Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.35mi
, Attraction : Theatre, Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
101 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Fulton Theatre
Prepare to be transported back in time as we pull up to the Fulton Theatre, an absolute architectural marvel and a true cultural cornerstone of Lancaster. This isn't just a theatre; it's a National Historic Landmark, one of the oldest working theatres in the United States.
Opened in 1852 as Fulton Hall, it was named in honor of Lancaster County native Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the building's Victorian grandeur, with its ornate façade and opulent interior, is truly a sight to behold. Over its nearly two centuries, the Fulton has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and silent films to today's critically acclaimed Broadway-caliber productions. Legendary performers like Mark Twain and Helen Hayes have graced its stage. During the Civil War, the theatre even served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers, a poignant reminder of its deep roots in the community's history.
Today, the Fulton continues its legacy, producing world-class musicals, plays, and family shows, all while preserving its historic charm. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of applause from generations past. It truly is a living piece of performing arts history.
Please turn right on West Vine Street and then right on South Water Court.
Opened in 1852 as Fulton Hall, it was named in honor of Lancaster County native Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the building's Victorian grandeur, with its ornate façade and opulent interior, is truly a sight to behold. Over its nearly two centuries, the Fulton has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and silent films to today's critically acclaimed Broadway-caliber productions. Legendary performers like Mark Twain and Helen Hayes have graced its stage. During the Civil War, the theatre even served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers, a poignant reminder of its deep roots in the community's history.
Today, the Fulton continues its legacy, producing world-class musicals, plays, and family shows, all while preserving its historic charm. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of applause from generations past. It truly is a living piece of performing arts history.
Please turn right on West Vine Street and then right on South Water Court.
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Place #2
Distance: 0.49mi
W. Orange & Nevin St., Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
History of Lancaster
Please turn right on Marietta Avenue.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania has one of the richest and most layered histories in the Commonwealth. Founded in 1730, Lancaster quickly grew from a small frontier settlement into a thriving colonial town thanks to its fertile farmland and strategic location along early trade routes. In fact, Lancaster briefly served as the capital of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1812, before Harrisburg took over that role.
The city played an important part in the American Revolution, supplying troops with weapons, food, and supplies. It was also a center of early American industry, particularly iron production, printing, and manufacturing. Lancaster County’s strong German influence — often called “Pennsylvania Dutch,” from "Deutsch" — shaped everything from architecture and farming practices to language and food traditions.
During the 19th century, Lancaster became a key stop on the railroad, fueling economic growth and making it a hub for commerce and innovation. At the same time, the surrounding countryside became home to Amish and Mennonite communities, whose traditions of simplicity and craftsmanship remain a defining part of the region today.
Through wars, industrial change, and modernization, Lancaster has managed to preserve its historic character while evolving into a vibrant small city — one where centuries-old traditions and contemporary culture continue to live side by side.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania has one of the richest and most layered histories in the Commonwealth. Founded in 1730, Lancaster quickly grew from a small frontier settlement into a thriving colonial town thanks to its fertile farmland and strategic location along early trade routes. In fact, Lancaster briefly served as the capital of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1812, before Harrisburg took over that role.
The city played an important part in the American Revolution, supplying troops with weapons, food, and supplies. It was also a center of early American industry, particularly iron production, printing, and manufacturing. Lancaster County’s strong German influence — often called “Pennsylvania Dutch,” from "Deutsch" — shaped everything from architecture and farming practices to language and food traditions.
During the 19th century, Lancaster became a key stop on the railroad, fueling economic growth and making it a hub for commerce and innovation. At the same time, the surrounding countryside became home to Amish and Mennonite communities, whose traditions of simplicity and craftsmanship remain a defining part of the region today.
Through wars, industrial change, and modernization, Lancaster has managed to preserve its historic character while evolving into a vibrant small city — one where centuries-old traditions and contemporary culture continue to live side by side.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 18 stops, covering top attractions such as Fulton Theatre, History of Lancaster, Amish History, Fertility, Pennsylvania, Biblical Tabernacle Experience.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Fulton Theatre (Address: 101 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Historic Central Market, Amish Farm and House, The Amish Village, Sight & Sound Theatres, Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market and Kitchen Kettle Village. In total, the tour has 18 points of interest along the route.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.