Each summer, York County attracts millions of visitors—and it’s easy to see why.
Seated in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, York County boasts a mix of rich historical heritage, fun summer outdoor recreation, and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities up close and personal.
But when you get here for all the fun, where do you begin?
Well, to make sure you enjoy your visit, we’ve got you covered with The Ultimate Guide for York County Tourists (Summer 2026).
Here, you’ll find six great ideas for spending the long summer days York—all of which are family friendly, perfect for a fun date with that special someone, or simply experiencing something new on your own!
1. Take a Leisurely Stroll Along the Heritage Rail Trail
Looking for an easy hike on a nice day? Lace up for a stroll around Heritage Rail Trail County Park.
Spanning nearly 30 miles, a well-maintained stone trail offers a scenic and historically rich hike along the former Northern Central Railway. Along with the beauty of a fecund summer landscape, the rail trail features seven officially designated Trail Towns—complete with dining and lodging options, historic landmarks, and small town charm.
The York County Rail Trail Authority maintains the trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
2. Book an Overnight Stay at The Haines Shoe House
A York County spectacle, you may have never seen anything like the Haines Shoe House before.
This roadside attraction is a 5-story stucco-sided home built in the shape of a boot. That’s right. A boot.
Originally constructed in 1949, the Haines Shoe House served as a guest house for the owner of a local Shoe Store Chain—helping him woo prospective business partners and clients.
These days, the house—featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, kitchen/dinette, and recreation room—is available as an overnight rental on Airbnb for parties up to 6.
Book a night at the Haines Shoe House and you’re sure to remember your stay in York County.
3. Visit a Traditional Amish Marketplace at The Markets at Shrewsbury
No trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country is complete without a visit to a traditional Amish Marketplace.
Renowned as one of the best Amish farmer’s markets in Pennsylvania, The Market at Shrewsbury features 18 unique vendors, offering everything from locally grown farm-fresh produce to freshly butchered meats, made-from-scratch baked goods, old-fashioned German pretzels, novelty candies, jarred goods galore, and more.
And summertime is the perfect season to pay a visit. Especially with local favorites like fresh watermelon, succulent strawberries and peaches, and sweet corn restocked by our local farms each week.
Come for the food and stay for the conversation with our friendly Amish vendors at The Markets at Shrewsbury.
4. Enjoy Farm-Fresh Ice Cream at Perrydell Farm and Dairy
As far as we’re concerned, there’s no such thing as too much ice cream over the summer.
So after you’ve enjoyed a scoop of Down on the Farm Creamery and The Markets, swing by Perrydell Farm and Dairy.
This third-generation family-owned farm—just a few miles south of Downtown York—churns creamy, delicious ice cream on-site. All their dairy products, from their popular ice creams to flavored milks and home-churned butters, are made with milk produced on-site by their 120 or so dairy cows.
Plus, a petting area for calves and children makes the Perrydell Farm and Dairy a fabulous way to spend an afternoon making memories with family and friends.
Visit Perrydell Farm and Dairy—and be sure to check out their flavor of the month!
5. Swim, Fish, or Boat Lake Marburg
At the heart of Codorus State Park—a sprawling 3,500-acre park in southwestern York County—is the stunning Lake Marburg.
This picturesque centerpiece features 26 miles of shoreline around a 1,275-acre body of water. The lake has a reputation amongst locals and tourists as being the premier destination for boating, fishing, scuba diving, and, of course, summertime swimming.
Additionally, Codorus State Park has a modern campground with tent and RV sites, as well as camping cottages. And multi-use trails around the grounds are enjoyed by runners, bikers, and hikers year-round.
Explore the fantastic amenities at Codorus State Park.
6. Immerse Yourself in American History at the York County History Center
Museums your thing? If so, York County offers one of the richest—and most-walkable—historical centers on the East Coast.
The York County History Center is a massive museum system encompassing three museums, four historic sites, and a genealogy library and archives—all within historic York, PA.
The museums offer a combination of hands-on learning and guided walking tours and are a must-visit for anyone interested in American history or local genealogy.
Passes to the History Center give you access to the York County History Museum, the Agricultural and Industrial Museum, the Fire Museum, the Colonial Complex, and the Bonham House. Many exhibits feature hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages—making the York County History Center a no-brainer for curious minds and young children alike.
Plan your visit to the York County History Center.
Enjoy Your Trip to York County!
Whether you’re only here for a day or will be enjoying this unique part of the country on a longer trip, York County has something for everyone.
Enjoy your travels and be sure to swing by The Markets. Our vendors would love to meet you and share some of the magic of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Since 2001, The Markets at Shrewsbury has been considered one of the best Amish farmers' markets in Pennsylvania. Our traditional Amish marketplace features 18 unique vendors serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch fare, handmade crafts, clothing, and home goods. We look forward to serving you with some regional treats, farm-fresh meats and produce, and friendly conversation!
