Things to do in Lancaster County, Lancaster County: The Best Specialty Museums

Mount Gretna Area Historical Society (MGAHS) is a not-for-profit organization that strives to educate people of all ages and backgrounds on Mount Gretna's heritage and its relevance to local and national history. MGAHS collects, preserves, exhibits, and makes accessible objects pertaining to Mt. Gretna's past to the general public.

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.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is home to a world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, an immersive education center, a vast library and archives and a working restoration shop. Special events, museum store, free on-site parking, free WiFi.

Museum featuring hundreds of model trains, some specimens dating back to the 1800s.

Due to the precautions taken regarding COVID-19, the museum will be closed until further notice. Relax and roam through the authentic crossroads village and farms of Landis Valley as you learn the rich history of the Pennsylvania Germans of Lancaster County. Comprised of over 40 buildings on 100 acres, the museum is the guardian of 65+ varieties of heirloom seeds and the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S. Through costumed demonstrators, special events, group tours, award-winning exhibits, and educational programs for adults and children you'll come away all the more enriched by your experience here.

A sweet, historic brand iconic to the downtown Lititz shopping area, Wilbur Chocolate has a new location – right across the street from the former store. Parking, easy access, and a better shopping experience await guests. But, more importantly, the smell of chocolate from the candy kitchen greets you while you enjoy a free chocolate sample! Watch candy makers creating confectionery favorites and enjoy interesting displays of tins, packaging, equipment, and more from days gone by. You will find a large variety of chocolate specialties, signature Wilbur Buds, and beautifully packaged gifts to buy! Join our video hosts on a self-guided tour through the world of Chocolate, beginning with the cocoa bean and ending with products similar to the prized Wilbur Bud. A great place for the entire family to visit. Wilbur Chocolate – An American Original since 1884.

Over 70 years in the making, this gigantic model train layout is still owned and operated by the Groff family. Master modeler, Tom Groff, designs and adds new animations, scale buildings and local scenes each year. See a fire engine race to the rescue to put out the fire at a burning house – with real water! Watch in awe as night falls over Traintown, USA. You’ll recognize local landmarks like Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad – in detailed miniature! This is much more than a train display – it is an amazing, hand-built work of art.

One of America's earliest religious communities, the Historic Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.

Rough and Tumble is celebrating it's 69th year in 2017. Ride 2 steam railroads, See Steam Traction Engines running as well as antique Tractors. Visit the Saw mill, model shop, Auto Museum, Stationary Steam Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and Gas Engine area. Visit the antique Earth moving construction area as well as the Line Shaft machine Shop. Watch a parade of power and sled pulling on the track.Check our schedule of events on our web site and enjoy the may areas of Rough and Tumble Historical Association.