Ephrata, Pennsylvania: Historic Foundations, Family-Friendly Adventures, and Modern Appeal

Nestled in northern Lancaster County, Ephrata blends deep history, unique attractions, a vibrant dining scene, and relaxing family-friendly spots. Visitors will find charming streets lined with historic architecture, boutique shops, and flavorful eateries, while locals enjoy a welcoming small-town atmosphere, abundant parks, and a rich community legacy. In this article, discover Ephrata’s origins, attractions, notable restaurants, shopping areas, and top places for relaxation.

History of Ephrata

Ephrata’s story begins in 1732 when German mystic Johann Conrad Beissel founded a religious commune called the Ephrata Cloister. The Cloister, a spiritual and communal experiment, attracted men and women (the “Sisters” and “Brothers”) who valued charity, self-sufficiency, prayer, and peaceful living. They contributed arts, music, printing, and papermaking to early America. While communal living faded by the early 19th century, Ephrata flourished as a railroad, trade, and resort town, eventually incorporating as a borough in 1891.

Today, the Ephrata Cloister stands as a Pennsylvania State Historic Site, offering an enduring window into America’s early religious diversity. The borough preserves many historic buildings, including its first bank, railroad station (now a visitor center), and the renowned Mountain Springs resort, put Ephrata on the map as a regional destination. With a population over 13,000, Ephrata retains its inclusive and culturally rich spirit.

Top Attractions and Historical Sites

Ephrata Cloister

One of America’s most fascinating communal religious sites, the Cloister features original 18th-century buildings, peaceful grounds, and interpretive exhibits. Guided tours immerse visitors in the faith and self-sufficient lifestyle of Beissel’s followers.

Address: 632 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: (717) 733-6600
Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Commercial Historic District

38 contributing buildings define the historic center—Queen Anne and Italianate architecture beautifully preserved. Notable sites include the Eagle Hotel (1808), Sprecher Hardware (1911), and Ephrata Railroad Station (1887), now a visitor center.

Central area: Main St & State Sts.
Details

Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction

A Friday tradition since 1932, the Green Dragon is one of Pennsylvania’s largest farm markets—part farmers market, part flea market, with Amish foods, crafts, antiques, baked goods, and fresh produce. It’s a lively destination for shopping and people watching.

Address: 955 N State St, Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: (717) 738-1117
Green Dragon Market

Winters Leadership Memorial at Veterans’ Plaza

This local landmark honors Major Dick Winters of “Band of Brothers” fame, as well as all veterans. It’s a quiet place for reflection.

Address: 100 E Main St, Ephrata, PA
Winters Memorial

Ephrata Performing Arts Center (EPAC)

Award-winning community theater in a historic building, presenting musicals, plays, and cabarets. Many stars, including Betty White and Jonathan Groff, have graced its stage.

Address: 320 Cocalico St, Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: (717) 733-7966
EPAC

Dining: Popular Restaurants & Eateries

Ephrata’s restaurant scene combines classic PA Dutch flavors, global cuisine, and modern comfort food.

Name	Address	Phone	Website	Cuisine
Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant	1051 W Main St, Ephrata, PA	(717) 733-0645	Gus’s Keystone Restaurant	PA Dutch, American
Olde Lincoln House	1398 W Main St, Ephrata, PA	(717) 733-3490	Olde Lincoln House	Pub, American
Black Forest Brewery	301 W Main St, Ephrata, PA	(717) 450-7217	Black Forest Brewery	Brewpub, German
Pour Man’s Brewing Co.	284 S Reading Rd, Ephrata, PA	(717) 466-6144	Pour Man’s Brewing Co.	Brewery, American
Nonna Rosa Traditional Italian Kitchen	363 S 7th St, Akron, PA	(717) 733-1234	Nonna Rosa	Italian
Udder Choice Creamery	1812 W Main St, Ephrata, PA	(717) 733-4322	Udder Choice	Ice Cream, Café
Fox Meadow Creamery	2475 W Main St, Ephrata, PA	(717) 721-6455	Fox Meadow Creamery	Ice Cream, Dairy
Scratch Bakes	136 N Reading Rd, Ephrata, PA	(717) 466-2952	Scratch Bakes	Bakery, Desserts

Local highlights include classic PA Dutch fare at Gus’s, Olde Lincoln House for pub food favorites, inventive beers at Black Forest and Pour Man’s, creamy treats at Fox Meadow and Udder Choice, and fresh bakes at Scratch.

Shopping Areas

Lincoln Mall

A convenient local retail center for daily needs, gifts, and specialty shopping.

Address: 1717 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522
Lincoln Mall

The Village Farm Market

Local favorite for farm-fresh goods, home decor, and baked treats.

Address: 1520 Division Hwy, Ephrata, PA 17522
Village Farm Market

Downtown Ephrata

Boutique shops, antiques, crafts, and thrift stores line Main and State Streets—perfect for browsing after a meal or market visit.

Nearby, Park City Center in Lancaster (142 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA; (717) 397-5515) offers big-brand shopping for everything from fashion to electronics.

Parks and Family-Friendly Places

Ephrata boasts one of the largest park systems per capita in Pennsylvania, with over 322 acres devoted to recreation.

Ephrata Borough Parks: Multiple playgrounds, athletic complexes, band shell, pools, archery range, tennis and basketball courts, nature trails, and picnic areas.
- Ephrata Borough Parks
Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail: Walk or bike this scenic route linking Ephrata to surrounding farmland and neighboring towns. Attractions and shaded sections make this trail great for families.
Legion Park: A beautiful park along Cocalico Creek with a playground and open space—ideal for picnics and outdoor play.
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area: Less than 15 minutes away, this preserve features hiking trails, bird watching, and nature exhibits.

Special events include the Ephrata Fair—Pennsylvania’s largest street fair—Christmas at the Cloister, summer concerts, and Party on the Plaza, all bringing together families and visitors throughout the year.

More Family Fun and Relaxation

Ephrata Performing Arts Center delights with musicals and plays for all ages, Pour Man’s Brew Pub offers free arcade games, and ziplining is nearby at Refreshing Mountain (455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA; (717) 738-1490; Refreshing Mountain). For animal encounters, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA in nearby Lititz offers guided tours and educational programs. Thrift shopping is popular for treasure hunters and frugal shoppers at outlets and consignment stores scattered throughout town.

Ephrata, Pennsylvania, shines as a blend of rich colonial heritage, rural beauty, and engaging community events. Its walkable downtown and historic sites offer lasting glimpses into the region’s faith, creativity, and enterprise, while parks and trail networks provide countless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Whether savoring homemade ice cream, shopping at the historic Green Dragon Market, hiking the Rail Trail, or exploring stories at the Ephrata Cloister, visitors to Ephrata experience small-town hospitality and cultural richness. For more about Ephrata and other destinations across Pennsylvania, visit MyPhillyConnection.