Welcome to Historic Ephrata Cloister
Preserving a Legacy of William Penn’s Holy Experiment
Since its start in 1732, the Historic Ephrata Cloister has attracted visitors fascinated by the community’s unique lifestyle that allowed the creation of incredible architecture, original music, significant publications, and remarkable art. Originally, Ephrata was a retreat from worldly distractions where devoted members followed a disciplined life designed to prepare them for a heavenly existence. Today, you can explore the surviving historic site and discover the history and culture of an intriguing story in the nation’s past.
VISITOR ALERT
If you are visiting between Monday, September 24 and Saturday, September 29 you’ll find Ephrata’s Main Street (Route 322) closed for the celebration of the 100th Annual Street Fair. Historic Ephrata Cloister is still open and welcoming visitors.
If you are coming from the southeast (Downingtown) on Route 322, follow the detour signs around the town to the Ephrata Cloister.
If you are visiting from the north (Reading) on Route 222, or east (Philadelphia) on the PA Turnpike, exit at the Reading exit, 286, and follow Route 272 south to 322 east.
If you are visiting from the south (Lancaster) on Route 222, exit at Brownstown and take Route 272 north to 322 east.
The fair midway starts serving fun and food about 11:00 each day starting on Tuesday. Plan some time to experience one of the nation’s oldest street fairs and have fun!
