaceful it felt after all the busyness outside Lancaster. I still think about that quiet room sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amish Experience SuperSaver activities

• Take 90-minute Amish Farmlands Tour
• Stop for authentic Amish goods
• Watch 35-minute film "Jacob's Choice"
• Join 45-minute Amish house and school tour

Top questions

How long is the Amish Farmlands Tour?

The guided Amish Farmlands Tour lasts 90 minutes.

Is transportation included on the tour?

Yes, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned 14-passenger mini bus during the Farmlands Tour.

What times does "Jacob's Choice" play?

"Jacob's Choice" is shown hourly from 10am to 5pm.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must have their own ticket and car seat if required by law.

Is there a guide during the homestead visit?

Yes, the Amish Country Homestead & One-Room School tour is guided.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants can join if they ride in a pram or stroller; parents must provide car seats for babies on the bus tour.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed except service animals.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near Plain & Fancy Farm.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided Amish Farmlands Tour by air-conditioned mini-bus with stops for authentic goods, entry to see “Jacob’s Choice” in the theater, plus a 45-minute guided walk through an Amish house and one-room school—with local guides sharing stories along every step.