Where to see wildflowers in Lancaster County this spring
There’s no better way to embrace the spring than to breathe in fresh air, soak up sunshine and appreciate the season’s first blooms. After a very long winter, these local wildflower walks offer a beautiful way to welcome the change of the season.
Wildflower Lookout
46 Peach Lane, Ronks | wildflowerlookout.com
Unique among the other locations on this list, Wildflower Lookout is a private farm offering 4 acres of beautiful meadows available for visitors to explore with admission. The fields shift with the seasons, featuring a poppy field, cornflowers, daisies, bearded barley or wheat fields depending on the time of year.
Take a leisurely walk and capture nature’s exquisite creations with photography or pack a lunch and settle in at one of the available picnic tables around the property. Please note that fires and alcohol are not permitted. Guests are asked to clean up after themselves. Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
It’s not necessar y to rent a field to take photos, but fields can be reserved by the hour for exclusive access for photo shoots, filming or private viewing.
Peak season at Wildflower Lookout typically runs from late May or early June throug h October. The views are well worth the trip at any point in the season Wildflower Lookout is open Monday throug h Saturday from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve
Green Hill Road, Conestoga
Home to more than 50 bird species and over 70 species of wildflowers, Shenks Ferr y Wildflower Preserve blooms to life each spring . This 85-acre preserve features an easy, unpaved 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that follows Grubb Run throug h woodlands and meadows, ending at a picturesque historic stone tunnel Spring visitors may spot trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, bluebells, wild geranium, Virg inia waterleaf, woodland phlox and many other native species. For those looking to explore further, a connecting trail will take you out of the woods to the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, a scenic 29-mile former railroad bed.
During peak season, in March and April, the Lancaster Conser vanc y provides on-site staff and volunteers to help with flower identification and general information. For off-peak visits, a downloadable flower identification brochure is available on the Lancaster Conser vanc y website.
From the parking area , follow Green Hill Road until you see Grubb Run, then look for the unpaved trail on the left to begin the hike. A portable toilet is available on-site during peak season only
Visitors are asked to stay on the designated trail and refrain from picking wildflowers, as this will damage delicate plants and the ecosystem of this preserve. Please carr y out any trash and take special precautions to help protect this land.
Brochure link : https://lanc.news/shenks
Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve
Wildlife Preserve Road, Drumore
Located about 35 minutes south of Lancaster cit y, the Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preser ve is another spectacular spring setting . This preserve has been recognized as the count y’s only National Natural Landmark, known for its old-growth forest, a rare and diverse ecosystem that has remained relatively undisturbed for over a centur y.
This trail showcases an abundance of flora, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, bluebells, wild geranium, mayapple and marsh marigold, along with flowering trees such as tulip trees and redbud. Early blooms may begin to emerge as early as late March. Bald eagles are also abundant in this area and frequently spotted.
The main trail follows Barns Run, a small tributary to the Susquehanna , along an easy, paved, approximately 1-mile out-and-back former service road. At the end of the main trail, the Overlook Trail (marked by a sign) branches off as a short but steep path leading to more blooming wildflowers and a scenic view of the Susquehanna River. Waterproof foot wear is recommended, as crossing Barns Run is required to reach the Overlook Trail.
A small pull-off on Wildlife Preserve Road is available for parking . The main Ferncliff trail begins at the locked gate near the parking area Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended, as parking is limited and this trail is very popular in the spring
A flower identification guide and a camera make thoughtful additions to this hike Visitors are asked to carr y out all trash and help preserve the trail’s natural beauty
For 24 years, Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc. has created timeless designs, both functional and uniquely individual. Henrietta leads her team of professional, award-winning designers who take the time to understand your goals and tailor their approach to fit your needs. Their extensive portfolio of both residential and commercial projects highlights a diverse range of experience and style. They are experts in reimagining and remodeling homes, especially the extensively used kitchen and bath. Whatever your style, We are committed to transforming spaces for a better life.
