Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum — Attraction in Manheim Township

Landis Valley Farm & Museum was the absolute perfect backdrop for our ceremony and reception! We knew when we were looking at venues that we wanted it in a barn setting and for the place to have a laid-back, fun, and casual feel. Landis was exactly that and more! Not only is the site maintained with the utmost care, but every building at the farm is so exquisitely quaint and beautifully rustic. Such a gorgeous place as a whole, especially for pictures during our big day. We knew during our very first meeting with Katelyn, our venue coordinator, that we were in good hands. Katelyn was experienced, professional, knowledgeable, and available by email at what seemed like the drop of a hat for all of our questions, big or small, leading up to our day. She was extremely organized and clear on expectations of what we should anticipate in having an event here. Like for example, making it clear from the day we scoped out the venue that it is an a la carte type venue, and we would be responsible for reaching out to all vendors that we would want to hire. She did provide a list of vendors that past weddings had used, which was extremely helpful, and we were lucky to find a few from that list, along with the others that we researched on our own. Katelyn’s attentiveness even the week of our wedding was so comforting. Along with our day of coordinator (that we hired from Fancy Peacock), Katelyn assisted in executing a check-in schedule for all of our vendors the day of, and everything went so smoothly! Landis does provide two attendants, one during the day and one night, who oversee the property - thanks, Dave and Elliot! Overall, if you don’t mind some DIY, and finding most vendors on your own like my husband and I, Landis makes for a dream come true...

Today was a rare "Free Admission Day" so we decided to take our kids out to see something new... well... new to them! It was a nice day, the Demonstrators were very friendly and seemed to enjoy being there.

Not much mud on this warm, spring day, but with the horse-drawn wagon rides, there were definitely areas to watch out for.

Overall, the exhibits were good for a local Museum. I wish they had more signs, but maybe others wouldn't, so I understand that's just my opinion.

I'm not sure I would have paid the $56 it would have cost any other day, but I also know my kids and they are on the younger side of being able to stand in one place for more than two minutes.

The kids did, however, LOVE the wagon ride around the village, so I have to say everyone got to see or do at least one thing that interested them.

I did not give it the highest review possible because the sidewalk coming out of the main building where tickets are sold was in such poor condition, I was afraid the kids would step on a loose brick and break an ankle. Also, the Gift Shop was too small for the size crowd on hand. I can't imagine having a few bus loads of visitors onsite in addition to a parking lot full of cars. People had to take turns entering and exiting the building, and that didn't appeal to me having small kids in tow.

BTW: Take a little cash to make a donation for the wagon ride. It apparently helps cover the animal cost. Some of which are not owned by the museum, but some to the Demonstrators. I guess that puts new meaning to "Take your pet to work day!" (yes, I'm joking)

Would be a good tie-in to a Gettysburg trip or for anyone with German...

Let me start this review by stating we've only been here once and it was not an event weekend. We were also only here post-pandemic.

The place initially felt empty and a little run down. This could be the aesthetic of old farm on the property, yet it feels some of it has to do with a lack of funding or a lack staff or volunteers. Either way, moving past the farm area, there was a lot more to see than I realized which was a pleasant surprise. There are two buildings that store antiques on the property. From farming equipment to housewares, old sins, to furniture. The collections they have from the area are quite interesting, varied, and unique.

Now in town there are a few historic houses and other buildings on site. Those that had interpreters were excellent. We had fantastic conversations with each of them and the breathe of their knowledge and love of the period shined. That said, I was a little thrown off by the number of buildings listed as "open" or "self-guided". In reality, you could open the front door or look in the window, but nothing past that. Again, funding, lack of staff, not sure, but I am not going to hold it against them. Just seemed a bit odd.

So do I recommend? Of course. Every single place in this state who's mission is to preserve the Pennsylvania German way of life is a treasure. Landis Valley Village is now top on my list of places that are doing that. Not only for tourists, but those who live here and want to learn and experience life from a bygone era that shaped this state for centuries. On hundred percent worth price...