Points of Interest between Christiana, Pennsylvania to Cleona, Pennsylvania

picture of Christiana, Pennsylvania

Road Trip Guide: Must-See Museums, Parks, and Landmarks from Christiana to Cleona

Are you planning a road trip from Christiana to Cleona? Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun escape, this route has plenty of attractions to offer. From museums and parks to historic landmarks, here are the must-see places to add to your itinerary.

Fun Fact: Did you know that this road trip will take you through the heart of Amish country? As you drive through Lancaster County, you'll see horse-drawn buggies, farms, and fields of crops stretching as far as the eye can see.

Halfway Point: Lititz, PA After driving for about 35 minutes, you'll reach Lititz, PA - the halfway point of your road trip. This historic town was founded in 1756 by the Moravian Church and is home to many well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Length of the Trip This road trip spans a distance of approximately 20 miles and can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. However, if you decide to stop at one or more of the attractions on our list, plan to spend a few hours exploring each site.

Top Five Places to Visit

  1. The National Watch and Clock Museum: This unique museum in Columbia, PA is home to over 12,000 timepieces from around the world, ranging from ancient sundials and hourglasses to modern atomic clocks. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the galleries, which showcase the evolution of timekeeping technology and the artistry of clock and watchmaking. A must-see exhibit is the "Mystery Clock" - an intricate timepiece that appears to run without any visible mechanism.

Point of Interest: Don't miss the fascinating exhibit on the history of time zones and the role of railroads in standardizing timekeeping.

  1. Lancaster County Central Park: Located in Manheim Township, this sprawling park offers 544 acres of green space, hiking trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the park, which features rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, and spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and birds.

Point of Interest: Check out the Butterfly Garden, which is home to a variety of native butterfly species and blooming flowers.

  1. The Cornwall Iron Furnace: History buffs will appreciate a visit to this landmark in Cornwall, PA, which was one of the leading iron producing centers in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. The furnace, which operated from 1742 to 1883, helped fuel the growth of the American Revolution and the industrial revolution.

Point of Interest: Take a guided tour of the site, which includes a visit to the furnace, the ironmaster's mansion, and the historic blacksmith shop.

  1. Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach: Located in the heart of the Mt. Gretna community, this family-friendly attraction offers a refreshing oasis on a hot summer day. Visitors can swim and sunbathe on the sandy beach, relax in the shade of the trees, or enjoy a game of mini-golf.

Point of Interest: Be sure to try the famous hand-dipped ice cream at Jigger Shop, a Mt. Gretna tradition since 1895.

  1. The Union Canal Tunnel Park: This historic site in Lebanon, PA is the oldest transportation tunnel in the United States and a marvel of engineering from the early 1800s. Visitors can take a guided boat tour through the 900-foot-long tunnel, which was hand-dug by Irish immigrant workers and served as a crucial link in the transportation of goods between the Susquehanna River and the cities of Reading and Philadelphia.

Point of Interest: Check out the exhibits in the visitors center, which tell the story of the canal era and the people who lived and worked on the waterway.

Conclusion: This road trip from Christiana to Cleona is a great way to explore the scenic and historic attractions of south-central Pennsylvania. Whether you're interested in clocks, nature, or history, there's something for everyone on this route. Total driving time is around 30-45 minutes, but plan to spend a few hours at each stop to fully experience each attraction. Enjoy your adventure!