Location: Lancaster
Top Things to do in Lancaster
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA)
Pennsylvania Dutch country is a fascinating destination to explore. Visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s. Visit markets and farm stores for homemade shoofly pie and fresh produce, or shop for a handmade quilt. President James Buchanan's elegant home, Wheatland, is no less historic but contrasts sharply to the simpler Pennsylvania Dutch heritage sites in Lancaster. Consider a side trip to nearby Hershey, home of Hershey Park and the Hershey chocolate factory.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Lancaster County Central Park
2. Long's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By davisellu
We stopped in here for an after dinner stroll and had a lovely turn around the lake-- no hills and good for strollers or kids on bikes. It was great to see a lot of families and other groups out enjoying the nice weather and pretty views. There looked like there were lots of things to do here-- a petting zoo, outdoor performances, etc.
3. Beau's Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 227billieb - DeLand, United States
We have a wonderful dog park in DeLand Florida, where we're from. But this park was stunning. Splash pads, artificial turf, shaded seating for humans. Just amazing. I understand they won a contest and got a lot of money to make this park what it is. If you have a dog and are in the area, you just have to go.
4. East Lampeter Township Community Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Kerry1213 - Lancaster, United States
Great kiddie activities and a challenging steep walking path. Great exercise for all. It is tucked back and rarely busy. Runs beside a babbling brook.
5. D.F. Buchmiller County Park
6. Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By deckm
This trail is my go-to every weekend that I can. It's flat as others have stated, although there are many short low-angle grades that will have you downshifting here and there. There's nothing boring about this ride because one minute you're twisting and turning through the forest and the next minute you're riding past large open fields and pastures. Except for one short section through Marietta, you will hardly see any houses at all. Marietta by the way is quaint and has wonderful shops and restaurants. There are many places along the way to view the Susquehanna including multiple boat launches, lots of park benches and picnic tables, and two parks with covered picnic areas (no fires). The larger one is The RiverTrail Pavilion and is accessible by car from Marietta. It has a small playground, a soda vending machine, and two portable toilets. The smaller one, Koser Park, is in Bainbridge and has a pavilion, park benches, a grassy area to sit and gaze at the river, and the Bainbridge Inn and other eateries just over the railroad tracks. Speaking of railroad tracks, the Norfolk-Southern railway parallels the whole bike trail and it's not unusual to hear and see a long line of freight trains slowly rumbling by. One of my favorite aspects of the trail is the sheer variety of scenery, and except for crossing the street in Columbia to get from the parking areas to the beginning of the trail, there are no intersections to stop at, typical of other trails. You may encounter cars in Marietta and at some of the parking areas but it's minimal and there are always paths to the side and off the street, as well as street bike markings in Marietta. The other thing that I like about the NWLRT is that it's very well maintained. The only downside is that if you wait until late morning or the afternoon especially on a weekend the trail gets to be very busy with all manner of walkers, riders, skaters, families, children, and other groups who may not be aware of the need to keep to the side of the trail so you'll find yourself announcing "On your left!" more than you might like, so go early if you can. Also, please take your litter with you!
7. The Shops @ Rockvale
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 407 reviews
Over 60 Brand Names to choose from and 10 on site restaurants. Monthly events for the whole family. The Park @ Rockvale coming in the summer of 2019. Monthly Local Makers Market with over 30 talented artist offering a wide variety of goods the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am to 3pm.
Reviewed By 208rebeccao - Ridgewood, United States
Went here for the Disney store. It was great! We happened to be here for their yearly sale! Best prices ever!!
8. Holtwood Dam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By PattyMcC7 - Landisville, United States
The Mill Creek Falls Trail is a section of the Mason-Dixon Trail. From Lancaster County cross the Norman Wood Bridge into York County and take first right onto River Road. The trail head is past Lock No 12. You'll see it after passing a stone wall on the left. We went down to the next pull off lot on the right and walked back to the trailhead. The waterfall is about 3 minutes in on the trail. We were there in fall but the hillside is covered with rhododendrons so we'll be back in the spring to see that display. After the waterfall there are some switchbacks up the mountain. The trail blazes are sky blue and easy to follow. Walking sticks are helpful and I wouldn't want to do it if it's wet. Don't let the switchbacks deter you, once you get past them it's not bad and there are lots of overlooks on the top of ridge that make it worth the climb. We're 68 and 70 and the hike took us about an hour. You end up on a gravel road by the Holtwood Dam, walk a few feet and turn right onto River Road and continue back to parking lot. You'll pass a porta potty on the way. This was a wonderful, peaceful hike. Highly recommend it! Afterwards you can drive down and take a peek at Lock No 12 on the old canal.
9. That Fish Place - That Pet Place
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 4 reviews
We are the original Aquatic & Pet Supply Superstore. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors come from all over the US & Canada to explore our 88,000 square foot retail store. Well-behaved, leashed pets are always welcome in our store, so bring the 'kids' along for the adventure! That Fish Place - That Pet Place is a store unlike any other.
10. Overlook Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