Sunday June 21, 2026 10AM to 5PM both days
Foundry 48 | 100 W Millport Rd, Lititz, PA Admission
Achenbach’s Pastries
375 E MAIN ST, LEOLA ACHENBACHS.COM
This bakery is well-known for their long john donuts in a variet y of flavors. My personal favorite are the peanut butter icing long johns. But, if you aren’t a donut person, you’ll enjoy the selection of turnovers, Danishes, pies, cakes, sticky buns, and all sorts of breads. Achenbach’s baked goods are sold in spots around the count y, so if you can’t get to Leola , there is a good chance that a café near you will sell Achenbach’s baked goods.
Central Market Stands
23 N MARKET ST, LANCASTER CENTRALMARKETLANCASTER.COM
Central Market is the nation’s oldest continually operating indoor farmers’ market, established in 1730. The market has over 60 food stands, selling produce, meats, prepared foods and crafts. Central Market is open limited hours on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The best part of Market is the incredible variet y of items and the people you meet at the stands. There are about ten stands that sell baked goods, but these two are my favorites:
MARLEY’S COUNTRY GOODS
Marley ’s always has donuts, and they also sell seasonal items like peanut butter eg gs at Easter time. They have jarred Amish goods such as fruits, jellies, honey, pickles, and ever ything in between.
KOM ESSA “COME EAT”
Here, you will find homemade soft pretzels, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, and more. I don’t know what it is about them, but their Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzels just taste better than anywhere else. I love a classic pretzel with a dip of cheese or mustard, but they also have cinnamon sugar pretzels, and sour cream and onion flavors, and even pretzel-wrapped hot dogs.
Old Barn Creamery
157 MARTIC HEIGHTS DR, HOLTWOOD
Down in my neck of the woods in the southern end of Lancaster Count y, is an Amish-owned store/cafe that serves baked goods, made-to -order breakfast sandwiches and coffees, and a selection of whoopie pies, shoofly pie, cakes, cookies, and breakfast protein bites One item that I particularly love is their homemade kombucha that comes in flavors like apple, orange, grape and blueberr y. And if kombucha is not your thing, you can pick up a homemade root beer or lemonade. And they have homemade ice cream!
Another place that is local to me is Crossroads Café. Attached to the Amish grocer y store Sing ing Spring Foods, Crossroads offers made-to -order coffees, specialt y drinks, baked goods, lunch items, ice creams, and more My personal favorite are their stuffed soft pretzels: the cheesesteak or chicken bacon ranch ones are delicious. This place may seem a bit out of the way, but you can enjoy a scenic drive throug h Pennsylvania Dutch countryside on your way there.
23 Let’s Roll Electric Bike Shop 23 E WALNUT ST., LANCASTER
County
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen
N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER
The Barn at Paradise Station
PARADISE LN., RONKS
Per Diem
ROCK LITITZ BLVD., LITITZ
Puff ‘N Stuff
E. CHESTNUT ST., LANCASTER
The Railroad House Inn
FRONT ST MARIETTA
Scoops Ice Cream & Grille
PRIMROSE LN., MOUNTVILLE
Smokehouse BBQ & Brews
OLD PHILADELPHIA
BIRD IN HAND
W FRONT ST.,
Miller’s Smorgasbord
LINCOLN HIGHWAY E., RONKS
National Toy Train Museum
PARADISE LN., RONKS
The Spice & Tea
W. ORANGE ST., LANCASTER
ROCK LITITZ BLVD., LITITZ
Yorgos
N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER
Zanzibar
Chris Knight, Photographer
Down town Galleries
Ask a Local
BY MAGGIE NOON
If your kid is anything like my nephew, they are constantly on the move Having an activity planned that is both enjoyable for them, and for yourself as a parent, is key to making any vacation less stressfu and more fun. I took my 6-year-old nephew to scout several museums in Lancaster County, so you don’t have to Here are three kid-approved museums with hands-on activities that are sure to entertain your littles for hours
North Museum of Nature and Science
400 COLLEGE AVENUE, LANCASTER
Visit northmuseum.org for hours and admission prices
The North Museum has a variet y of small, curated exhibits that cover a wide array of topics When we visited, there were displays about insects, dinosaurs, and geology that had some interactive elements, but most were just for display. My nephew loved the Sun, Earth, Universe Exhibit, which was more hands-on, and we also enjoyed seeing the live animal room, where we saw lizards, snakes, bugs, and turtles
Downstairs, there is a vast collection of ta xidermy birds in the Ornithology Galler y. We finished our visit in the planetarium with the Night Sky Tour, performed live by their resident astronomer. My nephew had a hard time sitting still for too long , so we left about 30 minutes throug h, but from what I saw, it would be great for kids who are a bit older and adults who are interested in the stars and other celestial bodies.
