Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata Cloister
4.5
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
One of America's earliest religious communities, the Historic Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. This National Historic Landmark is open for Self-Guided Tours on Wednesday afternoons and Guided Tours Thursday through Sunday.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- vatravelingbugArlington, Virginia380 contributionsDon't miss this.Fascinating. We had no idea what awaited us but were knocked out by the setting (particularly beautiful on an overcast fall day that highlighted the fall colors and military-colored buildings) and the story of the unique religious community. Who knew? Our guide who took us on an hour+ tour after a 15 minute video in the visitor center was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sect's history and culture. A very memorable experience.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2023
- Discover411515821371 contributionInteractive and informative!Went to the Candlelight Tour after hearing so many people commenting on how great it was. Truly did not disappoint, the student historians portrayed the lifestyles of the Cloister community incredibly well giving a glimpse of what their day to day involved. Thank you for a informative, interactive lesson on our local history!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 28, 2023
- Aimee4120Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania3 contributionsGreat tour!My husband and I visited on a Friday afternoon and ended up being the only people on the guided tour. Our guide, Mark, was FANTASTIC! He was full of interesting information and answered all our questions. He knows his stuff! We had a very enjoyable visit and would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in early American history.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 2, 2024
- Christine G12 contributionsFantastic Trip Back to the PastWOW!! I was not expecting the amazing tour and historical preservation that the Ephrata Cloister offers. The short video that kicks off the tour gives the background on the people who formed this community, but the tour painted the entire picture of why people came to PA (William Penn welcomed people to the state regardless of religious orientation, so everyone was welcome, leading to a lot of religious diversity), and what life was like. How would you lead your life if every day you were told God was coming to take you to heaven? Take the tour to find out! Our guide, Sanda, answered all of our questions, even the architectural ones which I kept asking. Nothing better than seeing how people lived in the mid-1700s and getting to poke around their homes and buildings, including the simple furniture they made themselves. I highly recommend taking the tour, and then wandering around the other buildings yourself afterwards - it was only $10, but worth so much more. Allow 2 hours total.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 11, 2024
- Nancy KPennsylvania28 contributionsDefinitely worth a visitMy husband and I took the guided tour on a Saturday afternoon. The guide was wonderful-very friendly and knowledgeable. The walking was easy. We even got a senior citizen discount for the tour! Would definitely go back again.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
- WAYNPEASpring Grove, Pennsylvania54 contributionsBirthday CelebrationWhat an amazing place to visit. We waited for the guided tour and were not disappointed. Our guide had such a vast amount of knowledge and made the tour really memorable. Everyone that we came in contact with that worked there was so nice and approachable. The lady at the gift shop was so nice and really happy to see and tell about things and she even gave us a sample of candy they sell there! Of course we had to buy some!! Thank you everyone for an amazing day out.Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 16, 2024
- Irma H39 contributionsInteresting early American historyA group of 52 senior adults visited the Ephrata Cloister on September 26. We first had an informative video of the history of the Cloister and area and then we were broken into two groups to tour two buildings. The guides were most informative and knowlegeable. We learned a lot about the sect and the area.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Tom and Heather
Swedesboro, NJ918 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We had visited many years ago and I have been wanting to return since. I am fascinated with the history of this place and looked forward to coming back and learning more. The admission is $8.00 for each adult. They do have a guided tour, however, I opted for self guided due to my limited mobility.
After we paid admission I recall reading there was an orientation video, however, it was not offered to us. In fact when I asked about it, the person who gave us our tickets, hesitated and said, “he may be able to fit us in between tours”. I was a little put off, we paid admission, I just couldn’t keep up with a tour. Anyway…we saw the video. It really does give you all if the important points and people of the place.
After the video, we made our way around the small museum. It basically recounted everything from the video with some artifacts. I was hoping for more. What was there was well interpreted.
Then it was on to the buildings outside. If you do not do the guided tour you are not allowed in the two large buildings. However, there were a handful of other smaller buildings with interpretation. It is a beautiful property and it was a nice couple of ours at the location. One thing to point out, this is only a sampling of buildings that were there.
We finished our day in the gift shop which is always my favorite way to end a visit. The gift shop had a lot of local goods including Sallyander soap. I was able to navigate most parts of the shop with my walker.
After we paid admission I recall reading there was an orientation video, however, it was not offered to us. In fact when I asked about it, the person who gave us our tickets, hesitated and said, “he may be able to fit us in between tours”. I was a little put off, we paid admission, I just couldn’t keep up with a tour. Anyway…we saw the video. It really does give you all if the important points and people of the place.
After the video, we made our way around the small museum. It basically recounted everything from the video with some artifacts. I was hoping for more. What was there was well interpreted.
