Welcome to the Village of Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Many people consider Intercourse, PA to be the heart of the Amish Country in Lancaster County. Intercourse (formerly known as “Cross Keys”) is a business hub for both Amish and local folks. Beautiful Amish farms surround the village, which help make it one of the top tourist destinations for visitors to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Take a walk around this small country town and you’ll discover intriguing specialty shops, museums, art galleries, other attractions, and local restaurants.
And there are many more shops and attractions in Lancaster County.
Where is Intercourse, PA? It’s located along Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is just east of Bird-in-Hand and north of Paradise, and is close to many Lancaster County attractions. Intercourse, PA is roughly 10 miles east of downtown Lancaster, PA (about a 20 minute drive). Intercourse, PA is only 50 miles west of Philadelphia (depending on traffic, it’s about a 1hr 15min drive from Philly) and 80 miles northeast of Baltimore (about a 1.5 hour drive).
The village is a reminder of our traditional American heritage and of a simpler way of life.
Intercourse, PA – A Center of Amish Activity
One of the biggest attractions of Intercourse is the Amish people themselves. Intercourse is a center in Lancaster County where many Amish come to shop, bank, and conduct their business. And many of the shops in town sell Amish quilts, furniture, toys, crafts, and other Amish products that have been handmade by their Amish neighbors.
Some of the scenes from the Paramount motion picture “Witness”, starring Harrison Ford, were filmed right here in Intercourse!
How Intercourse, PA Got Its Name
Formerly known as “Cross Keys”, this village was founded in 1754. The name was changed to “Intercourse” in 1814. There are several explanations concerning the origin of the name of Intercourse, but none can be fully substantiated:
The first centers on an old race track which existed just east of town along the Old Philadelphia Pike. The entrance to the race course was known as “Entercourse”. Some suggest that “Entercourse” gradually evolved into “Intercourse”.
Another theory is based on the fact that two major roads crossed here: Old King’s Highway, which ran from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now called the Old Philadelphia Pike, route 340), and the road from Wilmington, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania. The intersection of these roads was thought to be the basis for calling the town “Cross Keys”, or, eventually, “Intercourse”.
A final idea comes from English used in the early 1800’s. The word “intercourse” would have been a reference to the fellowship, social interaction and friendship that was so much a part of the culture in an agricultural village. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, still experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply while visiting the area.
Come & Enjoy Your Visit to Intercourse, PA
Intercourse is a fascinating village full of delightful treasures, friendly shopkeepers, and quality food and merchandise, nestled in the scenic Amish Country. For visitors of any age, there’s plenty to do (check out these upcoming events in Intercourse, PA). You can even stay overnight in Intercourse, PA. Enjoy your visit!
