Get Directions
Find Us
Have a Question? Call
(717) 733-6600
  • Ephrata Cloister

    Events

Apple Dumpling Days

Date(s): 10/09/2026 - 10/10/2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us  for Apple Dumpling Days at Historic Ephrata Cloister!

When: Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 2026

Time: Friday 9:00am-3:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm (or sold out)

Where: Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 

Cost: $6/Apple Dumpling

 

Ephrata Cloister Apple Dumplings Save History! 

Apple Dumplings—those tasty apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup — are returning to Historic Ephrata Cloister to help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund. Proceeds from this annual event allow the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made at the Cloister. Over the years, sales of apple dumplings have been used to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, rare music manuscripts, and the original 1739 deed to the historic site—more than 100 items since the creation of the fund more than 40 years ago.  Last year the Back to the Cloister Fund purchased a Jacob Gorgas tall case clock that was made circa 1790-1795 in the Gorgas shop in Ephrata. The clock is on display in the Visitor Center at the Cloister.

The apple dumplings, made by Achenbach’s Bakery in Leola, will be available for purchase at the drive-through tent beside the Museum Store at the Historic Ephrata Cloister on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10 until sold out. There is no guarantee supplies will last by 1:00pm on Saturday, so plan to make your purchases early. Free delivery is offered for orders of 20 or more within 10 miles of the Ephrata Cloister. Delivery orders must be placed in advance. Contact ephratacloister@gmail.com to make arrangements by Thursday. October 8th. There are no online sales, but questions or special requests can be made by email to ephratacloister@gmail.com.

No admission to the museum is required to purchase apple dumplings. The sale will be held rain or shine.

 Shady Nook Barn, The Museum Store at Ephrata Cloister featuring locally made crafts, art, books, and many one-of-a-kind items, will be open both days and will feature a selection of specialty goods.

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: Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
+