Get the Inside Scoop on Lancaster County’s Dairy Farms

If you’ve ever wondered what life is like on a real working dairy farm — or just love a good glass of milk or scoop of ice cream — you’re in the right place. Lancaster County, PA is known for its rich farmland, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a behind-the-scenes look at the area’s hardworking dairies. These fun, interactive tours are a perfect activity to add to your itinerary when you're enjoying a Lancaster getaway at B.F. Hiestand House.

Here are four standout dairy experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for local farming (and maybe a full belly, too):

Kreider Farms | Manheim, PA
Kreider Farms has been a Lancaster County staple since 1935, when Noah and Mary Kreider bought 102 acres and began a small dairy operation. Over the years, it’s grown into one of the most advanced and respected family-run farms in the region. Their 90-minute dairy tour is a unique opportunity to see high-tech farming in action. You’ll ride on a trolley or bus through the heart of the operation — including the Cow Palace barn, where 1,800 cows are milked three times a day on a moving carousel, and the Moo-ternity Barn, where you just might witness a calf being born. The tour also takes you up a 100-foot silo for panoramic views of the farm and surrounding countryside. It’s an unforgettable way to learn how Kreider’s milk, eggs, and ice cream go from farm to fridge. Tours are available May through October with advance reservations.

Oregon Dairy | Lititz, PA
The story of Oregon Dairy begins over 50 years ago with the Hurst family, who still own and operate the farm today. What started as a modest farm has grown into a full agricultural and community hub featuring a market, restaurant, creamery, and a seasonal calendar packed with events. Their Farm Tour Experience offers a tractor-drawn wagon ride through the scenic farmland, a visit with the cows, and an educational walk through the barn and milking facilities. You’ll learn about the role of dairy farming in Lancaster County’s economy and food system, all while enjoying the charm of this family-owned operation. After the tour, stop by The Milkhouse for 25 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream or relax on the deck with a milkshake in hand, taking in views of the fields and silos.

Turkey Hill Experience | Columbia, PA
Turkey Hill Dairy began humbly in 1931, when Armor Frey started selling bottled milk to his neighbors out of the back of his sedan during the Great Depression. The business stayed in the family and grew steadily, with Armor’s sons introducing ice cream production in 1953. Today, Turkey Hill is one of the largest ice cream brands in the country, with products sold in 43 states. While the factory itself isn’t open to visitors, the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia gives guests an inside look at the brand’s sweet legacy. This interactive attraction is like a children’s museum for dairy lovers — complete with hands-on exhibits, a virtual ice cream flavor creator, and the opportunity to craft your own frozen treat in the Taste Lab. And yes, there are unlimited samples of Turkey Hill’s iced teas and ice creams to enjoy.

Old Windmill Farm | Ronks, PA
At Old Windmill Farm, the connection to Lancaster’s farming heritage runs deep. This Amish-owned and operated dairy farm is run by Jesse and Anna Ruth Lapp, who open their property to guests looking for an immersive, hands-on experience. The land itself has a long history with the original barn dating back to the late 1700s, and the Lapps continue to work it in the traditional ways of their community. During the one-hour tour and hayride, you’ll help bottle-feed calves, gather eggs, and even try milking a cow. It’s a beautiful way to step into the rhythm of Amish farm life, learning not just how dairy is produced, but how family and tradition are deeply woven into the process.

After a day spent exploring Lancaster’s dairies — feeding calves, sampling fresh milk, and learning the ins and outs of farm life — you’ll be ready to unwind. That’s where B.F. Hiestand House comes in. Nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, our bed and breakfast offers the perfect restful retreat, where you can relax in comfort, reflect on your adventures, and gear up for whatever tomorrow brings.