When thinking about the public city parks in the United States, there are several favorites that come to mind but one that tends to be overlooked but is no less beautiful is Long’s Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This large park has an interesting history. Henry Long, onetime lawyer, judge, and member of the state legislature, wrote into his will that he wished his large estate go towards a public park. When his granddaughter, Catherine, passed away in 1900, she wrote into her will that she wished for her inheritance, which included a large plot of land, to go towards creating this park to be a delightful place for the residents of the city to feel invigorated by fresh country air. The park was built shortly after and to this day it goes above and beyond fulfilling Henry and Catherine’s wishes. Not only is Long’s Park a natural oasis in a busy city, but it is also home to several large arts and cultural events which have invigorated millions of visitors! Check out this handy guide to Long’s Park, Lancaster.
Highlights
Long’s Park is a large city park that is a delightful respite from hectic modern life. The park has many attractions that will suit every kind of visitor, whether looking for a green space to exercise, play a game at the tennis courts, or take a run on the fitness trail. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the playgrounds and eating a picnic at one of the pavilions. Everyone will feel at peace when wandering around the spring-fed lake that is the focal point of the park. This all may sound average but there is much more to Long’s Park–the park is also home to unique attractions like a petting zoo as well as several large cultural and food events every year!
Long's Park Petting Farm
Kids and adults will love visiting the petting zoo at Long’s Park! Get acquainted with llamas, sheep, goats, and other farm animals. You can also feed the ducks! The petting zoo is free and is open during regular park hours.
Summer Music Series
For more than 50 years, the Long’s Park Summer Music Series has been enriching the lives of Lancaster’s community and visitors! This free concert series takes place every summer over the course of 13 weeks. Each Sunday evening, hundreds of people sit on the lawn outside the Long’s Park Amphitheater to take in a night of live musical performances. The performances offer a great variety of musical styles, showcasing everything from blues to classical to Celtic to rock music! Not only are the performances entertaining, but they offer a free way for people to experience and learn about different styles of music.
Labor Day Arts Festival
Another way that Long’s Park brings people together to appreciate and support the arts is through the Labor Day Arts Festival. This annual arts festival takes place each year over Labor Day weekend. Originally, it was started in 1979 for the purpose of raising money to support the Summer Concert Series. Today, it has grown into one of the largest arts festivals in the area, attracting more than 11,000 attendees on average! This number includes buyers from near and far, including everyone from casual browsers to sophisticated buyers. Over 200 artisans showcase their works, ranging from fine artworks to handmade crafts to artisanal products. Timing your visit with the annual festival is a great way to find unique pieces that you will treasure for years to come.
World's Largest Chicken BBQ
Another annual fundraiser held at Long’s Park is the Lancaster Sertoma Blessings of Hope World’s Largest Chicken BBQ! This event occurs on the third Saturday of every May. Over 20,000 chicken dinners are served in the park in an effort to raise money for the park’s upkeep and beautification. Grab a chicken dinner along with some beer or wine and take in everything else this festive day has to offer like live entertainment, activities, and celebrity guests.
Travel tips
Posted by Long's Park Art Festival on Monday, 2 December 2019
Accessibility
Long’s Park is mostly wheelchair-accessible. Many of the trails and pavilions can be accessed without having to go up or down stairs. The amphitheater for the concert series and arts festival booths are also accessible.
Seasonal highlights
The park is open year-round but spring and summer are when it truly shines. The Summer Concert Series takes place in the summer on 13 Sunday evenings at 7:30pm. The Largest Chicken BBQ event occurs on the third Saturday in May. The Labor Day Arts Festival happens over Labor Day weekend.
Weather and events
Each concert in the Summer Concert Series is held rain or shine. Events are only cancelled if there are thunderstorms or dangerous winds.
How to get there
Posted by Long's Park Art Festival on Thursday, 5 December 2019
By car
Long’s Park is located at 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. There are many parking spots available and it is free to park.
Public transportation
Red Rose Transit is Lancaster’s bus system. There are 17 bus routes servicing downtown Lancaster and parts of the surrounding county. There are many bus routes that stop at nearby Park City Mall, just a short walk from Long’s Park.
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Long's Park information
This chilly weather has us wishing for the warm days of summer! Though it seems far away, our volunteers are already...
Posted by Long's Park Summer Music Series on Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Long's Park
Address: 1441 Harrisburg Pike, US-30, Lancaster, PA 17601
Official website: Long’s Park
Tourism board: Visit Pittsburgh
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
History
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