The 10 Best Amish Places to Stay in Lancaster PA
Last Updated on: 18th June 2024, 12:39 pm
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, also known as Amish Country PA is a great place to explore Amish life and culture, and eat delicious Amish food! With lush Amish farmlands and charming small towns, Lancaster Amish Country offers a unique glimpse into a simpler way of life, a wealth of activities, and absolutely beautiful scenery. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Lancaster County has a variety of Amish places to stay and other lodging options to make your visit unforgettable.
I love visiting Lancaster and feel so lucky I live nearby! Before I delve into the best Amish places to stay in Lancaster PA, let’s explore some of the highlights Lancaster County offers.
Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Lancaster County, PA? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!
🏨 The Best Amish Hotels in Lancaster, PA
Search Properties Throughout Lancaster!
✈︎ Amish-View Inn and Suites (Highly rated family-owned inn near Bird-in-Hand with easy access to Amish country) $$
✈︎ The Inn at Leola Village (Upscale Country Inn with onsite Italian restaurant and spa!) $$-$$$
✈︎ Bird-In-Hand Family Inn (A favorite for many – beautiful pool in summer, great for families.) $$
🛵Best Tours and Activities to Get to Know the Amish in Lancaster, PA
✈︎ Tour of 3 Amish Farms (Meet an Amish Dairy Farmer, a craftsman, and go inside an Amish home to meet the family.)
✈︎ Eat Dinner in a Real Amish Home (Highly rated tour – the best way to learn about Amish culture and food!)
✈︎ Amish Film, Farm, and Homestead Tour (Get to know the culture of the Amish deeply on this rich tour offering.)
💶 Travel Insurance
✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you leave for Barcelona! I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have always been very happy with their service and pricing!
I love visiting Lancaster and feel so lucky I live nearby! Before I delve into the best Amish places to stay in Lancaster PA, let’s explore some of the highlights Lancaster County offers.
Things to do in Lancaster County
- Strasburg Rail Road: Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard a historic steam train.
- Central Market in Downtown Lancaster: Explore the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the US, brimming with local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
- Amish Farm and House: Gain insight into the Amish way of life and Amish culture through guided tours and exhibits. You might even get to visit a charming one-room schoolhouse!
- Kitchen Kettle Village: Located within the village of Intercourse, Kitchen Kettle Village is filled with shops selling handmade crafts, local specialties, and unique gifts.
- Buggy Rides: Experience the countryside from a horse-drawn buggy, a quintessential Amish mode of transport! There are several companies offering buggy rides, we recommend
Who are the Amish in Lancaster, PA?
As a Mennonite myself, I get asked a lot of questions about the Amish and their beliefs. The Amish are an Anabaptist Christian group, meaning they stemmed from a group that broke off from and were hugely persecuted by the Protestants (more than 200,000 Anabaptists are believe to have been murdered by Protestants) for opposing infant baptism and state-required religion.
Today, Anabaptists and the Amish known for their simple living, plain dress, and rejection of modern technology. They believe strongly in pacifism and nonviolence, striving to live a life separate from the world and dedicated to their faith and community.
All Amish are Mennonites – but not all Mennonites are Amish. Pennsylvania has the odlest Mennonite communities on the continent, and some broke away – following a leader called Jakob Amman – in order to practice a stricter way of life and discipline. These individuals became known as the Amish. Their commitment to this discipline is evident in their daily lives, and over time has led to a radically different way of engaging with technology and the world.
Now, let’s discover the perfect place to stay for your Lancaster County adventure with our curated list of 12 unique places to stay, organized by location. Many people inquire about staying overnight with the Amish or Amish-owned hotels in Lancaster.
While there are some Amish restaurants in Lancaster, PA, there are very few truly Amish-owned places to stay in Lancaster – however, most of these hotels employ Amish and Mennonites to some extent, and many of them are owned by Mennonite families who dominate this region.
