If you’re curious about the Amish way of life, this tour promises a window into their peaceful, simple world—without the hassle of driving or planning every detail yourself. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves but have gathered enough insights to help you decide if it fits what you’re after.
What really stands out? First, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference—they’re friendly, full of stories, and eager to share. Second, the combination of a scenic drive, a house tour, and a farm visit gives you a well-rounded glimpse of Amish life.
However, one thing to keep in mind: the house tour is a staged experience, not an actual Amish home, which might feel a bit less authentic if that’s what you’re after. Still, for many, it’s a highly educational and enjoyable way to learn about Amish traditions and culture in a manageable timeframe.
This tour is best suited for those interested in culture, history, and rural scenery, and it’s ideal if you want a guided experience that’s both informative and reasonably priced. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a structured, all-in-one outing rather than piecing together visits on their own.
Key Points
- Comfortable group size with a private 14-passenger van ensures intimacy without feeling crowded.
- A 90-minute guided van tour covers farmland, Amish homes, and schoolhouses, providing a rundown.
- House and farm visits offer a hands-on look at Amish life, with opportunities to sample local foods.
- Multilingual written translations of the house tour make it accessible for international visitors.
- Flexible self-guided farm exploration allows you to spend time with animals and artisans at your own pace.
- Affordable price point of $38 per person for a well-rounded experience.
Deep Dive Into the Experience
How the Tour Begins: Comfortable Transportation and Scenic Rides
You’ll start your journey at the historic Amish Farm and House, located conveniently off Lincoln Highway (Route 30), just next to Target. Parking is free and ample, so no worries there. The experience kicks off with a climate-controlled van ride, which is a blessing in summer or colder months, helping you stay comfortable as you cover the sprawling Amish countryside.
Traveling in a private 14-passenger van is a thoughtful touch—it feels cozy enough for personal stories from your guide, but spacious enough so you don’t feel cramped. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in the rolling farmland, traditional Amish homes, and one-room schoolhouses.
What to Expect During the Van Tour
Your guide, well-versed in Amish life, will point out farms, homes, and community buildings, sharing stories and answering questions along the way. Reviews praise guides like Amanfa and Debbie, who are described as delightful, knowledgeable, and personable, making the ride both enjoyable and educational.
You’ll see the iconic Amish farms, with their beautiful fields, traditional barns, and horse-drawn wagons, giving you those picture-perfect views you’ve probably seen in photos. As one traveler said, “Keep your cameras ready”—the scenery alone makes this worthwhile.
Visiting the Amish House: A Guided Step Back in Time
Next comes the highlight for many: the tour of an Amish farmhouse. Unlike some tours that just peek through windows, this one offers a room-by-room walkthrough of a house that was once lived in by an Amish family. Guides like Carol and others will explain Amish customs, clothing, and religion, providing context that helps you understand their lifestyle better.
A standout feature is the written translation in 17 languages, making sure international visitors aren’t left behind. The house tour is not staged for show but aims to portray typical Amish living, even if it’s not a real original home. Some reviews mention a slight sense of staging, as it’s set up close to the target store, but overall, it’s seen as a valuable educational experience.
More Great Tours NearbyTasting Amish Flavors
Sampling local foods is a favorite part of the tour. You might indulge in homemade baked goods, ice-cream, or cold root beer, offering a taste of Amish hospitality. Many reviewers mention these treats as highlights. For example, one commented, “delicious ribs” after the house tour, which points to the food offerings at the farm.
The Farm Visit: Animals, Artisans, and Amish School
The farm is a self-guided exploration of 15 acres, where you can wander at your own pace. Here, you’ll see animals like baby goats, chickens, alpacas, and even Max, a Scottish Highland steer. There’s the chance to meet local artisans and visit an authentic Amish one-room schoolhouse. Sitting in Amish desks and flipping through traditional schoolbooks make the experience tangible.
The farm also features the unique “Scooter Run”—a fun feature where you can try riding Amish scooters, a novelty for many visitors. Food-wise, you can purchase from the Amish BBQ Barn, where David King and his family prepare traditional chicken dinners and PA Dutch treats like whoopie pies.
How Well Does It All Come Together?
Most visitors find the experience well worth the price of $38. It’s a compact, immersive tour that balances guided explanations with free time to explore, making it a good choice if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful look into Amish life.
What Could Be Better?
Some reviews note the house tour feels staged and not entirely authentic, which might bug those seeking an in-depth Amish home experience. Plus, the farm, while charming, might not be as lively as some expect—many animals and activities are limited, and the farm is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits curious travelers, families, and small groups who want a guided, educational glimpse of Amish culture without the hassle of planning it all themselves. If you’re keen on scenic drives, authentic food, and engaging guides, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s also ideal for international visitors, thanks to the translation options.
The Sum Up
All in all, this Lancaster County tour offers a balanced, reasonably priced way to explore Amish farmland, homes, and farm life in just a few hours. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate guided experiences, want to learn more about Amish traditions, and enjoy seeing beautiful rural scenery. The combination of a scenic drive, house tour, and farm visit makes for a full, engaging day — even if some parts are a bit staged or simplified.
If you’re looking for an authentic, educational, and enjoyable overview of Amish culture that fits into a busy schedule, this tour might be just what you need. It’s particularly great if you’re interested in local food, scenic views, and friendly guides who know their stuff.
For the price, it offers a good mix of sights, stories, and tastes, making it a solid choice for your Lancaster visit. Just keep expectations aligned—this isn’t a deep dive into Amish daily life, but it’s a friendly, informative introduction that many travelers have found rewarding.
Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for international visitors? Yes, it offers written translations of the house tour in 17 languages, making it accessible for travelers from abroad.
How long does the farm visit last? Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring the farm, animals, and Amish schoolhouse at their own pace.
Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but there are Amish food options available for purchase at the farm.
Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the tour uses a climate-controlled, private 14-passenger van, which keeps everyone comfortable during the ride.
Can I buy Amish-made goods? Absolutely. There are opportunities during the tour to purchase crafts, foods, and other Amish-made products.
What is the tour duration? The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, including the guided van ride, house tour, and farm visit.
Does the tour operate rain or shine? Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. If severe weather occurs, the local partner will contact you.
Is there wheelchair access? The tour is wheelchair accessible, but climbing stairs inside the house tour requires some assistance or planning.
What should I bring? Bringing cash for purchases and tips is recommended; video recording is not allowed during the house tour.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.
If you’re looking to get a genuine sense of Amish country with friendly guides and manageable logistics, this Lancaster County tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a thoughtful way to experience rural Pennsylvania’s unique culture without feeling overwhelmed.
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