6-YEAR-OLD RATING: 9/10
Lancas Factory
454 NEW HOLLAND AVENUE, LANCASTER
Visit Lancastersciencefactory.org for hours and admission prices
The Lancaster Science Factor y is a hands-on science museum with dozens of interactive stations. You can spend hours moving from station to station in the open floor plan, which makes it easy to navigate back and forth to revisit stations you are especially fond of. My nephew especially loved the larg e climbing structure and the giant bubble area , where we spent about 15 minutes making larg e bubbles around ourselves. He recently asked me when we can visit ag ain. All activities are STEM-focused, so there is an educational element snuck into each fun station.
Turkey Hill Experience
301 LINDEN ST., COLUMBIA
Visit turkeyhillexperience.com for hours and admission prices
Turkey Hill Experience is part museum, part hands-on activit y center. Here you’ll learn about the histor y of Turkey Hill Dair y and how they create their teas and ice creams. The tour starts with a lesson on which tea leaves are chosen, and how tea is made. From there, you enter a step -by-step process of how ice cream is made, from gathering milk, all the way to packaging into cartons.
6-YEAR-OLD RATING: 10/10
YEAR-OLD 10
My nephew loved the create-your-own virtual ice cream, packaging , and commercial aspects of the tour, but we were a bit disappointed to find out that you couldn’t actually buy your flavor, something to keep in mind. Our favorite part was the unlimited samples of ice cream and tea available during your visit.
6-YEAR-OLD RATING: 9/10
If these museums don’t appeal to your kiddo, try one of these other options:
Hands on House
If these museums don’t your s�on�House
1 RO
721 LANDIS VALLEY ROAD, LANCASTER HANDSONHOUSE.ORG
Best for children ag es 2-8, they offer interactive exhibits rooted in STEM and trade/careers
ch ages they offer interact e exh s rooted in STEM trade/c eers
Amish�Villa
Amish Village
199 HARTMAN BRIDGE ROAD, RONKS AMISHVILLAGE.COM
Learn about the Amish culture directly from employees who are Amish and formerly Amish.
RON n ab t cu e ly fr are fo ly Amish.
The National Toy Train Museum
The�National�Toy�Train� Museum� RADISE RONK
300 PARADISE LANE, RONKS TCATRAINS.ORG
Visit one of the larg est collections of toy trains in the world, where you can operate some of the trains yourself.
sit one the t col toy trains where can some trains you f.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
300 GAP ROAD, STRASBURG RRMUSEUMPA.ORG
A world-class collection of more than 100 historically significant locomotives and railroad cars, and many other items related to railroads serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .
COUNTRY MEADOWS RESTAURANT
Ask a Local
Favorite Places to Shop for Amish-Made Outdoor Furniture and Playsets
BY SALLY REYNOLDS
Lancaster Count y is known for its beautiful farmland, much of it tended by the Amish communit y. Amish families are typically quite large, with six to eig ht children on averag e. As a result, the number of Amish in Lancaster Count y roug hly doubles ever y twenty years. The current Amish population in Lancaster Count y is approximately 45,000 people As a result of this population growth, there’s not enough farmland for all the Amish who want to farm Some Amish have had to leave Lancaster Count y to find farmland to purchase, thus
starting offshoot communities in other parts of Pennsylvania and in other states Other Amish have chosen to stay in Lancaster Count y and open non-farming businesses in construction, woodworking, and light manufacturing. In Lancaster Count y, you’ll find many stores that sell Amish-made furniture and playsets. Most stores will ship your newly purchased items to your home so that you can enjoy their beauty and durability for years to come. These are a few of our favorite places to shop for sturdy, locally made outdoor furniture and playsets.
