Welcome to Elizabethtown
Our Hometown.
Around the Region
Elizabethtown is located in historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a vibrant and growing region of the country, with a population that increased every year from 2010 to 2022 and a job growth rate of 18%, outpacing Pennsylvania’s overall rate of 10%. Our town was named Zillow’s most popular small town of 2024!
Elizabethtown College is located just a short half-mile walk from downtown Elizabethtown which offers a variety of shops, chain stores, eateries, coffee shops, parks, and more. On many days, the scent of chocolate fills the air from the Mars Chocolate factory which is right up the road.
Discover ElizabethtownPlaces to go. Things to do. People to see.
Elizabethtown College is surrounded by a diverse mix of vibrant cities and charming small towns. Whether you’re looking for an exciting day trip to a nearby city or a peaceful afternoon in a quaint town, the region offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to explore. Students and faculty can hop on the train at the Elizabethtown station and be in Philadelphia in 90 minutes or New York City in three hours to partake in endless cultural activities and performances. Our location offers students a wide range of experiential learning opportunities to prepare for the future.
A few nearby cities...
- Lancaster, PA (10 miles) - Vibrant arts, dining, and historic downtown.
- Harrisburg, PA (18 miles) - State capital with museums, entertainment, and riverfront views.
- Hershey, PA (14 miles) - Known for Hersheypark and chocolate-themed attractions.
- York, PA (20 miles) - A historic city with a mix of modern culture, arts, and local breweries.
A few nearby towns...
- Elizabethtown, PA (0.5 miles) - Your home away from home with local shops, dining, and community events.
- Mount Joy, PA (5 miles) - A charming town with local dining, breweries, and boutique shopping.
- Marietta, PA (6 miles) - Historic town along the Susquehanna River with scenic views and antique shops.
- Columbia, PA (9 miles) - A riverside town known for its rich history, antique shops, and museums.
- Lititz, PA (15 miles) - Often called “America’s Coolest Small Town,” Lititz offers a picturesque downtown filled with boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Discover Our Area
Explore all that our area has to offer—from grocery stores and boutiques to coffee shops and outdoor activities. We’ve gathered nearby options to meet every need and interest. Look for the icon below for businesses offering exclusive discounts for those affiliated with the College.
Shopping
Dining
Entertainment
Services
Doctors & Hospitals
Places to Stay
Choose from a variety of lodging options in and around town, many of which offer special rates for Elizabethtown visitors. If you'd like to stay close to campus, the Jay's Inn at the Alumni House is a convenient option, putting you right at the heart of Elizabethtown College.
The Jay's Inn
The Jay's Inn at the Alumni House is a quaint, newly renovated lodging space located on the edge of Elizabethtown College's beautiful 204-acre campus. The Inn offers three bedrooms for overnight stays as well as a kitchen, conference room, and outdoor patio space for booking your events. Complete with large windows, modern furniture, fixtures and appliances, and cozy furniture, the Inn is a comfortable space for meeting, relaxing, or for guests looking to spend a night.
Book a Room at The Jay's InnHotel Discounts:
SureStay Plus, Elizabethtown
20% off (must call to make a reservation and mention the College)
West Ridge Bed and Breakfast
10% off (must call to make a reservation and mention the College)
Hampton Inn and Suites, Mount Joy
20% off (must call to make a reservation and mention the College)
The Warehouse Hotel at the Nook
Promo code “ELZ” or call and mention the College.
Lancaster Inn & Suites
Call and request the "Elizabethtown College Rate."
Stone Gables Estate Lodging
10% off (must call to make a reservation and mention the College)