Lititz is a tiny town. A person can literally traverse from one side of downtown Lititz to another within ten minutes. Yet it manages to offer so much more than what towns three times larger have to offer: the first commercial pretzel bakery in America, a chocolate factory that was established in 1894, an 18th-century park complete with a stream, a wolf sanctuary, rail trails, festivals galore — no wonder Lititz has been called “The Coolest Small Town in America.”
If you’re searching for things to do in Lititz PA, this guide puts it all in one place. You’ll find the classic stops, the outdoor spots locals love, the attractions in Lititz Springs Park, seasonal events, a one-day itinerary, and ideas for planning a weekend.
Lititz at a Glance: Top Picks
| If you love… | Don’t miss | Time needed |
| Food history | Twisting a pretzel at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery | 45–60 min |
| Sweets | Wilbur Chocolate store and Candy*ology | 1 hour |
| Parks | Lititz Springs Park (free) | 1–2 hours |
| Animals | Wolf Sanctuary of PA guided tour | 2 hours |
| History | Lititz Historical Foundation and Moravian Church Square | 1–2 hours |
| Outdoors | Ephrata to Warwick Rail Trail | 1–3 hours |
| Kids | Oregon Dairy Farmstead and Barnyard Express | Half day |
| Adventure | Refreshing Mountain ziplines and escape rooms | Half day |
Sweet Things to Do in Lititz
1. Twist Your Own Pretzel at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Founded in 1861, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was the first commercial pretzel bakery in America, and the Sturgis family is the country’s oldest pretzel-baking family. On the tour you learn how the old recipes and methods still work today, and you get to twist a soft pretzel yourself. It’s at 219 E. Main St. Register for a tour online before you go, especially on weekends.
2. Shop Wilbur Chocolate
Wilbur Chocolate has been part of Lititz since 1894. The Wilbur Chocolate store at 45 N. Broad St. sells chocolates made in its kitchen, plus the famous Wilbur Buds, the small bud-shaped chocolates every visitor takes home. The whole downtown smells faintly of chocolate on some days, and locals swear by it.
3. Get Nostalgic at Candy*ology
Candy*ology at 69 E. Main St. stocks retro candy and more than 120 kinds of soda. Kids love it, and adults usually find a candy they haven’t seen since childhood.
4. Do the Lititz Chocolate Walk (October)
Every October, around 30 downtown shops hand out chocolate treats to Chocolate Walk ticket holders. Tickets usually go on sale in July and sell quickly, so set a reminder.
Lititz Park Attractions: Lititz Springs Park
Lititz Springs Park dates back to the 1700s and sits on North Broad Street, just above the main intersection downtown. It’s free to enter and is the center of town life. These are the main Lititz park attractions:
5. Walk the Spring-Fed Stream
The spring that names this park forms a sparkling brook running through the entire park, which is surrounded by shaded walkways and benches. There are always ducks here, and the children love to observe the water. This is the easiest break that you will ever have in Lititz.
6. See the Stone Archway and Welcome Center
The entrance to the park, which features an arched stone gateway, is one of the most photographed areas in the city. The Lititz Welcome Center, located at the entrance, provides tourist information and public restrooms.
7. Shop the Lititz Farmers Market (Thursdays)
From mid-May through mid-October, the Lititz Farmers Market sets up in the park on Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM until dusk, with local produce, baked goods, and prepared food.
8. Time Your Visit for a Park Event
Lititz Springs Park hosts the town’s biggest traditions. The Lititz 4th of July celebration has run since 1818 and is the second-oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the country, with thousands of candles lit along the stream. The park is also a highlight of Fire & Ice in February, when ice sculptures line the entrance, and of Christmas in the Park in December.
History and Culture
9. Tour the Lititz Historical Foundation
Lititz was founded by Moravians in 1756, and it was the first community in Pennsylvania to set up a historic district. The Lititz Historical Foundation runs the Lititz museum and the Johannes Mueller House, with costumed guides from Memorial Day through October, Monday through Saturday.
10. Visit Moravian Church Square
The historic Lititz Moravian Church and its square on East Main Street are the heart of the town’s founding story. Walk around the square to see some of the oldest buildings in Lititz.
11. See Linden Hall
Linden Hall, founded in 1746, is the oldest all-girls boarding school in the country. Its campus faces East Main Street and is a pretty stop on any walking tour.
12. Take a Self-Guided Architecture Walk
Downtown Lititz mixes log, brick, and stone buildings in German, English, and Victorian styles. Start at Broad and Main and head east on Main Street, looking up at rooflines and dated cornerstones as you go.
Outdoor Lititz PA Activities
13. Bike or Walk the Ephrata to Warwick Rail Trail
This flat, family-friendly rail trail runs from downtown Ephrata and ends at North Oak Street in Lititz. It’s great for an easy bike ride or a long walk. Check the PA DCNR trail map for access points.
14. Try the Lititz-Warwick Trailway and Linear Park Trail
Lititz-Warwick Trailway splits from the rail trail to head to Newport Road on the north side. In close proximity to it is the 1.2 mile Warwick Township Linear Park Trail which goes north and south from Newport Road.
15. Meet the Wolves at Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Just outside town at 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Wolf Sanctuary of PA gives displaced wolves and wolf-dogs a permanent home. Guided tours teach wolf biology and conservation, and hearing the pack howl is something you won’t forget. Book in advance.
