Lancaster: City & Amish Country Tour with Ice Cream Stops

Summary

Stories from Lancaster’s streets to quiet Amish lanes, old markets and sweet stops

You’ll walk Lancaster’s historic streets with a local guide, taste fresh ice cream at real Amish farms, cross old covered bridges, and wander through Central Market if it’s open. Expect small surprises—a story here, a laugh there—and moments that stick with you long after the tour ends.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s really where Milton Hershey started?” I blurted out before I could stop myself. Our guide just grinned—he’d probably heard it a hundred times—and pointed at this unassuming storefront in downtown Lancaster. You don’t expect candy history to pop up between old brick buildings and the kind of hardware store that smells like wood shavings and metal oil. We’d started the day right in Penn Square, surrounded by architecture that felt both grand and lived-in, and honestly, I kept getting distracted by little details—like the way sunlight hit the stone or how people nodded hello as they passed. There’s something about walking these blocks that makes you feel like you’re borrowing someone else’s hometown for a bit.

The tour van ride out into Lancaster County was quieter than I expected—fields rolling past, barns with their paint just starting to peel. Our guide talked about the Amish families he’d known since childhood, not in a showy way but more like he was sharing stories over coffee. At one stop, we met an Amish woman who handed me a cone of homemade ice cream (I picked black raspberry—no regrets). The air smelled faintly of grass and cows, which sounds weird but felt honest somehow. She laughed when I tried to say thank you in Pennsylvania Dutch; I think I butchered it. There was this gentle hush all around except for birds and the occasional buggy clopping by.

Back in town, we ducked into the Central Market—if it’s open on your day, don’t skip it. The mix of voices and produce smells is kind of dizzying in a good way. Someone handed me a sample of sharp cheese; my friend went straight for pickles. We wandered past stalls that looked like they hadn’t changed much since forever (in a comforting way). Later we stopped at one of those covered bridges you see on postcards—I leaned against the wood railings and just listened for a minute while everyone else took photos. You know when you realize you’re somewhere you’ll remember? That.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lancaster city and Amish country

• Walk Penn Square and learn history
• Visit Fulton Theatre and learn history
• Pass by Lancaster Central Market
• See Milton Hershey's candy start
• Visit oldest Lancaster County settlement
• View one of Lancaster's covered bridges
• Stop at Amish properties and learn
• Enjoy homemade ice cream
• Take photos at scenic spot
• Learn about artist Charles Demuth
• Visit Demuth Tobacco Shop
• Learn about Steinman Hardware store
• Discover Steinman family publishing history

Top questions

How long is the Lancaster city & Amish country tour?

The experience covers several hours including walking in Lancaster City and visiting Amish properties by van.

Is ice cream included on this tour?

Yes, homemade ice cream from an Amish farm is included—a full scoop in your choice of cone or dish.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the starting point in Lancaster City.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour allows prams or strollers.

Are there any physical requirements?

You should be able to walk about 6 city blocks at an easy pace and get in/out of the touring van.

What attractions are visited during this tour?

Penn Square, Fulton Theatre (outside), Central Market (inside if open), Amish properties, covered bridge, Demuth Tobacco Shop, Steinman Hardware Store.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided but snacks like homemade ice cream are included.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through central Lancaster landmarks like Penn Square and Central Market (when open), comfortable van transport out to remote Amish areas only locals know about, two stops at authentic Amish properties—with homemade ice cream included—and plenty of stories from guides who actually grew up here.