Attractions and Places To See around New Schaefferstown - Top 5

The area is rich in history, particularly in Schaefferstown. You can visit the Alexander Schaeffer House, an 18th-century National Historic Landmark that was home to the town's founder and hosts living history events. Another significant site is the Gemberling-Rex House, an 18th-century tavern on the National Register of Historic Homes. Don't miss the Franklin House Tavern, operating since 1746, or the Stiegel House, one of the oldest surviving structures built in 1757. For more information on these sites, you can visit Historic Schaefferstown's website.

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a prime location, spanning approximately 6,000 acres. It's a haven for waterfowl and grassland-nesting birds, featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails and a Visitor Center. Within this area, the Middle Creek Reservoir is popular for fishing and kayaking.

Yes, there are several options. The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers over 20 miles of hiking trails. For biking and walking, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail provides an 18-mile crushed limestone path built on an old rail bed. You can also explore the Northern miles of the Lake Border Trail, which is open to hikers, runners, and cyclists and forms part of a nearly 30-mile loop around Blue Marsh Lake.

Families can enjoy the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, which provides refuge to over 50 gray wolves and wolf dogs on 80 acres, offering guided tours. The Annual Harvest Fair and local farmers' markets also provide community entertainment. Additionally, the Church Road Bridge offers great views of the lake and is considered family-friendly, providing an option to shorten journeys on the Lake Border Trail.

Schaefferstown is home to a unique Fountain Park with a fountain that flows continuously year-round without a pump, fed by a hillside spring. This spring was part of an innovative underground system from the 1740s, recognized as the oldest chartered waterworks still in operation in the United States. You can also find the interesting Ruins of an Old Home along Elder's Run Trail within the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, dating back to the 1930s.

Beyond the Alexander Schaeffer Farm and Gemberling-Rex House, the Historic Schaefferstown Museum Sites include the Brendle Museum, which highlights Pennsylvania German folklore and displays cultural artifacts and historical treasures. These sites work to preserve the rich Pennsylvania German heritage of the area.

Yes, the Eagles Nest Viewpoint offers expansive views after traversing some rocky sections. There's even a bench to sit and take in the scenery. The Church Road Bridge also provides great views of the lake.

A significant natural event for wildlife viewing is the annual snow goose migration at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. This typically occurs from mid-February to early March, when up to 200,000 snow geese and thousands of tundra swans visit the 360-acre lake.

The Schaefferstown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in November 2023. It encompasses over 200 properties, notably featuring Germanic architecture and early log homes, preserving a significant part of the region's heritage.

Located nearby, the Cornwall Iron Furnace is a National Historic Landmark District. It showcases how the local iron furnace industry played a crucial role, particularly contributing to the Revolutionary War efforts.

The village of Strausstown, founded in 1840, is noted as being wheelchair accessible. While specific details on other attractions' accessibility vary, this settlement offers an accessible point of interest.

The area fosters a strong sense of community with events like the Annual Harvest Fair and various local farmers' markets, which offer entertainment and a chance to experience local culture.

Yes, the Middle Creek Reservoir, located within the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, is a 369-acre lake popular for both fishing and kayaking. Please note that swimming is not permitted in the reservoir.