Located in beautiful Lancaster County, Lititz, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s “coolest small towns,” famous for its Moravian heritage, vibrant downtown, and welcoming sense of community. Its walkable Main Street, historic architecture, famous attractions, delicious restaurants, parks, and boutique shopping make it the perfect destination for families and visitors seeking both relaxation and discovery.
History of Lititz
Lititz was founded in 1756 by the Moravian Church and named after Litice Castle in Bohemia, reflecting its European origins. For over a century, only Moravians could own property in town, leading to a unified and distinct community spirit. Today, the borough boasts the oldest girls’ boarding school in the United States—Linden Hall, founded in 1746—and played a crucial role during the American Revolution as a hospital site for Continental Army soldiers.
Lititz’s historic district was the first established in Pennsylvania, featuring well-preserved architecture and significant landmarks like the Moravian Church, the Brethren’s House, and the Zum Anker tavern (now the General Sutter Inn). Its legacy is celebrated through museums, walking tours, and annual events, including the country’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration.
Attractions and Historical Sites
Lititz Historical Foundation & Museum
- Discover Lititz’s fascinating past, explore historic homes, and enjoy seasonal events and walking tours.
- Address: 145 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (717) 627-4636
- Lititz Historical Foundation
Linden Hall
- The oldest all-girls boarding school in the U.S., founded by Moravians in 1746.
- Address: 212 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (717) 626-8512
- Linden Hall
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
- America’s first commercial pretzel bakery (est. 1861) offers hands-on tours where visitors can learn to twist a pretzel and enjoy the iconic Pennsylvania Dutch snack.
- Address: 219 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (717) 626-4354
- Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Moravian Church Square
- Lititz Moravian Church and its surrounding grounds, consecrated in 1787, sit at the heart of town, anchoring spiritual and historical life.
- Address: 8 Church Square, Lititz, PA 17543
- Lititz Moravian Church
Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store
- Home of the famous Wilbur Buds since 1894—handmade chocolates, gifts, and tours.
- Address: 45 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (888) 294-5287
- Wilbur Chocolate Store
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
- Dedicated to rescuing and protecting wolves in natural habitats, open for guided tours and educational programs.
- Address: 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (717) 626-4617
- Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Lititz Springs Park
- Central to town life, the park features springs, playgrounds, shaded pavilions, and hosts many annual community events, including the Fourth of July celebration.
- Address: 24 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Phone: (717) 626-8981
- Lititz Springs Park
Erbs Covered Bridge
- Picturesque historic bridge, perfect for family photos and gentle strolls.
- Address: Erbs Bridge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543
- Erbs Covered Bridge
Family-Friendly and Relaxation Spots
Lititz Springs Pool & Treehouse Playground
- The Lititz Springs Pool offers lap lanes, a splash pad, and diving boards, perfect for summer fun.
- Address: 201 Maple St, Lititz, PA 17543
- Lititz Springs Pool
- Treehouse Playground at 300 W Orange St boasts unique equipment including zip lines and a in-ground merry-go-round.
- Treehouse Playground Info
Rail Trail Pathway
- Walk, jog, or bike the scenic Rail Trail connecting Lititz to surrounding countryside.
- Lititz Rail Trail Guide
Quaint Welcome Center
- Get friendly guidance for all your Lititz adventures at 24 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543.
Dining: Popular Restaurants & Eateries
Lititz is packed with exceptional eateries—a blend of heritage, comfort food, and global flavors:
| Name | Address | Phone | Website | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulls Head Public House | 14 E Main St, Lititz, PA | (717) 626-2115 | Bulls Head Public House | British-style Pub, Fine Beer |
| Lititz Springs Inn & Spa | 14 E Main St, Lititz, PA | (717) 626-2115 | Lititz Springs Inn | Historic Inn, Upscale |
| Tomato Pie Cafe | 23 N Broad St, Lititz, PA | (717) 626-9900 | Tomato Pie Cafe | Local Coffee, Brunch |
| KōLE Chophouse | 52 N Broad St, Lititz, PA | (717) 625-2100 | KōLE Chophouse | American, Steakhouse |
| The Savory Gourmet | 51 N Broad St, Lititz, PA | (717) 625-1949 | Savory Gourmet | Deli, Cheese Shop |
| Collusion Tap Works | 5 Juniper Ln, Lititz, PA | (717) 807-4100 | Collusion Tap Works | Brewery, Pub |
| Dosie Dough | 45 S Broad St, Lititz, PA | (717) 626-2266 | — | Café, Bakery |
| Chilangos Authentic Mexican | 56 N Broad St, Lititz, PA | (717) 626-0105 | — | Mexican |
| Slate Cafe | 43 E Main St, Lititz, PA | (717) 568-2288 | — | Cafe, Casual |
Lititz’s downtown district offers more lunch spots, coffee houses, and dessert shops to delight every palate.
Shopping Areas
Lititz’s retail scene blends historic charm with modern style—find antiques, chocolate, books, and local crafts.
- Wilbur Chocolate Store: 45 N Broad St, Lititz, PA; (888) 294-5287 Wilbur Chocolate
- Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery: 219 E Main St, Lititz, PA; (717) 626-4354 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
- Aaron’s Books: 35 E Main St, Lititz, PA; (717) 627-1990 Aaron’s Books
- Atlas General Store: 46 E Main St, Lititz, PA; (717) 625-4985
- Heavenly Soaps & Scents: 33 E Main St, Lititz, PA; (717) 626-7718
- Outback Toys: 555 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz, PA; (888) 414-4705
For bigger shopping trips, Park City Center in nearby Lancaster offers 150+ stores and eateries.
- Park City Center: 142 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA; (717) 397-5515 Park City Center
More Family Fun and Relaxation
Lititz is perfect for family getaways and leisurely weekends. Don’t miss summer festivals, autumn craft fairs, and its famous Fourth of July fireworks in Lititz Springs Park. Wolf Sanctuary tours and Rail Trail walks are beloved by locals as is exploring the Moravian historical district on foot or via guided tour.
Two Last Thoughts
Lititz, Pennsylvania, is a model for small-town charm wrapped in history and hospitality. Between its iconic chocolate and pretzels, storied architecture, and welcoming parks, Lititz offers visitors and residents rich heritage and memorable experiences. The downtown is vibrant and walkable—ideal for sampling artisan goods, dining with friends, and discovering unique local shops. The town’s commitment to family-friendly amenities, festivals, and historical preservation has created an environment that feels both timeless and inviting.
Whether visitors are seeking an educational walking tour, family outdoor adventure, or just a slice of the famous tomato pie at a Main Street café, Lititz is truly a Pennsylvania treasure. For more about Lititz and other Pennsylvania destinations, visit MyPhillyConnection.