Wheatland James Buchanan Lancaster
Step into the 19th century at Wheatland, the preserved home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan in Lancaster, PA.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Wheatland James Buchanan Lancaster
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the 19th century at Wheatland, the preserved home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan in Lancaster, PA.
"The guide was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and obviously knows what she’s talking about."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides are knowledgeable & often in period clothing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the house and grounds, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

James Buchanan's Personal Furnishings
Interior of Wheatland
See original furniture and personal items that belonged to Buchanan and his family, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life.

Exceptional Guided Tours
Throughout Wheatland
Knowledgeable guides, sometimes in period attire, bring history to life with engaging stories and insights.

Historic Grounds and Gardens
Exterior of Wheatland
Stroll through the picturesque grounds that surround the estate, offering a peaceful escape and photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides are knowledgeable & often in period clothing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the house and grounds, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Plenty to see and learn, don't rush your visit. :stopwatch:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The house exterior and grounds are beautiful for photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides are knowledgeable & often in period clothing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the house and grounds, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Plenty to see and learn, don't rush your visit. :stopwatch:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The house exterior and grounds are beautiful for photos. :camerawithflash:
📚 Educational for Kids
Great for older kids (10+) interested in history. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wheatland for its exceptional guided tours, with knowledgeable guides often dressed in period attire. The home's preservation, featuring many of James Buchanan's personal furnishings, offers an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life. While some note Buchanan's controversial presidency, the historical context and engaging presentation make it a highly recommended visit for its educational value and atmosphere.
"This was one of the best home tours I’ve been on. Most of the furnishings and personal items belonged to Buchanan or his niece and nephew. The guide was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and obviously knows what she’s talking about. She was even dressed in period clothing which was a great touch. I went without my kids but the tour was so interesting that I think a 10 year old plus would enjoy it."
Erin Sweet
"We made a weekday trip to see the museum and give to the kids more historical sites for a fun and learning day.
The guide were nice and Professional and answered whole the question we had.
Is always nice to learn from history and open the mind and dive in the past to see how people lived."
Domenico De Santo
"Nice home of the worst president, who was so unpopular he wrote a multi volume book to explain is bad decisions. Worth the visit with great info and excellent tour guide. His cousin who lived with him is very famous harriett lane. A must visit in the area."
steve rudis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wheatland is located just outside Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors combine a trip to Wheatland with other historical sites in the Lancaster area.
While public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Wheatland might be limited, Lancaster city itself has public transportation. It's often recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
From Philadelphia, driving is the most common method, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train to Lancaster and then arrange for local transport to Wheatland.
Yes, Wheatland is part of a rich historical landscape in Lancaster County. Consider visiting other historical homes, the Lancaster Central Market, or Amish country for a fuller experience.
Wheatland offers parking facilities for visitors. It's generally sufficient for tour groups, but it's always a good idea to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for guided tours of Wheatland. It's best to check the official Wheatland website for the most current pricing information, as it can vary.
It is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or during peak tourist season. This helps ensure you get your preferred tour time.
Wheatland typically operates tours on select days of the week, often Monday through Saturday. Hours can vary seasonally, so always consult their official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Information on discounts for groups, seniors, or students is usually available on the Wheatland website. It's worth checking their admissions page for any applicable offers.
Guided tours are the primary way to experience Wheatland. The historical significance and detailed narratives provided by the guides are integral to the visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours at Wheatland are highly praised for their knowledgeable and engaging guides, who often share fascinating details about James Buchanan's life and the era. Some guides even wear period clothing, enhancing the historical immersion.
A guided tour of Wheatland usually lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. However, visitors often spend additional time exploring the grounds and gift shop, so budgeting 1-2 hours for the entire visit is advisable.
Yes, Wheatland can be a great educational experience for children, particularly those aged 10 and older who have an interest in history. The engaging tours and historical context can make it a memorable outing.
Inside Wheatland, you'll find many of James Buchanan's original furnishings and personal belongings, including items belonging to his niece and nephew, Harriet Lane. The house offers a tangible connection to the past.
Yes, visitor facilities including restrooms are available. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and books related to James Buchanan and the historical period.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, interior photography without flash is often permitted for personal use. It's best to confirm with your tour guide or check signage upon arrival.
The exterior of Wheatland, with its historic architecture and surrounding gardens, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The entrance and the grounds provide picturesque backdrops.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of Wheatland and its grounds. However, daytime visits are also excellent for capturing the historic ambiance.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check the official Wheatland policy regarding drone operation.
A standard digital camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate for capturing the details of Wheatland. If you plan to photograph interiors, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially have a less crowded experience. The grounds also offer a pleasant space for children to explore after the house tour. It's a great way to supplement classroom learning with a real-world historical site.
🏛️ History Buffs & Presidential Enthusiasts
The in-depth guided tours are a major draw, providing context and insights that go beyond standard historical accounts. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for Buchanan's life, his decisions, and the historical landscape he navigated.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Philadelphia
Plan for at least 1-2 hours for the tour and exploring the grounds. Booking your tour in advance is crucial to maximize your time and ensure a spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life and Legacy of James Buchanan
Buchanan purchased Wheatland in 1848, expanding and renovating the existing structure. He lived here with his niece, Harriet Lane, who served as his First Lady. The home became a symbol of his life after public service, and it was here that he wrote his multi-volume defense of his presidency.
Visitors to Wheatland can gain a deeper understanding of Buchanan's personal life, his relationships, and his perspective on the tumultuous events of his time. The guided tours are crucial for contextualizing his legacy and the historical significance of his home.
Experiencing Wheatland: A Visitor's Perspective
The home itself is noted for retaining much of its original furnishings and personal items belonging to Buchanan and his family, offering an intimate glimpse into 19th-century domestic life. The atmosphere is described as amazing and educational, allowing visitors to 'dive in the past to see how people lived.'
Beyond the house tour, the grounds of Wheatland provide a pleasant setting for a stroll. The combination of historical content, engaging presentation, and a serene environment makes Wheatland a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts and families alike.
The Architecture and Restoration of Wheatland
The restoration and preservation efforts at Wheatland aim to maintain its historical integrity. This includes careful attention to details like the interior wallpapers, some of which are reproductions based on historical patterns found in archives, such as those from the Smithsonian Institution.
These preservation efforts ensure that visitors can experience Wheatland as it might have appeared during Buchanan's time, offering an authentic historical setting. The commitment to historical accuracy enhances the educational value and immersive quality of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit