Hershey Farm Resort is a Lancaster County lodging, dining and shopping destination at 240 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, in the East Ronks farm-country corridor beside the Route 30 attractions. Set across 23 acres, it brings together classic inn accommodations, an animal pasture, walking paths, a seasonal outdoor pool, the Pennsylvania Dutch-style Grand Smorgasbord and a bakery—an easy base for families visiting Amish Country and nearby live theatre.
What to Expect at Hershey Farm Resort
The property is designed around the relaxed rhythms of a Lancaster County farm stay rather than a downtown hotel. Guest rooms are spread through inn-style accommodations on landscaped grounds, where children can watch the resident farm animals and families can take an unhurried walk between meals or theatre plans. The outdoor pool is a warm-weather amenity, while the animal area and paths give the resort a distinctly rural setting in an otherwise busy visitor district.
Food is a central part of the experience. Hershey Farm Restaurant’s Grand Smorgasbord is an all-you-can-eat Pennsylvania Dutch buffet with comfort-food staples, carved meats and a large dessert selection; fried chicken is a longstanding crowd favorite. The on-site bakery is the place to pick up Lancaster County sweets such as whoopie pies, shoofly pie and seasonal baked goods, while the shops carry gifts, pantry items and locally themed souvenirs. The dining room is casual and family-oriented, making it practical before an evening performance at Sight & Sound Theatres.
- Grand Smorgasbord: A Pennsylvania Dutch-style buffet centered on hearty homestyle dishes, carved selections, salads and desserts.
- Hershey Farm Bakery: Take home whoopie pies, shoofly pie and other Lancaster County baked treats.
- Animal pasture: A family-friendly outdoor stop where young visitors can see farm animals during a stay or meal visit.
- Seasonal outdoor pool: A summer-focused resort amenity for guests, especially useful after a full day of local sightseeing.
- 23-acre grounds: Walking paths and open farm-country views distinguish the property from standard roadside lodging.
Hershey Farm Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 240 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572 |
| Neighborhood / Area | East Ronks, Lancaster County’s Route 30 Amish Country visitor corridor |
| Operating Hours | Lodging operates daily; restaurant, bakery and shop hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before traveling. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge for the grounds or shops; hotel stays are $$$, and Grand Smorgasbord meals and bakery items are purchased separately. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for a meal, bakery and shops; overnight for the full resort experience. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site parking; Lancaster Amtrak station is about 9 miles away, with taxis or rideshare needed for the final leg. |
| Official Website & Phone | hersheyfarm.com & +1 800-827-8635 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the restaurant, arrive early for lunch or make plans around your Sight & Sound performance time; weekend and holiday meal periods draw the largest groups. Overnight guests should reserve early for summer, autumn foliage weekends and major theatre productions. The resort is just south of Lincoln Highway/US 30 via Hartman Bridge Road, and its on-site parking makes driving the simplest option. There is no direct rail or local fixed-route transit stop at the property, so visitors arriving at Lancaster station should arrange a taxi, rideshare or rental car.
Request an accessible room directly when booking, particularly if step-free access or a specific bathroom configuration is important. Public dining and retail areas are practical for family groups, while the outdoor paths and animal area are best approached at a slower pace with strollers or wheelchairs because conditions can vary with weather. Sight & Sound Theatres is an easy walk of roughly 10 minutes, and The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm is about 15 minutes on foot along the Route 30 corridor. The Amish Village, a short drive away, pairs well with the farm setting and guided Amish Country interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hershey Farm Resort open, and what is the best time to visit?
The hotel operates daily, while restaurant, bakery and retail schedules change with season and holiday demand. For a quieter buffet meal, choose an early weekday lunch; summer afternoons are best for guests planning to use the outdoor pool.
Do I need reservations for the Grand Smorgasbord or a hotel stay?
Book lodging ahead for peak theatre, holiday and foliage dates. Restaurant availability can tighten around Sight & Sound showtimes, so contact Hershey Farm directly for current group, holiday and seating guidance; buffet pricing is separate from a room reservation.
How much time should I budget at Hershey Farm Resort?
Allow one to two hours for the Grand Smorgasbord, bakery, shops and a look at the animal pasture. An overnight stay gives enough time to enjoy the grounds and pool while using Ronks as a base for theatre and Amish Country drives.
Is Hershey Farm Resort suitable for children and guests with mobility needs?
It is particularly well suited to families because of the farm animals, casual dining and seasonal pool. Accessible accommodation should be requested when reserving, and guests with mobility needs should call ahead to match a room and route to their requirements.
When planning your Lancaster travel guide or comparing verified hotels and restaurants in Lancaster, pair this stop with standout local spots including Lancaster County Central Park, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster, John J Jeffries Restaurant, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lancaster East – Strasburg, an IHG Hotel (1.9 km away).