Then it was on to the buildings outside. If you do not do the guided tour you are not allowed in the two large buildings. However, there were a handful of other smaller buildings with interpretation. It is a beautiful property and it was a nice couple of ours at the location. One thing to point out, this is only a sampling of buildings that were there.
We finished our day in the gift shop which is always my favorite way to end a visit. The gift shop had a lot of local goods including Sallyander soap. I was able to navigate most parts of the shop with my walker.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty D
Austin, Texas, United States26 contributions
Aug 2021
Still surviving after all this time. Buildings from this 1700's settlement still remain in nearly perfect condition for a casual stroll through and a tour. At the Visitor's Center you will watch a short film explaining the beginnings of this settlement and its history. You will be taken by a tour guide through the extensive houses and buildings on this lovely acreage.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate Illinois1
Illinois4,861 contributions
Sep 2022
Our tour started with a short film to give the viewer background on Beissel and devotees spiritual life and preparing the the Second Coming. By 1750, there were 80 celibate brothers and sisters residing here. The buildings are in a triangular formation with Beissel's house positioned with clear view of the brother's house, sister's houses and Mount Zion building. The guided tour allows you to entrance to Sister's house and meeting house. Our male guide was very good at bringing you back to the 1700s to vision life then. You may also do a self guided tour- each building has a code to scan and listen to audio tour. Restrooms at visitor's center. Ample parking and room for RVs.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aimee4120
Mount Wolf, PA3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
My husband and I visited on a Friday afternoon and ended up being the only people on the guided tour. Our guide, Mark, was FANTASTIC! He was full of interesting information and answered all our questions. He knows his stuff! We had a very enjoyable visit and would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in early American history.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey P
1 contribution
May 2021
We had a generally positive experience at the Cloister today; excellent craftsmanship, history, and well kept grounds. Staff was great with one exception. The guy in the gift store was a total mask na-zi. We chose to buy nothing and left, sadly, with a sour taste. They might want to let him know he hurts their revenue efforts and really damages the reputation of the venue. I would not recommend the Cloister at this point with this negative attitude. My recommendation, they should quickly adopt and live and let live spirt on the grounds. It will be worth visiting again for both historical value and a peaceful couple of hours once they pass on the mask attitude.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover41151582137
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
Went to the Candlelight Tour after hearing so many people commenting on how great it was. Truly did not disappoint, the student historians portrayed the lifestyles of the Cloister community incredibly well giving a glimpse of what their day to day involved. Thank you for a informative, interactive lesson on our local history!
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefanie W
Astoria, NY50 contributions
Aug 2023
Such a fascinating and unique place to visit! The buildings are rare surviving examples of German colonial architecture. The museum and tours provide good insight into this strange sect and how freedom of religion flourished in 18th-century Pennsylvania. Be sure to check out the glass trumpet in the museum.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nursewhipple
Mount Vernon, OH141 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Normally, one would pay for a ticket and walk around the grounds, with access to the various buildings and tour guides telling you the history and significance of each spot. Since they are closed for COVID, they have provided free of charge a virtual tour with your cell phone. You can still walk the grounds, dial in, and hear about the history and people associated with particular buildings and landmarks. Although you can’t enter the buildings, it is still a nice afternoon stroll and educational endeavor. We appreciate the opportunity to dial in and still engage. There is a QR code for a donation to the Cloister Foundation if you so choose.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The QR codes are newly posted, and we are happy to hear that people are using and enjoying them.
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vatravelingbug
Arlington, VA380 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fascinating. We had no idea what awaited us but were knocked out by the setting (particularly beautiful on an overcast fall day that highlighted the fall colors and military-colored buildings) and the story of the unique religious community. Who knew? Our guide who took us on an hour+ tour after a 15 minute video in the visitor center was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sect's history and culture. A very memorable experience.
Written November 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari F
36 contributions
Oct 2021
Very interesting museum concerning a religious sect, I believe prior to the Amish and Mennonites. Very knowledgable staff. Great upkeep on original 1700s buildings. There is some walking, but not as much as it appears on the internet. My only regret is that the smaller buildings were limited in what could be seen and entered, but there were windows from which you could view the contents.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
About how long do the building yours take. Was there but only did museum, movie and grounds. Thinking next time, do 2 building tours.
Written September 17, 2016
Tours begin with the 15 minute video and then you proceed with a guide to the two main buildings the Sisters' House and their Meetinghouse. The guided portion is about 45 - 50 minutes in length. if you add in the video - all together it's about 1 hour for the tour.
I would suggest you call ahead if you plan to come on a Monday or Tuesday, as we do not always have guides available on those days.
Written September 26, 2016
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