Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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The 6 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Columbia, Pennsylvania (PA)
Columbia, formerly Wright's Ferry, is a borough (town) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Harrisburg on the east (left) bank of the Susquehanna River, across from Wrightsville and York County and just south of U.S. Route 30. The settlement was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers from Chester County led by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright. Establishment of the eponymous Wright's Ferry, the first commercial Susquehanna crossing in the region, inflamed territorial conflict with neighboring Maryland but brought growth and prosperity to the small town, which was just a few votes shy of becoming the new United States' capital. Though besieged for a short while by Civil War destruction, Columbia remained a lively center of transport and industry throughout the 19th century, once serving as a terminus of the Pennsylvania Canal. Later, however, the Great Depression and 20th-century changes in economy and technology sent the borough into decline. It is notable today as the site of one of the world's few museums devoted entirely to horology.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. Wright's Ferry Mansion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By MaryR575 - Philadelphia, United States
Take a trip back in time to visit the 18th century home of an independent and successful businesswoman in Pennsylvania. Your expert tour guide introduces you to the life and experiences of Susan Wright through a room-by-room narrated tour. The house is furnished with authentic antiques and recreates the time when the Lancaster area of PA was still a frontier! Yes, Ms. Wright really was friends with Benjamin Franklin! This is a great tour for all ages.
2. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Urbabill - Pittsburgh, United States
This was a great day trip on a bike. You can rent the bikes right across the parking lot at the River Trains Center. The trail is about 11 miles each way on the blacktop, including a trip through Marietta. The facilities were new and very nice. The trail was very well kept.
3. National Watch and Clock Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
The National Watch and Clock Museum was officially opened to the public in 1977 with fewer than 1,000 items. Since that time, the collection has increased to over 12,000 items and the museum has undergone several expansion projects. The latest expansion opened in October 1999 and featured an entirely new and redesigned exhibit space, as well as a new two-story addition. Today, the museum is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America.The National Watch & Clock Museum is conveniently located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.
Reviewed By JanM16 - Batavia, United States
We visited here primarily because we were desperate to find activities in air conditioned buildings during an unbearable heat/humidity wave in the Lancaster, PA area, We were pleasantly surprised and delighted by the extensive collection of clocks and watches from all of the world and over several centuries. A nice docent came around prior to an 'on-the-hour' demonstration of a large clock influenced by pieces like the Glockenspiel in Munich. He was very informative and the demonstration was fun to watch. My brother, who is intellectually disabled, loved taking pictures of many of the clocks that held his interest... for him, that meant anything resembling a statue or with an American theme (flags, eagles, etc). We had fun and wandered through the galleries twice. They also have a nice gift shop.
4. Tollbooth Antique Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
A multi-building former industrial warehouse complex full of Antiques, Furniture and Collectibles at wholesale prices. Ample Parking and Truck Docks. OPEN 7 DAYS
5. Chickies Rock Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 71 reviews
Scenic park overlooking the Susquehanna River.
Reviewed By SRai12 - Jersey City, United States
After a short easy hike we were rewarded with spectacular view of the sunset over the Susquehanna River.
6. Turkey Hill Experience
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,628 reviews
Come learn how our ice cream is made, sit in our milk truck, brainstorm your own ice cream flavor, milk a mechanical cow and learn about the people and culture of Turkey Hill. Discovery and delight abound for the whole family. And of course, there are free samples of Turkey Hill ice cream and iced tea!
