Free Museums in West Chester

"Things-To-Do, Kids, Family, Family Fun, Family Funwebsite | map it | (717) 569-5437. | 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17601. Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping kids learn and making sure they have lots of fun in the process."

"Hands-on House Children’s Museum focuses on shared educational experiences which are mostly designed for kids aged 2-10. The museum also offers interactive exhibits under the supervision of a parent or other adult. Exhibits like Marty’s Machine Shop, E-I-E-I KNOW, and Space Voyage Checkpoint can be a fun experience for both the parents and kids."

"Rock Ford Plantation is the historic circa 1794 home of Edward Hand, who served as Adjutant General to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Rock Ford is widely considered to be one of the most important examples of Georgian architecture surviving in Pennsylvania and the most intact building predating 1800 in Lancaster. The mansion’s elegant rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of period furnishings and decorative arts."

"Showcasing a unique example of architectural integrity, more than 90% of this house is still intact as originally built.Revolutionary War general Edward Hand called this beauty home. History buffs will love seeing the 18th Century elegance that still lives on at Rock Ford Plantation. 881 Rockford Rd Lancaster, PA 17602"

"Things-To-Do, Kids, Trains, Bucket, Event Spacewebsite | map it | (717) 687-8628. | 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 17579. Pennsylvania's world-class museum of railroad history, with exhibits of over 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, uniforms, art work, tools and other artifacts from 1825 to the present."

"Located in Strasburg, just 30 minutes from our hotel, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania features more than 100 historic train engines, cabooses and railroad cars, as well as interactive displays and other railroad artifacts. If all the train viewing makes you want to ride a train, the Strasburg Railroad is across the street from the museum and offers train rides in vintage coaches attached to steam locomotives that ride past beautiful Amish farmlands. For more information about our well-appointed Lancaster County hotel, or about arts & culture in the area, please contact us."

"This museum is considered world-class when it comes to railroad history. It holds artifacts and locomotives dating back to 1825!. In addition to its exhibits, it offers special events, a vast library, and a working restoration shop."

"website | map it | (717) 687-8511. | 199 Hartman Bridge Road, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 17572. The best way to understand the history and culture of Lancaster’s Amish is to begin your trip to PA Dutch Country with a visit to The Amish Village!"

"Experience the Amish culture first-hand at The Amish Village. Guided tour options include the 1840 Farmhouse, Backroads Bus Tour or our Premium Package offering both tours. All tours include self-guided exploration of the 12-acre property with friendly barn animals, a one-room schoolhouse and the Smokehouse Market with Amish-made foods."

"The Historic Ephrata Cloister features a unique campus of restored buildings that interprets the lives of an 18th-century religious order that founded and maintained the site until the 1930s in the town of Ephrata. Early Pennsylvania was established as a land of religious freedom. Although the Cloister residents—known as Householders—were a fringe religion that no longer exists, their story is significant to that of our Commonwealth during the colonial period and beyond."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elisa Rolle used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Historic Ephrata Cloister, a religious community, has lured many visitors especially families with its incredible architecture, outstanding art, significant publications, and original music. It has plenty of interesting and fascinating facts about early Ephrata, plus you’ll get to know the community’s unique lifestyle as well."

"What looks like a simple quaint estate in rural Pennsylvania was in the 18th century home to a small monastic community. 11 miles from Lancaster. Mount Joy, Pennsylvania"

"While you’re in Strasburg and indulging your inner railroad enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the nearby National Toy Train Museum, located at 300 Paradise Lane, in Paradise Township. Home to “one of the most extensive toy train collections in the world,” the museum features all varieties of toy trains from the 1800s through the present-day. Of course, a visitor-favorite activity is interacting with the museum’s five fully-operational train layouts, which feature different track gauges and train styles."

"Things-To-Do, Trains, Kidswebsite | map it | (717) 687-8976. | 300 Paradise Lane, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 17579. At the National Toy Train Museum you can learn all about it!"

"A monument to collecting, building, and operating toy trains, the National Toy Train Museum is an exciting attraction for young and old alike. With models going back to the 1800s, and five interactive train layouts, this museum is a fun activity.In fact, it’s often regarded as the best train museum in America. 300 Paradise Ln Ronks, PA 17572"

"Things-To-Do, Historic Place, House-Tourwebsite | map it | (717) 464-4438. | 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, Pennsylvania, 17584. Oldest building in Lancaster County."

"Regarded as the oldest building in Lancaster County, the Hans Herr House is the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America. This colonial-period dwelling epitomizes the medieval Germanic style common of the time. 1849 Hans Herr Dr Willow Street, PA 17584"

"The 1719 Herr House stands as the oldest structure and the... 1719 Herr House & Museum. 1849 Hans Herr Drive Willow Street, PA 17584"

"For locomotive-obsessed kids (and big kids), it’s tough to beat Strasburg’s Choo Choo Barn. Open since 1961, this spot is a classic, and it features a 1,700-square-foot model train layout with more than 150 animated figures and 22 trains. Just remember to wear your mask and social distance."

"All aboard for a unique and memorable experience for all ages!. Featuring 150 moving figures and scenes and 22 operating trains. Our hand-created model train layout has impressed families for over 50 years with realistic detail that will leave you asking “How’d they do that?!"

"The Choo Choo Barn houses over 150 hand-built animated figures complete with waterfalls, streams, and fire scenes. Before you go, browse through the books, videos, and every kids favorite, the Thomas and Friends selection."

"If you love family-owned restaurants, then you are sure to love the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant and Smorgasbord. You can find this restaurant at 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike. Your family will feel right at home with the warm decor, large windows, and wooden dining tables."

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves via the drive-thru or order ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."

"Influenced by the culture of northwest Tuscany, Bar Lucca in the riverside borough of Conshohocken is the best Italian in Philadelphia for street-side outdoor dining with a neighbo..."

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves via the drive-thru or order ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."

"Strasburg Market Place opened in 2018 with a goal in mind:... Strasburg Market Place. 214 Hartman Bridge Rd Ronks, PA 17572"