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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

 

January & February

2025 Hours of Operation

Thursday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

&

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tours are available Thursday & Sunday at:

 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM 

Tours are available Friday & Saturday at:

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

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Please Note: The historic buildings featured on the tour are not heated, please dress for the weather.

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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 partners with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to support the preservation and educational mission of 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: Thursday 12pm-4pm, Fri & Sat 9:00am-4:00pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm
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