Playsets
Lancaster Swingsets & Outdoor Fun
3351 LINCOLN HWY E, PARADISE | LANCASTERSWINGSET.COM
This place can be a little hard to spot since it is located by a small parking area that also sells TinyLux homes, which has a larg er sign. Lancaster Swingsets sells playsets made by two different local families, one of whom makes playsets in wood (less expensive), and the other makes them in vinyl-clad wood (more expensive). They have several examples outside, but the full breadth of their offerings is in their catalog which you can pick up from the office. You can customize your playset with the number and types of features it has (swings, climbing wall, slides, platforms, tubes). They ship ever ywhere and offer installation. Prices range from about $1,500 to over $25,000, so you can find pretty much any type of playset you want.
Swing Kingdom
Swing King dom is your destination for premium custom playsets. Swing King dom ships anywhere, and they include a 20-year warranty on the playset structure and a 5-year warranty on smaller parts The playsets are primarily made from hardwood cores with vinyl wraps for durabilit y ag ainst the elements, but they do offer a small selection of wood playsets that are readyto -g o. At Swing King dom’s Leola facilit y, you can speak with staff about the optimal playset design to match the desires of your kids, and the space in your backyard. Prices start at about $3,000 for a simple ready-to-go playset with two swings, a covered platform, and a slide. The top tier playsets are quoted on an individual basis.
Outdoor Furniture
Peaceful Valley Furniture
PEACEFULVALLEYFURNITURE.COM
Peaceful Valley Furniture has a wide selection of outdoor furniture made from both hardwood and poly wood. Choices include Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and benches, sliders, porch swings, sofas, benches, rockers, and tables with small firepits in them Peaceful Valley also sells any type of outdoor décor you can imag ine, such as birdhouses, wishing wells, bird feeders, lighthouses, and windmills. If you get tired of shopping for outdoor items, their stores have large selections of indoor furniture and decor too, most of which are locally made by Amish craftspeople. Peaceful Valley has stores in Strasburg and Ronks, plus they have stands at markets in Ephrata and Manheim.
King’s Homestead
3518 W NEWPORT RD, RONKS KINGSHOMESTEAD.COM
King ’s Homestead’s inventor y of outdoor furniture includes many st yles of dining tables, pub tables, Adirondack chairs, rockers, and porch swings. Most pieces are made of polywood, but they offer some items made from hardwood. Unlike Peaceful Valley, they do not have an extensive selection of outdoor decor items. However, they do have a two-stor y showroom with indoor furniture, rugs, decor, candles, kitchen items, snacks, seasoning s, and gifts. It’s a vast and varied shopping experience with friendly and helpful staff ready to assist you.
Dutch Selections focuses on affordable country furniture, with their outdoor pieces made exclusively from poly wood because of its durability and costeffectiveness. They have a large display area outside of the store, but if you walk all the way to the back of the indoor showroom there is a huge room dedicated to outdoor furniture. Sofas, fire tables, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, dining tables, café tables, and more are all on display. This store looks modest from the outside, but the breadth of offerings on the inside will surprise you.
En jo y Eu ro pean ins pir ed casual fare in our tren dy, o pe n-air, bis tro with lunch
Tu esday thr ough
En jo y Lancast er city ’s most unique fine dining ex perienc es imme rsed in old wo rld charm and Ho ll yw ood glamour.
Satur day from 11:30a m to 3pm. jose ph inesdo wn to wn. co m
