Lancaster, Pa., is a small city with just 60,000 residents, but its location puts it within driving distance of some of the east coast’s top attractions. In 2015, approximately 8.34 million people visited Lancaster County. Whether you live here or are just visiting, there are plenty of fun places to go in Lancaster and exciting places to visit near Lancaster, Pa. Let this Central Pennsylvania tourism guide help you explore the great group travel destinations near Lancaster.
Table of Contents
1. Hersheypark
Located less than an hour outside of Lancaster, Hersheypark is a popular place to see in Central Pennsylvania. This theme park is a sprawling destination with rides, food, games and entertainment for all age groups. The park is open all year long. During springtime, Hersheypark’s rides are open, as well as the park’s ZooAmerica. During the summer, visitors can ride the park’s roller coasters and cool off in the water park. When autumn arrives, the theme park celebrates Halloween with its Hersheypark In the Dark Event, which invites visitors to ride after dark and indulge in Halloween treats. In the winter months, Hersheypark gets festive with more than four million lights and appearances by Santa and his reindeer during the Hershey Christmas Candylane event. Regular admission to Hersheypark is $39.95, but large groups have access to discounted options. Groups of 20 or more can save 25 percent on tickets bought in advance for the park’s seasonal fall and winter events. Please everyone in your group with a day full of pure, sweet fun at Hersheypark.
2. Lancaster Central Market
Lancaster Central Market is one of the top Lancaster, Pa., places to see. Established in 1730, this market is the oldest continuously open farmers’ market in the United States. Lancaster Central Market is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The indoor market, located in the Market House, boasts more than 60 different stalls selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to sweets and crafts. Plan a group trip with fellow foodies to stock up on the items sold fresh every week at the market.
3. Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is one of the popular group travel destinations near Lancaster, Pa. Every year, more than 4.3 million people come to visit the park. Located in nearby Philadelphia, this tourist destination is home to some of the country’s earliest history. Visit the Liberty Bell Center to see the famous bell displayed in glass. This part of the park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes early on Christmas Eve and closes entirely on Christmas. Independence National Historical Park is also home to the Benjamin Franklin Museum, which is dedicated to Franklin’s life. The museum is also open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $5 and $2 for children ages 4 to 16, but the museum does have several free admission days throughout the year. Independence Hall, a main attraction of the park, is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed. Make sure you plan this visit ahead of time because admission to Independence Hall is allowed only via tour. During part of the year, you will need timed tickets to gain entry. The park is also home to Congress Hall and the National Constitution Center. Walk the same places as the Founding Fathers at this unforgettable Pennsylvania attraction.
4. Lancaster Science Factory
The Lancaster Science Factory is a technology and science museum with more than 60 interactive, hands-on exhibits. Located in a converted warehouse just outside downtown Lancaster, the museum is stroller and wheelchair-accessible. Plan to spend about two hours here, although you can come and go throughout the day. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Parking is free. Admission is $9.50, but children 2 and under are free. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more if you register in advance.
5. Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park is located in Centre Hall, a little over two hours away from Lancaster. This is one of the fun places to go in central Pennsylvania if your group is interested in nature and the outdoors. The cave hosts several different tours. When you come to visit, keep in mind you will need to make reservations in advance for groups of 20 or more people. Otherwise, you can buy your tickets on the day of your visit. Ticket prices will depend on what tour or tours you decide to take. The tours are also seasonal, so make sure to check online for timing and availability. If you want to explore the cave, try the Cave Tour, which takes you through the cavern by boat. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites as your boat glides through this 45- to 50-minute experience. If your group is more interested in animals than geology, take the Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour. This 90-minute bus tour takes you through Penn Cave’s 1,600 acres of open land. You can catch glimpses of deer, sheep, bison, cattle, and even wolves and bears. This tour only runs April through November. More adventurous groups can opt for the Cave Rock Mountain Tour, a two-hour, off-road experience on Penn Cave’s private trails. Aside from the group tours, Penn’s Cave offers other fun activities like gemstone panning and a maze.
6. National Toy Train Museum
If you are looking for fun group trip locations near Lancaster for a younger crowd, the National Toy Train Museum is an excellent option. Kids will love seeing the toy train displays and interacting with the museum’s exhibits. Any hobbyists in your group will also be delighted with the enormous and meticulously displayed collection. Located in Ronks, Pa., the National Toy Train Museum is a less than 30-minute drive away from Lancaster. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the schedule of open days changes based on the season. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar for opening days and special events. Kids under 6 years old have free admission. Admission for kids ages 6 to 12 is $4. Admission for adults is $7 and $6 for seniors. The museum also offers group rates from April 1 to December 31.