Amish Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA
Lititz, PA
Lititz is a charming small town, known for its small-town ambiance, historic architecture, and thriving arts scene. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque base to explore the surrounding Amish countryside. Stroll through the town square, browse the shops of local artisans, and enjoy a meal at one of the many locally owned restaurants. (Lititz is my parents favorite little town on this list – they talk about buying a home there to live part-time near me and I hope they do!)
1. The Wilbur Hotel Lititz
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: 365 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century chocolate factory, The Wilbur Lititz is full of historical charm – but has plenty of modern conveniences. The guest rooms are spacious with luxurious bathrooms, and the on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine. This is a wonderful, luxurious choice for exploring Amish country especially for couples or singles wanting luxury and comfort as a part of your experience.
See Dates and Prices at the Wilbur Hotel Lititz ->>>
2. Lititz Springs Inn & Spa
- Price Range: $$
- Address: 101 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543
This lovely inn, located in the heart of Lititz, offers a relaxing escape with its on-site spa and cozy rooms. They even have hot tubs! The Lititz Springs Inn & Spa is known for having scrumptious country breakfasts, and the opportunity to explore the quaint shops and restaurants within walking distance of its front door! (I know I always prioritize hotels with great places to walk to!)
Bird-in-Hand, PA
Bird-in-Hand is located in the heart of Amish Country, offering an immersive experience with its working farms, buggy rides, and traditional craft shops. As an (almost) local, I will say that Bird-in-Hand is in some ways the most commercial of the Amish areas in Lancaster, County. I certainly recommend and enjoy browsing the shops in Bird-in-Hand, but I tend to make my purchases at smaller shops and even directly from the Amish as I find the prices within Bird-in-Hand a bit elevated.
That said, I think Bird-in-Hand is one of the best places to stay in Amish country if you want to be surrounded by the Amish way of life and experience the beauty of the countryside firsthand, seeing the Amish homes and Amish farmlands up close.
3. The Bird-in-Hand Family Inn
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Address: 2740 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
This family-friendly inn offers a true taste of Amish Country PA, with its location on a working farm. You will love the spacious rooms, the delicious homemade breakfast featuring local ingredients, and the opportunity to interact with farm animals at the petting zoo and experience farm life firsthand.
Check Dates and Prices at Bird-in-Hand Family Inn ->>>
4. Amish View Inn & Suites
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Address: 3125 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
Amishview Inn is the best Amish place to stay in Lancaster, PA. Amishview Inn offers stunning views of the surrounding farmland. This Amish View Inn provides a peaceful and picturesque retreat with restaurants (including Barbecue!) and parking on the premises. Amish View Inn has seasonal outdoor pools and a hot tub, as. well as a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring Amish favorites.
5. Travelers Rest Motel
- Price Range: $$
- Address: 2495 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
I always pass Travelers Rest Motel on my trips to Amish Country and while it’s a motel not a hotel, it looks so cute I would absolutely stay there if I didn’t live so nearby! Travelers Rest Motel offers clean and basic accommodations in the heart of Amish Country. It’s got a really pretty courtyard area and I often see guests lounging in their garden chairs and gazebo in the summer months. Guests report in reviews that they appreciate the convenient location, the friendly service, and the value for money.
Book Your Stay at Traveler’s Rest Motel Here ->>>
Intercourse, PA
Intercourse is a quaint village known for its unique shops, traditional crafts, and delicious homemade food. It’s home to Immergut Pretzels, which is many people’s favorite Pretzel Shop in Lancaster (and you must try Amish pretzels!). It’s a great place to find authentic Amish souvenirs, sample local delicacies like shoofly pie, and experience the charm of a bygone era.
As to the name, well, it refers to the area being a crossing point for the main roads…apparently!
