Lancaster Museums Offer Something for Everyone

The rich history of Lancaster County, dating to the earliest Colonial times, is on display at many area museums. No matter your age or interests, there is something (and someplace) everyone can enjoy. Following are just a few of the area's popular museum destinations within a short drive of B.F. Hiestand House. For additional museum listings, go to the museum page at VisitLancasterPA.com or The Museums of Lancaster County.

National Watch & Clock Museum
Recognized as the largest and most comprehensive horological (the study of time) collection in North America, the National Watch & Clock Museum has over 13,000 items. What began in 1943 as a club for horology enthusiasts founded by three watch collectors now has nearly 10,000 members worldwide. Museum visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of watches and clocks from around the world and marvel at the artistry and science of the inner workings of timekeepers of all shapes and sizes. Plan your visit.

514 Poplar Street
Columbia, PA 17512
(717) 684-8261

Hands-on House, Children's Museum
Designed for children ages two to ten, Hands-on House is an interactive and hands-on learning children's museum dedicated to helping kids learn and making sure they have fun in the process! Short on lectures and long of participatory activities (adults are welcome to join in), Hands-on House offers exhibits, classes and programs. Plan your visit.

721 Landis Valley Road, 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17601
(717) 569-5437

The National Toy Train Museum
Perfect for kids of all ages, the National Toy Train Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of toy trains, featuring models from the 1800s to the present. Whether you're new to the hobby of collecting, building, and operating toy trains or you've been a toy train enthusiast for decades, you will delight in the museum's dynamic displays, including its five operating, interactive train layouts. Plan your visit.

300 Paradise Lane
Ronks, PA 17572
(717) 687-8976

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Visitors to the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum will experience the evolution of the region's early German immigrants' distinct culture, traditions, and decorative arts. This living history museum to rural Lancaster County boasts the country's most extensive collection of 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania German artifacts. In December, the museum is featuring a special exhibit on redware pottery. Plan your visit.

2451 Kissel Hill Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 569-0401

Hershey Antique Auto Museum
Hershey's Antique Auto Museum is your ticket for a trip down "automotive memory lane." Stroll through eight decades while traveling from New York to San Francisco and learn about the automobile's historical evolution and potential future impacts. The 71,000 square foot museum includes innovative and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages. In December, visitors will enjoy dozens of beautifully adorned trees located throughout the museum. Plan your visit.

161 Museum Drive,
Hershey, PA
(717) 566-7100

North Museum of Natural History & Science
For nearly 70 years, the North Museum of Natural History & Science has inspired curiosity and a love of science in children and adults. Discover the natural world through the North Museum's many exhibits—from live animals and interactive displays to the beautifully displayed birds, mammals, fossils and minerals. Explore 500 million years of history and science and learn how scientists and inventors use their knowledge of the natural world to create life-changing advances in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Plan your visit.

400 College Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 358-3941