Agri-Tourism in Lancaster: Spring and summer opportunities for fun on our farms!

With the weather finally warming up, it's time to get outside and plan those weekend getaways! Lancaster County boasts some of the most popular tourist spots in the state, and agri-tourism is a great way to support local farmers, learn more about our agriculture, and enjoy a trip to Lancaster. Check out these agri-tourism opportunities for your next exciting weekend trip this spring and summer!

LFT Events

Of course, LFT's agricultural events are at the top of our list! These events help us raise awareness about farmland preservation and conservation and teach the public about farming in Lancaster!

We are so excited to announce the launch of a new event series this year: LFT Field Days! Field Days are designed to teach you about farming practices in Lancaster County, demonstrated on a farm with the landowners. Meet the farmers and tour the farms! Our first Field Day will take place on April 13th from 9am to 11am on the Dearolf Farm. Experience a tour led by the landowners and LFT staff, where you'll learn about the family's produce operation and farm stand at the West Chester Growers Market. Plus, an educator from Penn State Extension will host a tabletop display on how to savor the taste of farm-fresh goodness by canning and preserving produce. This event is free, so click here to get your tickets now!

Breakfast on the Farm is one of our most popular events, and we have plenty open to the public this year! Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a stunning view of Lancaster's unique farmland landscape, meet a farmer, and join us for a farm tour. Our first Break on the Farm will take place at the Zimmerman Farm on June 8th in honor of Lancaster County Water Week. In celebration of Water Week, this breakfast will focus on sustainable farming practices and the importance of farmland conservation efforts. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Click here to learn more about this breakfast and get your tickets before it's sold out!

Agricultural Museums

A weekend trip to Lancaster would only be complete with a visit to one of our local museums. Lancaster County's history is rich and, as many know, deeply rooted in agriculture. Take a look at the evolution of agriculture in Lancaster at some of these exciting museums:

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum: Learn more about early Pennsylvania German life and stroll the grounds of this beautiful village.

Ressler Mill: Tour the historic Ressler Mill, discover the history of farming practices in Pennsylvania, and step back in time.

The 1719 Herr House: Experience 18th-century Lancaster with a tour of the Herr House, one of the oldest original Mennonite meeting houses still standing in the Western Hemisphere.

Farmer's Markets

Lancaster has many unique farmer's markets, and purchasing your produce at a market is a great way to experience Lancaster and directly support our farms. You can find these markets and roadside stands all over the county, but if you need a place to start, here are a few options for you:

Central Market: Visit the oldest publicly owned and continuously running farmer's market in America and support local farms and businesses!

Cherry Hill Orchards: Stop by this gorgeous market or plan a day to pick your own produce! Cherry Hill offers pick-your-own strawberries in the summer and pumpkins in the fall.

Meck's Produce Farm Market: Meck's is one of the largest LFT-preserved farmer's markets. Support preserved farmland by visiting this market for Lancaster County goodies all year long.

Other preserved markets and farm stands: Want to support other preserved markets? Click here to download our PDF!

Guided Farm Tours

If you're new to the agricultural space, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about farming in exciting, hands-on ways! Guided farm tours are the best place to start, as most are interactive and allow up-close encounters with the farm's practices and animals. Many of these tours also offer insight into Amish culture, exploring the way this community impacts agriculture in Lancaster. From alpaca farms to Amish farms, there's a tour for everyone. While there are a multitude of farms you can tour, here are a few to get you started:

Amish Farm and House: Learn more about Amish culture and history by touring an authentic Amish home and farmstead.

Eastland Alpacas: Interact with this farm's adorable alpacas, learn about alpaca farming, and purchase alpaca-fiber goodies for your friends and family.

Verdant View Farm: Stay at the Verdant View Farm's bed and breakfast to experience life on a peaceful and beautiful farmstead in Lancaster's countryside.

Spooky Nook: Cuddle and walk with alpacas and llamas, tour the farm, and learn more about livestock farming in Lancaster.

Oregon Dairy: A three-in-one farmstead, restaurant, and local supermarket. Tour the farm, grab a bite to eat, and shop for groceries in one place!

Agri-tourism attractions are the perfect way for you and your family to support local farms and have a great time learning! Remember, these are only a few opportunities Lancaster offers for those looking for the ultimate farm experience. To learn more about LFT's farm-friendly events, click here to check out our events calendar. Plus, discover more about Lancaster's other farm attractions by visiting Discover Lancaster's website and social media! See you on the farm!