26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hanover (PA)

Hanover was founded in 1763 as a borough in York county in Pennsylvania, United States.

In the 2020 census, its population was 16,429. Hanover, which is named after the German town of Hanover, is located in a fertile area, thus known for high agricultural activities.

The beautiful town features stunning architecture, fabulous shopping destinations, and restaurants and eateries that serve delicious meals. This quaint little town has something for everyone.

Are you planning to explore Hanover? Here are the best and fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Things to Do In Hanover, PA

1. Longarm Reservoir

The attraction spans a total of 27,000 acres and is made up of Reservoirs.

Longarm Reservoirs is a perfect place to visit if you want to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

It also offers a peaceful environment since gasoline motors are prohibited.

It features walking trails and areas to have a nice picnic. However, there are no bathroom facilities.

People who love to fish come in great numbers to visit this destination due to its calming effect and its possession of a considerable amount of largemouth bass.

Longarm Reservoir is one of the cool parks to visit with your family.

Address: 53-99 Grand Valley Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

2. The Penn Township Community Park Home of Kids Kingdom

The Penn Township Community is located along Grand View Road. It is famous for its high-quality playground.

This outdoor tourist attraction is a fine place to let your kids play and have a great time. Exploring the attraction is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Tourists and locals visit this destination in large numbers to spend time outdoors or to allow their kids to play and relish some time outside.

Aside from being a great spot for kids, the destination also has a two-mile trail that adults can hike and consists of areas perfect for picnics.

In addition to the peaceful environment of the destination, The Penn Township Community Park Home of Kids Kingdom features various sports such as soccer, same volleyball, baseball, and softball.

Address: 4601 Grandview Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

3. Codorus State Park

One of the top things to do in Hanover, PA, is to visit Codorus State Park. This 3,500-acre tourist attraction is situated on the hills of York county along Marina Drive in Hanover.

Codorus State Park features a large lake covering 1,275 acres known as Lake Marburg. This Lake makes Codorus State Park one of the best outdoor places in Hanover.

The Lake has a 26- mile Shoreline that features fun activities you can participate in. You can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking at Codorus State Park. 

The Park is open throughout the year for use, so you don’t have to worry if the Park will be closed when visiting.

If you are interested in learning about the ecology and history of the place, you can take part in the educational programs held throughout the year.

Also, if you love watching birds, you can visit this place to view them since migrating Waterfowl and shorebirds often use the Lake as a rest stop.

Address: Marina Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

4. South Hanover Lane

If you are looking for a place to visit with your family for some entertainment on a fantastic evening or a rainy day, one of the best things to do is to visit South Hanover Lane.

South Hanover Lane was renovated recently to make it more entertaining for visitors and has even improved its food menu. Its snack bar features ice- cream, Candy, sandwiches, and other delicious items.

The Bowling alley has added a unique automatic bumper to enable physically challenged and young kids to have fun.

The facility also features glow-bowling on Saturdays, senior special days, and other activities that are entertaining to engage in.

Throughout the year, it offers multiple different leagues. The leagues run throughout the week during afternoons and evenings.

Address: 1767 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

5. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center

One of Hanover’s most gorgeous structures is the Eichelberger Performing Art Center. Initially, the Center was a private School built by Abdiel W.Eichelberger over 95 years ago.

After four years of being an academy, he donated it to the town to be used as a public school in 1900.

The building is currently a performing art center and a commercial building. An interesting thing about the building is that it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center can house 700 people. Eichelberger Performing Art Center has housed various live performances such as musicals, concerts, and charity events. Enjoying a performance in this Center is one of the fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Recently, the Eichelberger Performing Art Center has proven to be one of Hanover’s most treasured structures and an excellent place to watch live shows regardless of the season.

Address: 195 Stock St STE 200, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

6. The Warehime Myers Mansion

This tourist attraction is located on Baltimore Street, Hanover. The Mansion was originally owned by William Warehime, who had bought it from Molly Powl Myers, a granddaughter of the Myer family.

The Mansion was built between 1911 and 1913 for Clinton N. Myers and his family. It is a well-preserved century-old building with a neo-classical structure and interior furnishings.

The building has been in the care of the Hanover Area Historical Society.

The Hanover Area Historical Society has permitted visitors to tour this magnificent building, although the tour won’t be self-guided.

As you tour the Mansion, you will see some of the original housewares used by the owner of the houses and some well-preserved furniture.

While you look around the house, do well to listen to the narrator, who will tell you stories t surrounding the Mansion and its former owners.