6. The Inn at Kitchen Kettle Village
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
Nestled in the heart of Kitchen Kettle Village, a huge complex with lots of Amish shops and goods to buy, this inn provides a unique experience where you can stay right near the shops or rent one of their guesthouses down the road. Many rooms have fireplaces, complimentary breakfast is delivered to the door, and of course it’s so convenient to stepping out into the heart of the village. Intercourse is very walkable and this is a great choice if you want to park the car and get to explore the area on foot!
7. Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Address: 3540 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
This is not your typical Best Western! Located conveniently near Kitchen Kettle Village, this Best Western offers comfortable accommodations and really does not look like the chain hotel you would expect. The architects did a great job helping it blend in to the surrounding area! This is a particularly great choice for families because of the indoor pool and fitness center, and the complimentary breakfast.
Lancaster City, PA
While not in the heart of Amish Country, Lancaster City offers a different experience – one more of city life but still very near all of the Amish attractions in PA. This vibrant hub boasts historical significance and a range of dining and entertainment options. It’s a good choice if you want to combine your Amish experience with city amenities and attractions.
8. The Cork Factory Hotel
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: 480 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602
This Cork Factory Hotel is located in Downtown Lancaster and is perhaps the best known hotel in the city. Housed in a former cork factory, the Cork Factory Hotel boasts industrial-chic design, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop lounge offering stunning city views. This is a great choice if you want some historic interest with total comfort and city-vibes right alongside your Amish vacation in PA!
9. The Lancaster Arts Hotel
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: 300 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
This stylish boutique hotel celebrates art and culture with its gallery space and contemporary design. The on-site restaurant serves modern American cuisine, and it has a very convenient location near downtown Lancaster attractions.
10. The Fulton Theatre & Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
This modern hotel, connected to the historic Fulton Theatre, offers a vibrant stay in the heart of Lancaster. It’s known for the rooftop restaurant and bar offering panoramic city views, and the easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.
When to Visit Lancaster County
The best times to visit Lancaster County are spring and fall for pleasant weather and stunning scenery. However, each season offers something special. If you’re driving to Lancaster from somewhere nearby like Pittsburg or NYC, know that in the Spring you will find the best prices on flowers and garden plants anywhere around, including hanging baskets. In the Fall, there will be apples and an amazing variety of fresh produce. I make trips to Lancaster in every season because I love each one so much!
Note that the Amish don’t make a huge deal of Christmas, so while there will certainly be some Christmas decorations and sales in the more touristy areas, I don’t usually make Christmas shopping a priority in Lancaster.
Getting Around Lancaster County Amish Areas
You absolutely need a car to explore Lancaster County! Give wide berth to Amish Buggies, and keep your speed in check – most accidents happen between Tourists and buggies, especially when tourists try to pass quickly. You can also consider exploring the area attractions via bus tours or buggy rides for a true taste of Amish Country.
Other Accommodation Options
Beyond hotels, Lancaster County offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy bed and breakfasts, charming inns, and spacious vacation rentals. Consider these options for a different experience:
- Fulton Steamboat Inn: This unique hotel is shaped like a steamboat!
- Red Caboose Motel: Spend the night in a renovated caboose!
- Eden Resort: This Eden Resort offers a variety of amenities, including indoor pools, a fitness centre, and comfortable accommodations.
- DoubleTree Resort: Enjoy the comfort suites and amenities at this popular resort with a full golf course!
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Lancaster Amish Country
- Book in Advance: Lancaster County is a popular destination, especially during Spring and Summer months. Book your accommodations and tours well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Respect Amish Customs: Remember that the Amish live a simple life and value privacy. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or their property – and remember it’s generally not acceptable to take photos directly of Amish individuals, which can be against their religious beliefs.
- Embrace the Slower Pace: Leave the hustle and bustle behind and embrace the slower pace of life in Amish Country. Take time to enjoy the scenery, savor the local cuisine, and appreciate the craftsmanship of Amish goods.
More Things to See and Do in Lancaster County
- Landis Valley Museum: Step back in time at this living history museum showcasing Pennsylvania German heritage.
