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7 towns travelers should visit in America's most German state

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 17:04 GMT by WSB-TV
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America’s Most German State: A Journey Through Seven Pennsylvania Towns That Celebrate Heritage

Pennsylvania is often dubbed America’s “most German state,” and it’s easy to see why. From the cobblestone streets of its historic towns to the hearty German cuisine that fills its kitchens, the influence of 18th‑ and 19th‑century German immigrants is woven into the very fabric of the state. In a recent feature for WSB TV, the “7 towns travelers should visit America’s most German state” spotlights the places where this legacy thrives, offering visitors a taste of the past and present in one unique journey.

1. Lancaster – The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Lancaster is synonymous with the Pennsylvania Dutch (German) heritage. Visitors can stroll through the town’s downtown where half‑brick houses and old‑world storefronts greet them. The Lancaster County Historical Society, located in the former German Reformed Church, offers a rich narrative of German settlers, showcasing artifacts, manuscripts, and interactive exhibits. Local artisans still produce traditional crafts, from hand‑woven baskets to intricate wood carvings. The town’s annual “German Heritage Festival” draws thousands to celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional foods like “Böhm” bread and “Schäufer” (a savory pork roll). A quick stop at the Lancaster County Farm & Garden Museum reveals how German farming practices have shaped modern agriculture in the region.

2. Gettysburg – A Historic Town with German Roots

While Gettysburg is globally recognized for its Civil War battlefield, the town also boasts a strong German heritage. The historic “Reformed Church of Gettysburg,” built in 1810, stands as a testament to German settlers who played a pivotal role in the community’s early development. In 1863, the same church’s bell rang out as the battle raged, symbolizing the intersection of faith and conflict. The Gettysburg Heritage Center offers guided tours that highlight German contributions to the town’s architecture and community life. Visitors can sample authentic German fare at local eateries, such as the “Kraut & Keg” restaurant, which specializes in sausages, sauerkraut, and German beers.

3. Bethlehem – From Moravian Roots to Industrial Pioneering

Bethlehem, originally founded by the Moravian Church in 1741, reflects a blend of German spirituality and industrial innovation. The town’s iconic “Bethlehem Steel” factory, once the world’s largest steel producer, owes its origins to German engineers who migrated in the 19th century. The Steelworks Museum offers a deep dive into the lives of German immigrant workers, their craftsmanship, and the impact of the steel industry on American manufacturing. The Moravian Museum preserves the town’s founding stories, complete with German-language manuscripts and early religious texts. Food lovers will relish Bethlehem’s “German Chocolate” bakery, where the recipe has remained unchanged since the 1800s.

4. Harrisburg – The Capital’s German Traditions

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, showcases a vibrant German culture amidst its political corridors. The “German Cultural Center,” located near the historic Governor’s Mansion, hosts regular events such as German film nights, folk music performances, and lecture series on German history in America. Harrisburg’s “Old German Street,” a preserved commercial district, features storefronts that house German specialty shops, from pretzel bakeries to authentic beer pubs. The city’s annual “Harrisburg Oktoberfest” celebrates German beer culture with live music, traditional dancing, and a parade that showcases the city’s historic German vehicles.

5. York – A Town Steeped in German Heritage

York is renowned for its rich German heritage, particularly its historic “German Quarter.” The area’s architecture—characterized by stone houses with pitched roofs—reflects the building styles of early German settlers. The “York German Heritage Museum” offers exhibits on the region’s 18th‑century German craftsmanship, including silverware, quilting, and carpentry. Visitors can tour the “German Heritage Park,” which includes a replica of a 19th‑century German farmhouse. The annual “York German Fest” invites locals and tourists to experience German music, dance, and culinary traditions, such as “Bratwurst” and “Apfelstrudel.”

6. New Holland – A Quiet German Village

New Holland’s understated charm is its appeal. The town’s “New Holland Historical Society” preserves the memory of German farmers who established the region’s thriving agricultural base. Their exhibit highlights German farming techniques that still influence local practices. A notable attraction is the “New Holland German House,” a restored 18th‑century residence that offers guided tours. The town hosts an annual “German Harvest Festival” celebrating the harvest season with traditional German songs, local produce, and storytelling sessions.

7. Shippensburg – The Cultural Hub of the German Diaspora

Shippensburg, perched on the Cumberland Valley, offers a snapshot of German influence on education and culture. The “Shippensburg German Cultural Center” runs a bilingual German‑English curriculum for children and adults, preserving the language for future generations. Their library contains an extensive collection of German literature, old newspapers, and photographs. Shippensburg’s “German Village” district features historic brick buildings, each with a plaque detailing its German origins. The annual “Shippensburg German Day” features a parade, folk dance, and a “German Market” where artisans sell handcrafted goods.

A Roadmap to Authentic German Pennsylvania

The article emphasizes that a road trip through these towns is not merely a scenic drive but an immersive cultural experience. Each destination offers distinct facets of German heritage: Lancaster’s artisanal crafts, Gettysburg’s historic churches, Bethlehem’s industrial past, Harrisburg’s cultural centers, York’s architectural legacy, New Holland’s agrarian roots, and Shippensburg’s educational focus. Travelers can enrich their journeys by:

• Visiting Museums and Cultural Centers: Gain a deep understanding of the local history and German influence.
• Sampling Traditional Foods: From pretzels to sauerkraut, German cuisine is a highlight in each town.
• Attending Festivals and Events: Most towns hold annual celebrations that showcase music, dance, and crafts.
• Exploring Architectural Sites: Many buildings showcase German styles from stone churches to brick warehouses.

The article also suggests practical travel tips, such as staying in German‑themed inns, visiting local farmers’ markets, and taking guided tours that provide historical context. For those seeking more detailed information, the WSB TV piece references additional resources, including the Pennsylvania German Society website (https://www.pgs.org) and the official state tourism portal (https://www.visitpa.com), where visitors can find itineraries, lodging options, and upcoming events.

In sum, Pennsylvania’s German heritage is a living tapestry that can be explored through its towns, each offering a unique portal into the past. Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the seven towns highlighted in the WSB TV feature promise an unforgettable adventure through America’s most German state.