Address: 305 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

7. Escape Confusion

Escape Confusion is another popular amusement Centre in Hanover. It is an escape room where you and your friends are kept in a themed room for some time, and the only way to escape is to solve the riddles and puzzles by thinking outside the box and reasoning skills.

If you have no idea what Escape Confusion is all about, trust us when we say that you will have an amazing time trying it.

Escape Confusion has themed rooms designed to test your ability to solve puzzles.

To escape the room within the timeframe provided, you and your team members will have to work in unity to determine the answer to the riddles.

People of all ages can take part in this fun activity.

Address: 12 Carlisle St, 3rd floor, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

8. The Hanover Area Fire Museum

If you are a history buff, one of the best things to do in Hanover, PA, is to see The Hanover Area Fire Museum.

The Hanover Area Fire Museum can be found around East Hanover Street. It features the 1947 Ward LaFrance fire engine and other interesting memorabilia related to Firefighting.

The Museum is dedicated to paying homage to the Hanover Firefighters of old times.

At this attraction, you will find firefighting tools, photographs, uniforms, and other various items of Firefighting.

Whether you are a history buff, a lover of Firefighting, or a tourist looking for places to explore, The Hanover Area Fire Museum is an excellent place to check out.

The Hanover Area Fire Museum also displays helmets, collector cards, games, and lunch boxes related to the previous times.

Address: 134 E Hanover St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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9. Dutch Country Restaurant

This restaurant dates back to the 1930s. Over the years, the restaurant’s name has been changed as well as the owners and the structure of the building.

Dutch Country Restaurant features menus such as egg dishes, baked goods, beverages, griddles and Belgian waffles, burgers, salads, and chicken sandwiches.

The restaurant is not very trendy or fancy. Still, it does a good job of delivering delicious meals you will enjoy when you visit.

Dutch Country Restaurant has take-out options and plenty of catering options. It opens every day of the week.

The restaurant is neat, and the staff is exceedingly competent.

Address: 946 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

10. Famous Hot Weiner

Are you craving some street food? Then head towards Famous Hot Weiner for some killer meal.

This local street food has existed in Pennsylvania for about 100 years. It has branches on Broadway street in Hanover, and the second one is in York, the nearby town.

Famous Hot Weiner is popular for its old generational chili sauce recipe placed on top of the hot dog.

There are also other options to have a hot dog with. These include Sundae and shakes as well as other desserts that you prefer.

So if you love hotdog sandwiches, visit Famous Hot Weiner during your trip to Hanover.

Address: 101 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

11. Hanover Area Art Guild

If you love art, visit the Hanover Area Art Guild. Hanover Area Art Guild began in 1968. Over the years, it has become an organization that features over 150 artists and craftsmen and offers monthly exhibits and shows.

At this non-profit destination, you will find art made in watercolors, acrylic, oils, ceramics, photography, Jewelry, bead-work, glass, sculptures, etc.

Hanover Area Art Guild is one of the most exciting places in Pennsylvania.

The establishment sells art at amazing prices. You can buy artwork to decorate your home or as a gift for your loved ones.

Furthermore, they provide seasonal workshops and art classes for people who are interested in art, as well as give scholarships to high school students.

Address: 32 Carlisle St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

12. Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center

One of the best places to visit in Hanover, PA, with your family is the Hickory Fall Family Entertainment Center.

The tourist attraction is a large arcade center located along Hickory Lane. It consists of over 3o video games for you or your kids to try.

It also features Virtual Reality games for single players and plenty of players. Aside from playing video games, there’s an option for you to participate in go-kart races or play laser tags.

If you like golfing, there is an 18- hole mini golf course that you can golf at. There is even a small bowling alley to visit if you are looking for a calmer activity to participate in.

Finally, after spending a day trying out the various fun-filled games and facilities in Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center, you can have a good meal at the café in the Center. 

The numerous games featured in these tourist attractions will no doubt keep you entertained when you visit, and you will also make exciting memories.

Address: 110 Hickory Ln, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

13. The Market At Hanover

The market At Hanover is a popular tourist attraction frequently visited by tourists and locals of Hanover. It is located along Broadway Street.

This tourist attraction is a year-round indoor market with 18 wonderful restaurants and over twenty local and independently owned shops.

The Market at Hanover occupies more than 52,000 square feet. You can shop for gourmet groceries, hand-made items, Jewelry, clothing, and home décor at the Market At Hanover.

You will also find delights in the Varieties of international meals such as Korean and Mexican meals.

