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Explore Amish Country in Central Pennsylvania

Visit the largest Amish community in America.

Central Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the country, as well as a variety of fun things to do and see. Whether you're sampling homemade Amish cheese, visiting amusement parks or enjoying Pennsylvania nature, make sure you take it all in.

 

1. Knoebels Amusement Park

The whole family can enjoy a day of fun at America’s largest free admission amusement park. The park has more than 50 rides including great family attractions like an old-style carousel and great rides for thrill seekers like the wooden roller coaster. It’s the perfect place to bring the family without breaking the bank.

2. Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail

Enjoy some great adult time that will give you a delicious taste of the wineries of Central Pennsylvania. The trail includes 13 wineries with the region’s best award-winning wine. Try some traditional wines like Merlot and Chardonnay, or some of the fruity wines like pineapple or honeydew melon.

3. Gettysburg

Visit the historic Battleground at Gettysburg or tour the Gettysburg National Military Park, where you can experience some of the rich history of the area for yourself. Visit General Lee’s Headquarters Museum and learn about the battle at Gettysburg as well as the planning that went into the battle.

4. Penn’s Cave

Take a tour of America’s only all-water cavern wildlife park when you visit Central PA. Hop aboard a motorboat for a one-hour tour that takes you along the underground stream where you’ll see amazing rock formations in the limestone corridors and learn about the wildlife of the area.

5. Hershey Park

Get ready for a sweet adventure in Hershey, PA. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you can’t miss out on a chance to visit the town where chocolate is in the name. Take the kids to Hershey Park for a day of sugary amusement, or catch some Ice Hockey with the Hershey Bears. There’s no better place to embrace your inner chocolate lover.

6. Commune with Nature

Go on a safari at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, where you’ll take a specially designed cruiser across 150 acres of land populated by animals that are both wild and exotic. There’s also a great petting zoo that the kids will love.

7. Cruise the Waterways

Take a boat trip down some of the Central Pennsylvania waterways. Hop aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel river boat for a waterway tour that takes you through some of the history of the area while providing a beautiful and relaxing backdrop. There are also some great themed cruises that are sure to make the whole family happy.

8. See Some Scaly Friends

Crawl, slither and hop to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. You’ll see all kinds of reptiles and amphibians from tree frogs to Komodo Dragons. Learn about crocodiles with one of the Croc Talk shows, or have an animal encounter where you can get up close and personal with a few of these amazing animals.

9. Take a Buggy Ride

While in the heart of Amish Country, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the little things. Take a horse-drawn buggy ride through scenic Central PA with Abe’s Buggy Rides or Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides and get a feel for the Amish life.

10. Good Eats

If there’s one thing you can’t miss out on, it’s the delicious Amish food. It's real home-cooked comfort food that will have you hungry for more. Check out the Family Cupboard Restaurant or the award-winning Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant for a meal unlike any other.

Recommended Fun!

WHAT'S NEARBY?

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Pittsburgh

Other States: New Jersey Ohio Pennsylvania

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