Throughout American history, Lancaster and York Counties and the Susquehanna River Valley have played a key role in the development of our nation’s political, cultural and economic identity. The people of the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area have advanced the cause of freedom and shared their agricultural bounty and industrial ingenuity with the world, and the area’s town and country landscapes and natural wonders are visited and treasured by people from across the globe.

For centuries, the Susquehanna River has been an important corridor of culture and commerce for our nation, playing key roles as a major fishery, transportation artery, power generator and place for outdoor recreation. The river and the region were a gateway to the early settlement of our nation’s ever-moving frontier, and the area played a critical role as host to our national government during a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The rural landscape created by the Amish and other Plain people of the region is of a scale and scope that is rare if not entirely unknown elsewhere in the United States. For many Americans, the Plain people of this region personify the virtues of faith, honesty, community, and stewardship at the heart of our national identity. Their traditions are embedded in the culture here and attract those who seek a return to simpler times – and enjoy unique foods and handmade crafts too. Plain dress, lack of electricity, and horse-drawn buggies and wagons are a way of life among the area’s rolling farms and busy farmers’ markets.

Lancaster County’s Ephrata Cloisters and Landis Valley Museum provide unique places to step back into the region’s history of rural German-American communities. Visitors can also take a ride through scenic farmland on the Strasburg Railroad, check out the story of time at Columbia’s National Watch and Clock Museum, or take a walking tour in historic downtown Lancaster or one of the region’s small towns or villages.

York County hosts over three centuries of history, culture and architecture. Visitors can shop for fresh produce the way locals have for 100 years at Central Market House and visit the York Agricultural and Industrial Museum. Unique factory tours are offered by such companies as Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, Utz Potato Chips and Wolfgang Candy. The outdoors can be enjoyed at Gifford Pinchot and Codorus state parks, on bicycle along the York County Heritage Rail Trail, or by kayak and canoe on the scenic Susquehanna River.

The Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area’s stories of people, land and waterways are essential parts of our national story, and visitors are invited to experience the richness and diversity of America’s heritage along our winding Dutch Country roads.

For more information, write or call:

Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area
1706 Long Level Road
Wrightsville, PA 17368
717-252-0229

www.SusquehannaHeritage.org