You can also enjoy other cuisines such as fresh ground beef burgers and cheesesteaks, wood-fired pizza, seafood, Bit beef, soups, and salad.

There are also plenty of activities for the family to engage in, and you get to enjoy live local music every weekend.

Lastly, The Market At Hanover has a lot of parking space, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a place to park your vehicle.

Address: 1649 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

14. St. Vincent de Paul Church

In 1905, a banker and farmer, Vincent O’ Bold, was supported with the funds needed to build the St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and its Parish House.

Unfortunately, before the Church was completed, he died after his wife and four daughters died.

When the Church was consecrated, 300 people were in attendance. In subsequent years, the number of people that attend mass here has grown to 1400.

Other additions to the building include a convent, a 20-acre cemetery, a library, and a school.

Mass is held every day at the Church. It also features a thrift shop within the building.

If you are a catholic vacationing in Hanover, you can join the local mass to see how mass is celebrated here.

Even non-Catholics can visit the Church if they are looking for a quiet place for a minute or two of reflection.

Address: 220 3rd St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

15. Hanover Little Theatre

Are you looking for what to do in Hanover, PA? If yes, how about watching a show at Hanover Little Theatre?

This 117- seater auditorium houses some live shows held In Hanover. It features Amateur theater actors who have volunteered their time and energy to put on shows to entertain the visitors who frequent the theater.

Since its establishment in 1948, tourists and locals have visited it to watch performances in the theater.

If you visit Hanover Little Theatre, it will be a delight to be amazed by the rare and dazzling shows put on by these amateur theatre actors, and you will definitely not forget them in a hurry.

Address: 360 Blooming Grove Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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16. Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company

Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company was established by William ‘Ted’ Smith in Hanover.

In 1963, William began the restaurant by transporting fresh seafood like crabs across state lines. He used his Volkswagen Beetle to move this seafood.

Initially, the restaurant specialized in take-outs before he built a building that could carry up to 600 people in 1991.

The building features an outdoor patio, an indoor restaurant, a shop that sells fresh and cooked seafood, and a banquet house. It also features a lounge area entertaining people with live music every week.

Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company is open every day of the week. They also offer catering services off- sites.

Bay City Restaurant& Seafood Company are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and mouthwatering meals. They also offer different American cuisines for lunch and dinner.

Address: 110 W Eisenhower Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

17. Utz Factory Tour Gallery

If you are a fan of Potato chips and are interested in seeing how they are made, visit the Utz Factory Tour Gallery for a self-guided tour.

The Utz Factory Tour Gallery’s first stop is a spacious room filled with written information about the factory. You will also find pictures and other items from the time of establishing the factory.

While touring this 600,000-square-foot potato chips factory, you will have the opportunity to watch through a special glass-enclosed observation area the process involved in manufacturing the chips.

Aside from watching the whole process from start to finish, you will also learn about the stories behind the company.

Utz Factory Your Gallery is among the neatest snack operations in the United States.

A visit to this destination is suitable for you and your family. It also serves as an educational outlet for people of all ages. And most importantly, you can enjoy the tour without feeling rushed.

The factory is open for hours from Monday to Thursday. Although reservations are unnecessary, it is essential to call ahead and ensure that the factory will be open to avoid disappointment.

Address: 900 High St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

18. R/C Hanover Movies 16

On February 11, 2000, R/C Hanover Movies 16 was established in Hanover. This destination is quite known among locals and tourists in Hanover.

R/C Hanover Movies 16 features a digital projection, online ticketing, high-back rocking chairs, game and party rooms, 3D presentations, and matinees.

The Movie theater is easy to locate. They have good customer service, and the restrooms are neat and comfortable. Also, the tickets are sold at considerable prices.

Aside from the comfortable restrooms, the staff is civil and friendly. The theatre also has an impressive food selection and a small arcade.

You can use the benches and tables littered around the theater if you are early for a show.

R/C Hanover Movie 16 is a clean and comfortable destination to visit if you are looking for a place to unwind and catch an exciting show.

Address: 380 W Eisenhower Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

19. The Hanover Trolley

If you are searching for what to do in Hanover, PA, you can visit The Hanover Trolley.

This 3.5-mile crushed/ stone trail was built along with the York- Hanover Trolley line.

It is a beautiful place for walking, jogging, skiing, cross-country, and biking for you and your loved ones. It is also a great spot to watch birds. The trails are well-kept and neat.

Since the trails are flat, it suits those learning how to ride bicycles. It also has several places for a quick rest.

Address: Hanover, PA 17331, United States

20. Aldus Brewing Company

One of the best places to visit in Hanover, PA, is the Aldus Brewing Company, especially for beer lovers.

