Best Museums in Lancaster, PA

Updated September 2026 · 10 businesses · Lancaster guide

Looking for museums in Lancaster? Below you'll find 10 local options with their address, phone number, website and opening hours, plus practical advice on choosing the right one.

What they do: Art, history, science and children's museums. Many offer free days and discounts for students and families.

This guide lists 10 museums in and around Lancaster, spread across 4 ZIP codes. 9 have a phone number you can call directly from this page, 10 link to their own website, 4 are open on weekends. Listings are organized so you can compare them at a glance and contact them directly.

Top 10 Museums in Lancaster

Listings are shown in no paid order: no business can pay to appear or to rank higher on this page.

1 The Lancaster Science Factory

Open weekendsZIP 17602
Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue10 AM-5 PM
Wed10 AM-5 PM
Thu10 AM-5 PM
Fri10 AM-5 PM
Sat10 AM-5 PM
Sun12 PM-5 PM

CallDirections

2 North Museum of Nature and Science

Open weekendsZIP 17603
Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed10 AM-3 PM
Thu10 AM-3 PM
Fri10 AM-5 PM
Sat10 AM-5 PM
Sun10 AM-5 PM

CallDirections

3 Hands-On House Children's Museum

Open weekendsZIP 17601
Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue9 AM-5 PM
Wed9 AM-5 PM
Thu9 AM-5 PM
Fri9 AM-5 PM
Sat9 AM-5 PM
Sun9 AM-3 PM

CallDirections

4 Landis Valley Museum

Open weekendsZIP 17601
Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed9 AM-4 PM
Thu9 AM-4 PM
Fri9 AM-4 PM
Sat9 AM-4 PM
Sun12 PM-4 PM

CallDirections

How to choose museums in Lancaster

  • Check seasonal hours, since many attractions change their schedule in winter.
  • Look for discount days, family passes and membership options.
  • Check parking and accessibility before you go.
  • Pack for the weather. Pennsylvania weather changes quickly, especially in spring and fall.
  • For state parks, check the DCNR website for alerts, closures and reservations.

Local tips for Lancaster

Lancaster County's Amish and Mennonite craftspeople make it a well-known source of handmade furniture, quilts and farm products, and many of these businesses close on Sundays.

Many of the best-rated businesses sit just outside the city in Manheim Township, East Lampeter or Lititz, so it's worth widening your search a few miles.

Lancaster is in Lancaster County, and local phone numbers use the 717 and 223 area codes. Popular areas include Downtown, Chestnut Hill, Cabbage Hill, Northeast, Southeast, West End, Musser Park.

Frequently asked questions

Which museums in Lancaster are open on weekends?

According to their listed hours, these are open on Saturday or Sunday: The Lancaster Science Factory, North Museum of Nature and Science, Hands-On House Children's Museum, Landis Valley Museum. Hours can change on holidays, so call before you go.

Which areas of Lancaster do these museums cover?

The museums on this list are located in ZIP codes 17584, 17601, 17602, 17603. Many businesses also serve nearby neighborhoods and suburbs, so ask when you call.

Are Pennsylvania state parks free?

Yes. Pennsylvania state parks don't charge an entrance fee, although camping, cabins, some pools and special activities have fees.

What are the best times to visit attractions in Lancaster?

Weekday mornings are usually the quietest. Summer weekends and school holidays are the busiest.

Where can I find trails near Lancaster?

Use the DCNR's ExplorePAtrails.com and local park websites to find trails by length, difficulty and activity.

Museums in other Pennsylvania cities

More outdoors & attractions guides in Lancaster

Business data for this page comes from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), reviewed and formatted by Pennsylvania Connection.

Information is collected from public sources and may change. Please confirm hours, prices and availability directly with each business. Business owner? Ask us to update your listing.