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Welcome to the
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Historic Site

Ephrata Cloister

Learn more Watch the new video of the
Revitalization of the Ephrata Cloister
Amphitheater.

Welcome to
Historic Ephrata Cloister

Preserving a Legacy of William Penn’s Holy Experiment

 

 December 2024 Hours of Operation

Wednesday through Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

&

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

Tours are Available Wednesdays – Saturdays at:

 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM

Tours are Available on Sundays at:

 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM

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Please Note the Following Tour Time Changes:

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The Historic Ephrata Cloister will be CLOSED on December 25

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The Historic Ephrata Cloister will be CLOSED December 27 – 30 to prepare for our special event Lantern Tours

Lantern Tours run each evening 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Visit our Event Page for More Information

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Reservations are not required for groups of 9 people or less. Please note that tour schedules may vary due to site events or staffing. 

 

Experience the captivating history of Historic Ephrata Cloister, a historic religious community established in 1732. Discover the unique lifestyle of its community, which fostered remarkable architecture, original music, significant publications, and extraordinary art. Originally a refuge from worldly distractions, Ephrata nurtured devoted members in a disciplined life aimed at spiritual preparation. Visit today to uncover the intriguing story of our nation’s past.

Plan Your Visit with Ease:

  • Groups of 9 or less, arrive during open hours – no prior registration is needed for guided tours. 
  • Groups of 10 people or more, please reserve at least 3 weeks in advance by calling us.
  • Group tours are typically available Wednesdays through Sundays; visit our Group Tour Page for more information.
  • For visits outside public hours, contact us to discuss arrangements.
  • Visitors requiring special assistance should contact us at least 2 weeks prior to their visit.

Note: Hours and schedules may change without notice.

Discover another place, another time, another way of life

Contact the Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Cloister

Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission:
Josh Shapiro, Governor – Hayley Haldeman, Chair – Andrea Lowery, Executive Director

Ephrata Cloister is one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History.

The Ephrata Cloister Associates is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, supporting the mission of preservation and education at this National Historic Landmark.

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Ephrata National Bank, Black Forest Brewery/Americana 1777 Inn, Blue Ridge, Conestoga Animal Hospital Inc., Country Homestead, Dairy Queen of Ephrata, Dr. David and Rebecca Fuchs, G.R. Klinefelter Underwriters, Inc., Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant, Hampton Inn & Suites – Ephrata, Historic Smithton Inn/Weathered Vineyards Ephrata, Horst Auctioneers, New Cloister Restaurant, Olde Lincoln House, Pour Man’s Brewing, Rick Jackson, ELA, Rosenberger North America Akron LLC, Seventh Day Baptist Historical Library and Archives, Tru by Hilton Denver, PA, and Woman’s Club of Ephrata
Open Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm
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