Mount Gretna

Mount Gretna is in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Understand

Mt. Gretna was founded in an area of Pennsylvania that for more than a century provided charcoal to the Cornwall Iron Furnace, which once forged cannons for George Washington‘s army. At one point in time, you could travel here by railway from any point in the entire country. WWII diminished Mt Gretna’s popularity, with the closing its amusement park and the abandonment of its hotels. Some traditions, however, remained. The Playhouse Theater, the Jigger Shoppe, the Roller Rink, the Lake all remained. And of course, the tradition of spending days and nights relaxing on the front porch of its many cabin-like homes. In 1960 the Timber’s Restaurant was built, and in 1976 the very first annual Gretna Art Show took place, quoted as Mt Gretna modern revival. The Playhouse and the Art Show give Mt Gretna its sense of identity and community.

Do

• The Mt Gretna Lake and Beach. An afternoon at the Mt Gretna Lake and Beach is must. With a slogan like “Just For The Family Fun Of It!” it is a great day for everyone in the family. Spend the day canoeing, swimming, jumping off of the fifteen foot high dive, and flipping off of the iron swimming. On a typical day at the Lake you will find children fishing in the water for tadpoles and in the air for butterflies, families barbequing in the picnic area beneath the shade, and nature lovers soaking in the beautiful view from the shore. 
• Miniature Golf. After a hot day at the lake, take the family to the Miniature Golf course and spend some quality time together at the holes. 

Eat

• The Timber's. Dine out at Gretna’s Timber’s restaurant. It is located on the sight that used to be the National Guard headquarters. Their menu includes everything from chicken alfredo to cold water lobster. And you will not be let down when it comes to entertainment. The Timber’s hosts shows Tuesday-Saturday evenings, so no dinner experience is the same.