7 Authentic Amish Experiences in Lancaster, PA
Looking for a way to explore Amish culture beyond the touristy stuff and Philadelphia Pike? I live here in Amish Country. We have the most vibrant and longstanding Amish communities in the United States. There are several ways to join a guided tour of the Amish community. If you want to visit a farmhouse, eat with an Amish family, or join a bus tour, this page has everything you need!
Below are seven immersive experiences that offer everything from farm visits with a tour guide to home-cooked meals with Amish families. I bet you can smell the horses already! Go behind the scenes and beyond Lincoln Highway to the most highly recommended authentic Amish tours. See them all here with live photos!
Need help deciding? Call us at (717) 925-0891, and a local Lancaster County tour operator will help you make the best choice for your visit (free of charge) because that's the Lancaster way.
1. Amish Cookout Experience
Set on a 100-acre private farm in Lancaster County, the Amish Cookout Experience is perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving a laid-back evening in the countryside. This is a real Amish cookout, except you won’t be wearing a bonnet (unless you want to). Guests will enjoy freshly grilled food, yard games, and a relaxing fire pit at sunset. Children under six are free, and most diets can be accommodated.
Between courses, visitors are invited to roast marshmallows, pet farm animals, kayak on the water, play a round of pickleball, and learn about the Amish farm lifestyle from the family hosting the meal. This experience is intimate, affordable, and one of the most personal ways to spend an evening in Amish Country.
Book now to experience real Amish experiences in Lancaster, PA.
2. Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience
If you want a locally rooted tour, the Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience is your go-to. Led by a local tour guide with deep community ties, this small-group outing takes you to iconic landmarks like Central Market, the Fulton Theatre, and historic churches.
But the best part? You'll go off the tourist trail to meet real locals, sample sweet treats, and learn about Amish and Mennonite culture in an enriching way. Nothing says welcome to Lancaster, PA County quite like country roads, real Amish whoopie pies, and farm land.
3. Unique Amish Immersion in Lancaster, PA
I tried this experience and it was a great tour, I can highly recommend it. Not having to drive is a huge bonus. This tour begins at an Amish Farmhouse, makes some quintessential stops through the Amish countryside along the way, and ends with ice cream! After you make your reservation, you'll be picked up at the Discover Lancaster Visitor Center. Lokal Experiences will be shuttling you around in a comfortable van as you learn all about Amish culture! You're really in for a treat.
Along the route, you'll see an Amish schoolhouse, lots of animals, of course, and go inside a farmhouse and barn. This is a good way to discover more about Amish life in Lancaster, PA, if you are first-time visitors.
Stay on an Amish Farm during your visit to Lancaster, PA!
4. Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish
For something truly unique, this tour combines cultural immersion with a delicious, home-cooked Amish meal. You'll be picked up for a cozy ride with Lokal Experiences and taken to an Amish Farm and House for a meal served in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Not far from Bird in Hand, you'll enjoy delicious farm-to-table dishes and a house tour to experience the real Amish way of life.
As you enjoy your meal, you'll have the chance to ask questions and converse with your hosts. It’s not just a dining experience—it’s a cultural exchange that offers insight into Amish values and traditions.
Amish Farmlands Tour
Sometimes, the best way to learn is to get into the thick of it. The Amish Farmlands Tour offers a 90-minute guided ride through the beautiful, sprawling farmland that defines Lancaster, PA. Great for all ages! This farm tour puts you right in the action. Bottle feeding baby animals, gathering eggs, and learning about the farm fresh milk are just a few highlights you may experience.
A knowledgeable guide will be with you the whole time at this historic farmhouse tour. This bus tour takes place in a 14-passenger minibus and includes a stop at an Amish roadside business (except Sundays). From quilt shops to bakeries, you’ll see the entrepreneurial side of Amish life—no two tours are exactly the same. Taste fresh milk, breathe the fresh farm air, and enjoy your trip to an Amish farm.
See an Amish buggy up close on a working farm in the country side!
5. Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour
If you're curious about how Amish people live, work, and create, Book this tour with Lokal Experiences and visit a working Amish farm. You'll see their buggy and horses up close, learn about Amish history and traditions. This small-group outing includes stops at a working Amish farm, a craftsman’s studio, and an Amish family home.
You'll witness traditional skills, ask thoughtful questions, and hear stories directly from the community. Transportation is included, so all you need to do is show up and soak it in. Kids love to explore the farmhouse and see the baby animals.
Amish van tours and experiences available year round in Lancaster, PA
5. Meal in an Amish Home Experience
This farm tour is a beautiful collaboration between two Amish families: one handles the meal preparation, and the other hosts you in their home on a working farm. Together, they deliver a 2.5-hour experience that includes a scenic farmland tour followed by a hearty PA Dutch dinner.
You'll ride through the countryside past bird in hand, stop at a roadside stand, and finish the day breaking bread with your hosts in a cozy, welcoming home. It’s a wonderful mix of guided insight and personal hospitality. At only $27/each, this is a great tour for guests with kids or a large group!
Year round scenic stays in the heart of Amish County! Book your trip to Lancaster ASAP!
Anything else?
Explore Old Windmill Farm. This farm offers group tours, hayrides, and a chance to help plant something in the garden. Address: 262 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572 (We share a driveway: Follow Old Windmill Farm Signs on the long farm lane.)
While you are visiting Lancaster, PA, watch "Jacob's Choice," a film about the Amish culture of today.
Dietary Accommodations
Worried about food allergies or preferences? Many of these experiences—including the Amish Cookout and Meal in an Amish Home—offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Just be sure to mention any dietary needs when booking.
How to Book an Amish Tour in Lancaster, PA
You can book directly through the links provided in this post, which take you to Viator (aka Tripadvisor) with Viator, you can book now and pay later. You also have the option to cancel for a full refund if your plans change. Or you can call one of our knowledgeable guides at (717) 925-0891 and we will help you book your Amish Farm Adventure.
FAQ
Q: Can I take photos of the Amish?
A: No. Out of respect for their beliefs, it's customary not to photograph Amish people directly. Feel free to photograph your surroundings, animals, and meals.
Q: What about buggy rides?
A: Buggy rides are more of a tourist activity, whereas this list is specifically for authentic Amish farm tours. But we love aaa buggy and Jessica's buggy rides on Philadelphia Pike!
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress casually and comfortably. Many of these experiences take place on a farm, so closed-toe shoes are a good idea.
Q: How long are the guided tours?
A: Most last between 1.5 to 3 hours. Check each listing for exact details.
Q: Do I need to tip?
A: Tips are appreciated, especially for meals or small-group experiences, but not required.