It is one of the brewing companies in Hanover that specialize in making craft beer. This interesting destination is located along Centennial Avenue.

The brewery is established in a building that used to be a snack food factory. The building has existed since the 1920s to produce snacks and other baked products.

Aldus Brewing Company is known for creating flavors suitable for everyone, including people who do not drink craft beer.

Additionally, Aldus Brewing Company offers tasty meals to go with the trademarked craft beers.

The bartenders at the brewery have more than enough information about the craft beers, so if you want to know about the beers while you are there, they will be glad to educate you.

Address: 555 Centennial Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

21. Revonah Pretzel

Although Haniver is known for its delicious hotdogs, it is also famous for producing the highest amount of pretzels worldwide.

Since 1935, Renovah has been producing mouthwatering pretzels.

Aside from tasting the delicious pretzels produced at Renovah Pretzel, you can also get a tour of the Factory.

When you visit the factory on tour, you will learn the history behind the Pretzel business and the processes used to make the pretzel unique.

Another interesting fact about this tourist attraction is that Renova Pretzels uses its seventy-year-old brick oven. Even their original sourdough recipe is used to date.

Address: 507 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

22. Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub

Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub owners are called Keith and Melinda. They were born in Hanover and were raised there.

After Keith got his fine art degree, he purchased an old building he started using as an art studio. His wife later had an idea of starting a restaurant, so the art studio was turned into a brewery and pub building on October 4, 2005.

The pub opens five times a week- Tuesday to Saturday. Over the past 16 years, the business has grown, and its food has evolved. As a result, they also have an increase in staff.

Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub offer great meals and great beers.

Some of their meal specials are the Smash burgers, Brie cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, and Chimichurri.

Address: 7 Pennsylvania Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

23. Yesteryear Antique Center

If you are looking for where to buy Antique pieces during your stay in Hanover, Yesteryear Antique Center is the perfect location to visit.

This 26,000- square- foot building features different kinds of collectibles and antiques that will no doubt interest you. It can be found three blocks away from Hanover’s post office.

Yesteryear Antique Center has an extensive collection of antique collections such as coins, furniture, postcards, jewelry, toys, glassware, books and linens, and other supplies.

The shop opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, there’s no harm in visiting the store and letting your eyes wander about the store. It’s even more perfect if you visit when the weather is cold.

While you are in the building, make sure to look carefully at all the antiques, and you might even be surprised to find out that there’s a history behind every item featured in the mall.

Address: 441 Pine St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

24. Magic Elm Skateland Inc.

Magic Elm Skateland offers skating facilities for everyone and also hosts private parties. It is the perfect location for family outings, birthday parties, and corporate team buildings. 

Magic Elm Skateland offers a small arcade, a prize shop, and delicious food. They also have a store filled with additional items you may need for skating and an incredible selection of new and used skates and gear.

They have walkers for novice skaters, so your chances of falling on the ground are pretty low. The floor is highly maintained.

So, if you have a child that requires help learning how to skate, this is the place to bring them. 

If you plan to celebrate your kid’s birthday in Hanover, Magic Elm Skateland is an ideal destination. There is enough parking from the rink. The price is reasonable, especially if you visit on a special skate day.

Address: 625 W Elm Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

25. Breakdown Rage Room

Breakdown Rage Room allows you to destroy, wreck, and break items. You get to choose the items to destroy, pick the means of destruction, such as hammers, bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs, put on protective gear, and begin breaking. 

In addition to being a fantastic experience, the owner and her crew are friendly, accommodating, and ready to take excellent care of you. 

The owner also goes out of her way to make sure you are safe and having a good time. She also has a playlist of rage music and will include the songs you ask for if she has them. 

Breaking things at Breakdown Rage Room is a good way to release built-up stress and feel alive.

Address: 218 E Chestnut St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

26. Mary Ann Furnace Trailhead

Mary Ann Furnace Trailhead is a 3.5-km loop trail. This Trailhead is considered an easy route by everyone who uses it. 

The Trail is famous for hiking, camping, and bird-watching, so you will likely meet other people while exploring. 

The trail is open the whole year, and you can visit anytime. Dogs can come here, but they have to be on a leash. 

Address: 1773, 1389 Black Rock Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Hanover

This small town may not be overly glamorous or chic, but it has charming features that attract tourists worldwide.

The town is full of historic buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, amusement centers, and parks that permit fishing, bird-watching, picnicking, and kayaking.

A fun time awaits you in Hanover.