16. Zipline at Refreshing Mountain
About 10 miles from downtown in Stevens, Refreshing Mountain has ziplines, an outdoor obstacle course, escape rooms, farm animals, and cabins. It’s a good choice for groups and families who want something active.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
17. Ride the Barnyard Express at Oregon Dairy
Oregon Dairy at 1289 Creek Road has been a local favorite since 1975. It has a market, family restaurant, ice cream shop, and a farm-themed playground. Its farmstead runs the Barnyard Express train ride, where kids can meet the herd and feed the goats on weekends in season.
18. Browse Outback Toys
Outback Toys is a 6,000-square-foot toy store full of farm toys. If you have a tractor-loving kid, plan on staying a while.
19. Feed the Ducks and Picnic in the Park
Some of the best family time in Lititz is free. Grab lunch downtown and picnic in Lititz Springs Park, where kids can watch the ducks along the stream.
Shopping, Arts, and Drinks
20. Shop Downtown Boutiques
Main and Broad Streets have boutiques, antiques shops, galleries, and specialty stores. Local favorites include Olio Olive Oils & Balsamics, Pebbles & Lace, Zest, and the Zum Anker Alley Gallery. Browse the full Lititz shopping directory.
21. See Local Art
The Lititz Art Association supports local artists and events, including the Outdoor Art Show in July and the Artisan Porch Walk in September.
22. Sip Local
For grown-up plans, try the Waltz Vineyards tasting room, Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, or Appalachian Brewing Company, all in or near downtown.
23. Eat Your Way Through Downtown
For a small town, Lititz has a lot of good food. Locals recommend Tomato Pie Café, Rooster Street Butcher, Slate Café, Dosie Dough, A Tea Affair, Bull’s Head Pub at Lititz Springs Inn, and ice cream at Greco’s or Isabella’s. See the Lititz dining guide for more.
Seasonal Events Worth Planning Around
| Month | Event | Where |
| February | Fire & Ice Festival: ice sculptures, food trucks, fire shows | Downtown and park entrance |
| June | Taste of Lititz | Downtown |
| July 4 | 4th of July celebration: parade, candles, fireworks | Lititz Springs Park |
| July | Outdoor Art Show | Downtown |
| August | Rotary Craft Show: about 550 artisans | Main and Broad Streets |
| September | Artisan Porch Walk | Downtown |
| October | Chocolate Walk | Downtown shops |
| December | Christmas in the Park and Decorate Lititz | Park and downtown |
Things to Do in Lititz PA This Weekend
Looking for things to do in Lititz PA this weekend? Start with what happens on a regular schedule:
- Every month: Downtown hosts a monthly evening event with late shop hours, live music, and street performers. Check the Venture Lititz event calendar for the current night.
- Thursdays (mid-May to mid-October): The farmers market in Lititz Springs Park.
- Weekends in season: The Barnyard Express at Oregon Dairy Farmstead and tours at Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
- Year-round: The Sturgis pretzel tour, Wilbur Chocolate, downtown shopping, and the trails.
For one-time events, check the Lititz events calendar and our park events page before you visit.
What to Do in Lititz PA in One Day: Sample Itinerary
Not sure what to do in Lititz PA with only one day? Try this plan:
| Time | Plan |
| 9:30 AM | Coffee downtown, then walk Lititz Springs Park while it’s quiet |
| 10:30 AM | Pretzel-twisting tour at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch on Main Street |
| 1:30 PM | Wilbur Chocolate, Candy*ology, and the boutiques |
| 3:00 PM | Moravian Church Square and the Lititz Historical Foundation |
| 4:30 PM | Bike or stroll the rail trail, or tour Wolf Sanctuary (book ahead) |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner downtown, then ice cream on the way back to the car |
Where to Stay in Lititz
Stay downtown to walk everywhere: The Wilbur Hotel, Lititz Springs Inn & Spa, The Alden House, or Lititz Suites on Main. Just outside town, Hotel Rock Lititz, Speedwell Forge B&B, and Swiss Woods B&B are good options. Book early for festival weekends.
Tips for Visiting Lititz
- Park once and walk. Downtown is compact, and most stops are within a few blocks of Broad and Main.
- Book tours ahead. Sturgis and the Wolf Sanctuary fill up on weekends.
- Festival days are busy. Fire & Ice, July 4th, and the Craft Show bring tens of thousands of people. Go early or use the shuttle lots.
- Restrooms: The Welcome Center at the park entrance has public restrooms.
FAQ: Things to Do in Lititz PA
What are the top things to do in Lititz PA?
Twist a pretzel at Julius Sturgis, shop Wilbur Chocolate, walk Lititz Springs Park, tour Wolf Sanctuary of PA, and explore downtown’s shops and restaurants.
What are the main Lititz park attractions?
Lititz Springs Park has a spring-fed stream, shaded walking paths, the stone entrance archway, the Welcome Center, a summer farmers market, and major events like the 4th of July and Fire & Ice.
What free Lititz PA activities are there?
Lititz Springs Park, the rail trails, window shopping downtown, the historic architecture walk, and the monthly downtown evening event are all free.
What is there to do in Lititz with kids?
The Barnyard Express at Oregon Dairy, the Sturgis pretzel tour, Candy*ology, Outback Toys, and feeding the ducks in Lititz Springs Park.
How do I find things to do in Lititz PA this weekend?
Check the Venture Lititz event calendar and our park events page. In season, the Thursday farmers market and the monthly downtown evening event are regular options.
Is Lititz worth visiting?
Yes. It’s walkable and historic, it has great food, and there’s something happening almost every month, which is why it’s often called one of the coolest small towns in America.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have an afternoon or a full weekend, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lititz PA. Twist a pretzel, eat too much chocolate, slow down by the stream in Lititz Springs Park, and plan your next trip around one of the town’s festivals. Most visitors leave already planning a second visit.
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