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Step into The Amish Village in Lancaster County, where guided tours, historic buildings, and scenic farmland reveal the traditions of Amish life.

A small historic Amish Village scene with a barn labeled Blacksmith Shop, a playground with slides, an old-fashioned schoolhouse, and vintage wagons on a grassy area, surrounded by trees under a blue sky.

Amish in Lancaster County

The Amish first settled in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s, seeking religious freedom and a simpler way of life. Today, Lancaster County is home to the oldest and one of the largest Amish communities in the United States. Their traditions are visible in the way they dress, travel, worship, and work.

We chose to visit The Amish Village in Ronks, just east of Lancaster. It’s one of the most accessible places to learn about Amish culture, though many family-run farms and businesses in the area also welcome visitors.

The Amish Village Tour

A small room with light blue walls in an Amish Village features antique wooden furniture: a glass-front cabinet, a chest under a window with a hat and book on top, and a sideboard. Hats hang to the left, and natural light streams through the window.

The Village offers three types of tours: the Amish House Tour, the Backroads Bus Tour, and a combination of both. Because of our schedule, we selected the Amish House Tour. A guide led us through a real Amish farmhouse, followed by time to explore the rest of the property on our own.

The grounds include a barn, a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and picnic areas. Walking through each space gave us a clearer picture of Amish traditions and daily routines.

Inside the Amish Farmhouse

A vintage black cast iron wood-burning stove with metal teapots and utensils sits in an old-fashioned Amish Village kitchen with wooden cabinets and green walls. Sunlight streams through the window on the right.

Our guided tour began in the living room, where we learned how Amish families live without electricity. Propane fuels lamps, refrigerators, and stoves. Instead of photographs, families keep handwritten records of names and birthdates framed on the walls.

We were surprised to hear that Amish families don’t worship in churches. Services are held in homes every other Sunday, with each district made up of about 20 to 40 families. Dress codes are strict and vary by age, gender, and marital status.

Upstairs, we saw shared bedrooms with handmade quilts, rope beds, and a wooden cradle. The guide explained that children usually attend school only through the eighth grade and often marry within the community.

The final stop inside the farmhouse was the summer kitchen and pantry in the basement. During hot months, families cook here to keep the house cooler. We saw shelves filled with canned produce and a vintage washing machine powered by propane.

Around the Village Grounds

Two people stand side by side in front of a white fence, posing for a photo outside The Amish Village on a sunny day. The white building with stone walls is surrounded by greenery, capturing the charm of the Amish Village.

Outside, the kids loved climbing into a real Amish buggy. Nearby, the barn and open picnic lawn made for a relaxing break. We also visited the one-room schoolhouse, where a single teacher would once instruct all grades from first through eighth.

The Smokehouse Market sold Amish-made jams, cheeses, and handmade goods. We treated ourselves to ice cream before stopping by the blacksmith shop to see traditional tools and equipment once used for farming and metalwork.

How to Get to The Amish Village in Lancaster County, PA

The Amish Village is located in Ronks, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Lancaster County. The easiest way to get there is by car, as public transportation options in the area are limited.

By Car

Approximate drive times are:

  • From Philadelphia: About 1.5 hours
  • From Baltimore: About 1.5 hours
  • From Washington, D.C.: About 2.5 hours
  • From New York City: About 3 hours

Pro Tip: For the most comprehensive experience, consider booking a “Premium Package Tour” which combines the farmhouse, village, and backroads bus tours. While walk-in tickets are available, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure your spot on a tour.

Experiencing The Amish Village: A Family-Friendly Stop

A historic Amish Village classroom with wooden desks, a teacher’s desk, and a cast iron stove. Colorful alphabet and number charts line the wall above the chalkboard as sunlight streams through the windows.

The Amish Village offers an educational, family-friendly introduction to Amish life. The guided farmhouse tour, one-room schoolhouse, and traditional shops provided insights we would have missed just driving through the countryside.

For those with extra time, the Backroads Bus Tour is a chance to see real Amish farms and homesteads beyond the Village property. It makes for a meaningful stop in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

More to Explore

If you have extra time in the region, consider:

  • Strasburg Rail Road – A scenic steam train ride through Amish farmland
  • Dutch Wonderland – A family amusement park perfect for young kids
  • Lancaster Central Market – The country’s oldest farmers market with local produce and baked goods
  • Kitchen Kettle Village – A shopping village featuring jams, jellies, and handmade crafts

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