- Sight & Sound Theatre: Enjoy spectacular Biblical productions at this renowned theatre.
- Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park: Create lasting memories with the whole family at this family-friendly amusement park.
- Rockvale Outlets Lancaster: Find great deals on brand-name merchandise at this outlet mall.
- Tanger Outlets: Another great option for outlet shopping.
- Walking Trails: Explore the scenic beauty of Lancaster County on foot. There are several parks with walking trails. Check out Chickies Rock County Park which has beautiful views of the Susquehanna River fom atop “Chickies Rock” which is a quartzite cliff (for all my geology buffs!). Lancaster County Central Park also has multiple trails and habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Birdwatching is especially good here – so don’t forget your binoculars!
- Amish Farm Tours: Learn about Amish farming practices and traditions on a guided tour.
Nearby Attractions to Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County is nearby to many other famous and exciting areas of Pennsylvania (and New Jersey, Delaware, and even New York City). Some are within quick driving distance – and are especially suited for history buffs!
- Hershey, PA: Home to Hersheypark and Chocolate World. This is a great add-on for families who are visiting the Lancaster County Amish!
- Gettysburg National Military Park: Explore the site of the pivotal Civil War battle – another great choice for families that is only 48 miles from Lancaster City, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive there.
- Philadelphia, PA: Discover historical sites and cultural attractions in the City of Brotherly Love – from the Liberty Bell, to the Independence National Historic Park and so much more – Philadelphia is a great choice to fly in and out of if you choose not to use Lancaster Airport and offers so much by way of accomodation and things to do!
Lancaster County is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the USA and offers a unique experience visiting the Amish you won’t soon forget. From its rich cultures and stunning scenery, Lancaster County has something for everyone and there are so many wonderful Amish places to stay or other hotels and accomodation that you won’t soon foget. Book your trip to Amish country today and create an affordable, educational family vacation you will remember forever!
More Amish Content from Sacred Wanderings
Things to Do in Amish Country, Indiana
Getaway to Amish Country, Ohio
8 Best Places to Stay in Amish Country, Ohio
Author Bio
Cate Michelle previously served as pastor to the oldest Mennonite church in the United States (founded in 1683!) and now writes about religious travel and is a prominent researcher in religion and healthcare. She specializes in helping healthcare providers best serve religious minority populations (like the Amish) while respecting their beliefs and values. She finds herself in Amish country in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, or Indiana regularly and loves to share her insider knowledge on how to make the most of your visit with the Amish!
More Travel Resources from Sacred Wanderings
💳 Best Travel Credit Cards:
✈︎ For years I’ve been loyal to American Express, and these days exclusively use American Express Platinum whenever I can. The travel benefits on the Platinum Card are 100% worth the steep fee if you use them consistently. The built-in travel insurance has been a godsend and each of the last two years has fully covered the annual fee for me.
✈︎ Check out American Express Platinum and its benefits here.
✈︎ I also carry the Venture Rewards card as an Amex alternative since some countries aren’t great about American Express. The 2x points per dollar is a great incentive for Venture Rewards!
✈️Find Cheap Flights:
✈︎ Most travel bloggers don’t recommend Google Flights for one reason: bloggers don’t make a commission off of them. But here’s the thing – I still think Google Flights is the best platform for finding cheap flights and comparing different options! It’s what I use daily. I appreciate the alerts feature as well, and it will notify me if a flight I’m watching is likely to go up in price.
✈︎ As an alternative, Expedia has a good search platform for flights and I occassionally see deals there I didn’t find anywhere else.
💶 Travel Insurance:
✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, especially for international travel or if you are international coming to the USA. I always use SafetyWing Travel Insurance to make sure I’m covered for medical bills abroad, and have always been very happy with their service and pricing. They have great options for long-term travel, too, and provide insurance that includes the USA and covers Covid-19.
