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Today's Hours
Monday: Closed, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday: 12:00 PM — 4:00 PM, Thursday: 12:00 PM — 4:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM — 4:00 PM
  • Ephrata Cloister

    Accessibility

The Historic Ephrata Cloister welcomes all visitors and seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for those individuals in need of special assistance. 

A detailed Accessibility List provides access information about each building at the historic site.

GUIDED TOURS of the most significant buildings begin with a 15-minute closed captioned video followed by a visit to historic structures including the Saron (Sisters’ House) and Saal (Meetinghouse).  The distance traveled during the tour can cover up to 355 yards with breaks in movement along the way. Seating is provided along the tour path and throughout the historic site. Additional self-guided buildings are located throughout 12 acres of the historic site.

A WHEELCHAIR is available to borrow during your visit at no charge. 

WHEELCHAIRS have limited access to several original buildings with entrance provided by way of one to three steps. Doorways are also narrow. Most notably, the entrance to the Saron (Sisters’ House) is only 26 inches wide. Consult the Accessibility List of each historic building. 

WALKERS and  ROLLATORS have limited accessibility in the Saron (Sisters’ House).

STROLLERS are not permitted inside the Saron (Sisters’ House). 

PETS (except service animals) are not permitted inside the historic buildings.  Pets must remain on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.

SERVICE ANIMALS performing tasks to assist their owners are always welcome and may enter the historic buildings. Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals may visit the historic site but may not be able to enter the historic buildings. 

GUESTS WITH VISION IMPAIRMENTS or BLIND are strongly encouraged to contact the site at least 2 weeks in advance of their visit to make arrangements to accommodate their needs.  72-hour notice of the cancellation of your visit is greatly appreciated. (Contact us at 717-733-6600 or Ephrata1732@gmail.com)

GUESTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS requiring the services of an interpreter are strongly encouraged to contact the site at least 2 weeks in advance of their visit to make arrangements to accommodate their needs. A 72-hour notice of the cancellation of your visit is greatly appreciated. (Contact us at 717-733-6600 or Ephrata1732@gmail.com)

GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS should contact the Historic Ephrata Cloister in advance to discuss any accommodations that may be required to have an enjoyable visit.

PRINTED VISITOR GUIDES are available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Russian. 

CELL PHONE TOURS provide short recorded messages at locations throughout the historic site using your phone.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF EACH ROOM within the historic buildings are available at the Visitor Center.

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. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.pa.gov or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL.

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:
Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation
Irene Weidman Charitable Foundation
Ephrata National Bank
Black Forest Brewery/Americana 1777 Inn
A Woman’s Club of Ephrata