Bologna, Breweries, History and More in Lebanon County Pa

When planning a vacation the weather warms, it’s easy to dream of far-off destinations. But sometimes there are interesting experiences located less than a tank of gas away. Such was the case recently when I took a trip to Lebanon County and was surprised to uncover a wealth of attractions that were entirely new to me.

Walking Tours

Most all of us are familiar with Seltzers Lebanon Bologna, but did you know that you can tour their facilities located on Railroad Street in Palmyra? Guests can begin their experience at the outlet store where Lebanon bologna is sold in every iteration, from hot or sweet jerky bites, to pre-sliced packets and the newest product, double-smoked slices. If there’s a bologna lover on your list, there are gift boxes available as well.

After visiting the shop, guests will move to a second building to view a short film where they will learn about the story of Harry Seltzer, an entrepreneurial German immigrant who founded the business in 1902.

The tour continues with a visit to a small museum of company artifacts, followed by a walk to the rear smokehouses located in a narrow alley where employees produce an impressive 100,000 pounds of bologna a week.

Smokehouses are located in a small alley in a residential location.

Lebanon bologna being manufactured.

Fun fact: 750,000 end pieces are donated weekly to local charities.

Another walking tour takes place at the Cornwall Iron Furnace where guests learn about the only surviving intact charcoal cold-blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere. The 45-minute tour of the complex offers a glimpse into the iron industry’s role in American history where iron was produced to make everything from household tools, to Revolutionary War cannons. During the tour guests will also learn about the people who played a part in the industry.

Visitors take photos of the large furnace that consumed an acre of trees a day.

Fun Fact: The furnace consumed an acre of trees a day to fuel its operations.

History lovers also enjoy yet another tour--this time at the Lebanon County Historical Society located on 924 Cumberland Street. The three-story museum is packed with local artifacts like an antique printing press, old organs, a selection of elaborately decorated fire engine hose carts, vintage photos of Haak’s Department store once located in downtown Lebanon and so much more.

Antique fire engine hose cart.

A school house inside the historical society.

Fun fact: On display is an iron cradle from Cornwall (of course). It was made for Margaret Coleman Buckingham who was the last owner of the Cornwall Mansion. Beneath the cradle is a compartment for a heated stone to be placed, which radiated heat to keep the baby warm.

An iron cradle has an area for a heated stone to keep the baby warm.

Axes, Forges and Mead, Oh My!

Who says malls aren’t happening? At the Lebanon Valley Mall you’ll find The Drunken Smithy where you can take on the role of blacksmith. The forge area spans approximately 2,500 square feet and provides all the tools necessary for customers to create their own metal projects under the guidance of skilled blacksmiths. Tools like hammers, tongs, anvils, power hammers and hydraulic presses are all available for customers to bring their projects to completion.

My husband (left) takes direction from one of the owners of The Drunken Smithy.

Outside of the forge area are stalls where customers can try their hand at hitting a target with an ax, before retiring to a picnic table to enjoy hand-crafted mead, ciders and other beverages.

Fun Fact: One of the owners formerly worked at the Renaissance Faire and is planning a Viking Mead Fest to take place this summer. Slated for the end of July, it will feature street performers, scavenger hunts, venders and more.

Take In Nature's Beauty

Up to 200,000 snow geese stop at The Middle Creek Wildlife Management area every spring.(Photo taken by Melody Mellinger)

                                              

Nature lovers will enjoy The Middle Creek WildlifeManagement Area located at 100 Museum Road in Stevens. The sanctuary for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts is a prime area to view birds, ducks, dragonflies, butterflies and more. A wall of windows inside the visitor’s center enables guests to view the action from a seat which comes equipped with its own set of binoculars.

Fun Fact: Up to 200,000 snow geese stop here in the spring on their migratory pattern heading north to the Arctic breeding grounds.

Behold the Beauty of St. Luke’s

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

One of Lebanon’s most stunning landmarks is the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 22 S. 6th Street. The walls of the church are made of native bluestone from the Carmany Quarry in South Lebanon and red sandstone from quarries in Schaefferstown and Cornwall. The great tower rises to 85 feet above the pavement. A turret on the east rises an additional 17 feet, making it the highest point in the city of Lebanon. Construction on the church began in 1879 and services are still held today.

Fun Fact: Eight red sandstone gargoyles extend four feet from the building and act as spouts directing water away from the structure.

Fans of history, nature, architectural beauty and hands-on adventures will more than likely enjoy a getaway to this special area. For me it signifies that sometimes the most interesting and enriching activities are often found in my own backyard.