Explore the Architecture of Columbia during Riverfest
Explore the Architecture of Columbia with the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 10 AM & 1 PM
Tickets: $10 per person
Tour Begins at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center (41 Walnut Street, Columbia)
Join us for a fascinating stroll through time during the Columbia Architectural Walking Tour, part of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s ongoing effort to highlight the beauty and history of Lancaster’s built environment. This special tour is being held in conjunction with Columbia Riverfest, a community celebration that commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in the town’s history—the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War.
📅 Tour Times:
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Saturday, June 28 at 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
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Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
💲 Cost: $10 per person
🎟 Register: Click here to register
Led by Jordan Zimmerman, a project architect and a proud member of the Trust’s Board of Directors, this one-hour walking tour showcases Columbia’s rich architectural diversity—from 18th-century stone structures to ornate Victorian storefronts and early 20th-century civic buildings.
Jordan brings both his professional expertise and passion for preservation to each tour.
Starting at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, the tour will weave through the heart of downtown, offering a rare opportunity to learn about the buildings that shaped this river town’s unique story.
🛺 Architecture & Preservation Trolley Tour – Friday, June 27 at 6 PM
Kick off Riverfest weekend with a unique ride through Columbia’s historic streets during our Architecture & Preservation Trolley Tour on Friday, June 27 at 6:00 PM. Led by Matt Barley of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, this special one-time tour offers a seated, guided experience through town aboard a charming trolley.
Matt brings years of experience as an interior designer and preservation advocate, offering a fresh perspective on Columbia’s architectural evolution from the 1700s to the early 20th century. Learn how the town’s buildings tell the story of industry, resilience, and community.
🕕 Tour Time: Friday at 6 PM only
📍 Departs From: Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
⏳ Duration: 1 hour
💲 Cost: $10 per person
Whether you prefer to walk or ride, our Columbia tours offer something for everyone passionate about history and preservation!
After your tour, be sure to stay and enjoy Riverfest, taking place all weekend long. Learn more about the event at riverfestpa.com.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a history buff, or simply looking for a new way to experience Columbia, we invite you to step into the past and see the present through the lens of preservation.
