Ephrata Cloister

A preserved 18th-century religious community in Lancaster County, known for its distinctive buildings, music, publications, and art.

632 West Main Street, Ephrata PA 17522 · Ephrata, PA

About Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister was a religious community founded in 1732 by Johann Conrad Beissel in what is now Lancaster County. The site's grounds are owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and run by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Visitors can join guided tours that explain the community's disciplined spiritual life, its architecture, original music, printed works, and artwork. The site is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

#religious community
#colonial history
#architecture
#music
#National Historic Landmark

What's around here?

The closest stops to Ephrata Cloister, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Eat & Drink
Family Favorite
Fox Meadows Creamery and Country Market
Under $25
A farm creamery in Ephrata serving farm-fresh ice cream, cafe drinks, lunch and a country market.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink
Shopping
Local Gem
Re-Uzit Shop of Ephrata
No admission fee
The Ephrata branch of Lancaster County's Re-Uzit thrift store chain, benefiting Mennonite Central Committee relief work.
Transit: reachable by public transit
1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Refreshing Mountain
$25–$50
A 100-acre wooded adventure center near Lititz with one of Pennsylvania's top zipline courses.
5.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sightseeing
Local Gem
Lancaster County
No admission fee
Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home to the country's oldest Amish communities, farmland, and covered bridges.
Transit: reachable by public transit
7.6 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Family Favorite
Amish Farm and House
Under $25
America's first Amish-focused attraction, with an 1805 farmhouse, working farm, and Amish craftspeople.
Transit: reachable by public transit
11 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Local Gem
Intercourse
No admission fee
A one-block Amish Country village of quilt shops, bakeries, and buggy crossings in the heart of Lancaster County.
Transit: reachable by public transit
11 mi awayMore like this