Hans Herr House 1719 Museum
Explore the 1719 Herr House, the oldest home in the western hemisphere, and a replica longhouse, uncovering colonial and Native American history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Hans Herr House 1719 Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 1719 Herr House, the oldest home in the western hemisphere, and a replica longhouse, uncovering colonial and Native American history.
"Felt like walking back in time in both the Long House and the 1719 House."
🎯 Inquire About Accessibility
Call ahead to confirm ramp access and interior navigation for those with mobility needs. ♿
🗣️ Take the Guided Tour
Guides offer deep insights into colonial and Native American history. Highly recommended! :guide_dog:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 130 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 1719 Herr House
Main House
Step back in time in the oldest home in the western hemisphere, remarkably preserved.
Replica Longhouse
Outdoor Exhibit
Experience a realistic recreation of Native American life with furs, bowls, and a central fire.
Historic Staircase
1719 Herr House
Marvel at the original 300-year-old stairs, a draw for historians and preservationists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility Concerns
Book a Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Inquire About Accessibility
Call ahead to confirm ramp access and interior navigation for those with mobility needs. ♿
🗣️ Take the Guided Tour
Guides offer deep insights into colonial and Native American history. Highly recommended! :guide_dog:
Is this a bad idea: taking Lancaster Ave (Lincoln Highway/Rt 30) all the way from Philadelphia to Lancaster?
I just find it sort of interesting that there are these roads that were original *the* way to get to some other city or town, and think it might be interesting to travel along that route rather than zooming along a highway. The plan would be to park at the very starting point of…
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs, including great teas. 🍵
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
The tour covers centuries of history; give yourself time to absorb it all. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Inquire About Accessibility
Call ahead to confirm ramp access and interior navigation for those with mobility needs. ♿
🗣️ Take the Guided Tour
Guides offer deep insights into colonial and Native American history. Highly recommended! :guide_dog:
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs, including great teas. 🍵
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
The tour covers centuries of history; give yourself time to absorb it all. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the remarkable preservation of the 1719 Herr House, often describing it as a step back in time. The replica longhouse is also highlighted for its educational value. However, potential visitors with mobility issues should be aware of accessibility limitations within the historic structures.
"We were thrilled to have a tour all to ourselves with Jim. The tour was excellent: a truly thoughtful explanation of an often turbulent and complicated period in American colonial history. The tour covers hundreds of years,yet Jim was able to take us from the 50k foot overview,to modern day restoration of the nearly intact Herr home. We would highly recommend this visit for anyone interested in the history of the area,colonialism, eastern American Indians and European immigration."
Scott and Merri Abernethy
"Alice was a great guide and super knowledgeable! We enjoyed learning about the indigenous history of the area as well as the Herr family. The actual house itself was amazing and so well preserved, it felt like we were walking back in time when we entered both the Long House and the 1719 House. It was a great experience!"
Mark Olson
"They had a recreation of the local Indians lived until moving on complete with furs and bowls and fire in the middle! Very interesting. They had the oldest steps still standing, 300 years old and historians come just to examine these old stairs! Herr house was built in 1719, oldest home in western hemisphere. How they came over and settled in area. This was very interesting and would definitely stop and support this wonderful piece of American history."
Bonnie Mallory
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Driving is the most common way to reach it. Parking is reportedly easy and convenient for visitors.
Information on public transportation options is limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if driving is not an option.
The museum is accessible via major roadways in Lancaster County. Using a GPS or mapping app is recommended for real-time directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. It's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information. Guided tours are highly recommended and may have separate or included fees.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for guided tours, is a good idea, particularly during peak seasons or for larger groups. This ensures your spot and can sometimes offer a smoother entry experience.
Operating hours can change seasonally. Always verify the current hours of operation on their official website before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.
The historic nature of the 1719 house may present accessibility challenges. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the museum directly to inquire about ramp access and interior navigation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remarkably preserved 1719 Herr House, a replica Native American longhouse, and learn about colonial and indigenous history. The historic staircase is also a notable feature.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides provide in-depth explanations of the history, making the visit much more engaging and informative.
A typical visit, especially with a guided tour, can last 1-2 hours. This allows time to explore the house, the longhouse replica, and the grounds.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check onsite signage or ask a staff member about restrictions on photography, especially flash photography, inside the historic buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself typically does not have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop that may offer light refreshments or snacks.
Willow Street and the surrounding Lancaster County area offer various dining options, from local diners to cafes. Exploring nearby towns like Lancaster city can provide more choices.
Picnic areas may be available, but it's best to confirm with the museum staff. Generally, consuming food and drinks is restricted to designated areas to preserve the historic structures.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the 1719 house, the replica longhouse, and the surrounding historical grounds offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the unique architecture and historical ambiance.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. Always check with the museum administration for their specific drone policy.
You can capture images of colonial architecture, historical artifacts, and the recreated Native American dwelling. The site offers a glimpse into 18th-century life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit