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Ephrata, PA

Frequently asked questions

Ephrata Borough, PA

Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located 42 miles (68 km) east of Harrisburg and about 60 miles (97 km) west-northwest of Philadelphia and is named after Ephrath, the former name for current-day Bethlehem. In its early history, Ephrata was a pleasure resort and an agricultural community.

Ephrata's population has steadily grown over the last century. In 1900, 2,452 people lived there, and by 1940, the population had increased to 6,199. The population was 13,818 at the 2020 census. Ephrata is the most populous borough in Lancaster County. Ephrata's sister city is Eberbach, Germany, the city where its founders originated.

Ephrata is located in northeastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania at 40°10′51″N 76°10′57″W (40.17870, −76.17744). U.S. Route 322 passes through the center of the borough as Main Street; it leads northwest 28 miles (45 km) to Hershey and southeast 35 miles (56 km) to West Chester. Pennsylvania Route 272 passes through the northwest side of Ephrata, leading northeast 8 miles (13 km) to Adamstown and southwest 13 miles (21 km) to Lancaster, the county seat. Like the rest of the county, the surrounding land is mostly flat and suitable for farming.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2), of which 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2), or 1.27%, are water. Cocalico Creek flows through the borough just north of the center of town; it is a southwest-flowing tributary of the Conestoga River and part of the Susquehanna River watershed. Ephrata has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa), and average monthly temperatures range from 30.0 °F (−1.1 °C) in January to 74.6 °F (23.7 °C) in July. The hardiness zone is 6b.

Ephrata is noteworthy for having been the former seat of the Mystic Order of the Solitary, a semimonastic order of Seventh-Day Dunkers. The community, which contained both men and women, was founded by Johann Conrad Beissel in 1732.

Health and wellness are paramount in Ephrata Borough, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Ephrata Borough Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Corporate Wellness and Ephrata Strength & Conditioning. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Ephrata Borough, such as the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail and Ephrata Township Community Park Path. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Ephrata Borough, PA are Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and Seiverling Museum, Car and Pedal Car Museum.

Population: 13,660 (2023). Elevation: 358 ft (109 m). ZIP code: 17522. Area code(s): 717. Area: 3.46 sq mi (8.97 km2).

FAQs

What is Ephrata, PA known for?

Ephrata also became home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister, which is still a popular historical destination today. This national landmark attracts many visitors with its unique architecture, original music, remarkable art, and more. It also hosts many exciting annual events, such as its Apple Dumpling Days in early October, Christmas at the Cloister in mid-December, and Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister in late December. 

What is the history of Ephrata, PA?

Ephrata Borough is located in the northeastern section of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The borough is the outgrowth of the famed religious community, the Cloister, founded in the early 1700s by Conrad Beissel. When the Cloister community declined in the early 1800s, the village grew as a regional center of commerce. During this time of growth, two resort hotels were built, the Mountain Springs and the Mount Vernon House. The village also became known as a key stop for the Reading and Columbia Railroads.

Is Ephrata, PA a good place to live?

Living in Ephrata offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Ephrata, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Ephrata and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Ephrata are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Ephrata Borough

Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center 

Ephrata Borough Parks and Recreation Department 

Corporate Wellness 

Ephrata Strength & Conditioning

Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail 

Ephrata Township Community Park Path

Ephrata Cloister

Ephrata Performing Arts Center

Seiverling Museum, Car and Pedal Car Museum

Discoverlancaster.

History

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