7. Gettysburg National Military Park
No Lancaster, Pa., tourism guide would be complete without Gettysburg National Military Park. This national park marks the spot of the historic Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest of the war. Thousands of Americans, both Union and Confederate soldiers, died during the three-day battle that took place during July of 1863. The park stands as a monument to that pivotal event in the history of the United States. Visitors can see the battleground, a museum, Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the David Wills House where President Lincoln finished the Gettysburg Address, and the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station. Gettysburg National Military Park is open all year round. From April 1 to October 31, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. From November 1 to March 31, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance to the park grounds is free, but there are small fees for the museum and the David Wills House. Groups also have the option to take a private bus tour of the battlefield. The tour lasts two hours. The cost is $35 per adult and $21 for children ages 6 to 12.
8. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is one of the top places to see in central Pennsylvania, particularly if your group of travelers loves to eat. The bakery was founded in 1861, making it the country’s first pretzel-baking company. Hundreds of years later, the bakery is still run by the Sturgis family. Groups can drive just 30 minutes directly north of Lancaster to the bakery in Lititz, Pa. The bakery offers tours for small and large groups. If you have a group with more than 10 people, you will need to make a reservation ahead of time. The tour lasts for approximately 25 minutes. During that time, visitors see the bakery’s original ovens, learn about the history of pretzels and learn how to twist a pretzel. During certain times of the year, large groups have access to special pricing. Regular pricing is $3.75 for adults, $2.75 for kids ages 4 to 12 and free for kids under the age of 4. The bakery is open seven days a week, and tours are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Make sure to check holiday hours when you are planning your visit. After you are done with the tour, your group can explore the bakery’s souvenir options and baked goods for sale. Bring home soft, hard and chocolate covered pretzels to share.
9. Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center
Refreshing Mountain is one of the best places to see in Pennsylvania if you are looking for an adrenaline rush. The outdoor center, located right in Lancaster County and about 30 minutes from Lancaster, is open year-round. Groups can experience outdoor activities during day-long field trips and overnight events. The 80-acre Refreshing Mountain complex offers ziplining, an elevated obstacle course and up-close experiences with farm animals. The adventure center has three different ziplining options, all of which are kid-friendly. The Flying V Zipline Tour is a 30-minute experience that costs $25 per person. The Challenge Adventure Zipline Tour is a one- to two-hour experience that costs $54 for kids ages 5 to 12 and $59 for ages 13 and up. The Aerial Excursion Zipline Tour lasts up to two-and-a-half hours and costs $67 for ages 5 to 12 and $79 for ages 13 and up. Refreshing Mountain offers discounts for larger groups of zipliners. The center’s Challenge Adventure Zipline Tour is just $54 per person for groups of nine to 19 people. Groups of nine to 15 people can take the Aerial Excursion Tour for $67 per person. Large groups will need to call ahead to make reservations. You can plan your group trip for any time of year, but the Refreshing Mountain schedule will change based on the season. Refreshing Mountain also hosts group team-building events, parties and corporate retreats.
10. Longwood Gardens
If you are looking for interesting destinations in Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens will take your breath away. See hundreds of flowers in bloom and fabulous fountain displays at this Pennsylvania attraction located about an hour outside of Lancaster. If you want to have a colorful experience, come during the spring and summer. The gardens also host a fall color event. Groups can schedule their visit to coincide with a show at the Open Air Theatre or with one of the daily fountain performances that set music and light to the dancing water. General admission for adults is $23, $20 for seniors and college students, $12 for children ages 5 to 18 and free for children 4 years old and younger. Groups of 15 people or more can access discounted rates and make reservations for guided tours of the gardens. Longwood Gardens also offers opportunities for unguided school field trips, fireworks and fountains show tours and jazz festival tour groups. The gardens even have free parking for up to 20 motorcoaches.
Let Executive Coach Drive Your Group
There are plenty of Lancaster group tour destinations. Groups on the hunt for history will love exploring Gettysburg National Military Park or Independence National Historical Park, while groups looking for a little adventure will be drawn to Hersheypark or the ziplines at Refreshing Mountain. No matter where you are headed, putting together a group trip takes a lot of planning. Make sure your travel experience goes smoothly for the entire group with Executive Coach. Our group transportation services take groups as small as 25 people and as large as 500 people all over Lancaster, Pa. Make your travel experience safe and high-quality with the comfort of our charter buses and professionalism of our team. The destination is your choice, and Executive Coach will take you there. Contact us or request a quote today.
