Lancaster Amish Tour: Private Farms, Movie Set & Creamery

Summary

Private Amish farms Lancaster County birdhouses ice cream

You’ll step onto private Amish farms in Lancaster County, meet families who open their homes just for this tour, see where “Witness” was filmed, watch kids crafting birdhouses, and savor fresh ice cream at an Amish creamery—all with a guide who knows everyone by name. Expect quiet moments, laughter, and a side of rural life you can’t get from a window.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out of the van and the air just smells different? That’s how it started for me in Lancaster. Our guide—Sarah, who seemed to know every back road and barn cat—pulled us up to this old farm where “Witness” was filmed. I’ll admit I barely remembered the movie, but standing there with the wooden fences creaking and chickens pecking around my feet, it felt like I’d wandered into someone’s real life instead of a film set. The family waved from the porch (the little ones were shy but curious), and we got to wander around their barn. At one point I tried to pet a goat; it wanted nothing to do with me. Fair enough.

We stopped next at a home where the kids were making these birdhouses—tiny hands painting careful lines, sawdust in the air. Their mom showed us how they use leftover wood from bigger projects, nothing wasted. I bought one (couldn’t resist) and probably overpaid, but honestly? Worth it for their smiles. Sarah explained some of the Amish traditions as we drove through all that rolling farmland—she pointed out a covered bridge from the 1800s and told us about the first settlers here. I kept thinking how quiet everything felt compared to home. Even the cows seemed more relaxed.

The dairy farm stop was straight out of another century—stone buildings from the 1830s, worn smooth by generations. The farmer shook my hand with this dry, strong grip and told us about milking before sunrise. There was something grounding about hearing him talk while swallows darted overhead. And then came the creamery: fresh ice cream (included in the tour), melting fast in my hand under that wide Pennsylvania sky. It tasted like actual milk—not just sugar—and I still think about that vanilla scoop sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amish farm tours and local culture

• Drive through Lancaster County farmland
• See historic buildings and covered bridges
• Tour private Amish farm from "Witness" movie
• Visit Amish home with birdhouse artisans
• Tour private Amish dairy farm
• Stop at Amish creamery for ice cream

Top questions

Is this Amish tour in Lancaster private or public?

This tour includes exclusive access to private Amish farms not open to the public.

Does the tour include visiting filming locations from "Witness"?

Yes, you’ll visit the actual farm where "Witness" was filmed.

Is there food included on this Lancaster Amish tour?

Yes, fresh ice cream at an Amish-owned creamery is included.

How long is the drive between stops on this day trip?

The driving portions are short and wind through scenic Lancaster County farmland.

Can children join this Amish immersion experience?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Are there opportunities to buy crafts or souvenirs?

You can purchase handmade birdhouses directly from an Amish family during the tour.

Is pickup included for this day trip in Lancaster?

The tour includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle; check details for pickup options.

Are there accessibility considerations for mobility issues?

This tour involves getting in/out of a van at multiple stops; not recommended for significant mobility problems.

What’s included

Your day covers travel by air-conditioned vehicle across Lancaster County with all entry fees included; you’ll enjoy fresh ice cream at an Amish-owned creamery as part of your experience before heading back after your last farm visit.