Living-history tavern and plantation

Dill's Tavern

About 2.2 mi straight-line from Williams Grove

A restored 1794 stone tavern and living-history campus in Dillsburg, with current Sunday tours, a 1798 log barn, working wheelwright shop, crafts, and separate distillery programs.

The place

About Dill's Tavern

John Dill built the stone core of Dill's Tavern in 1794. Leonard Eichelberger bought the property in 1800, enlarged the building for both tavern and family use, and developed distilling, wagon-making, and wheelwright work. Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society now interprets the site as both Dillsburg history and a study of life on Pennsylvania's frontier.

A public tavern tour includes the 1794 building, the 1798 Log Barn, and the historic Wheelwright Shop. Volunteers continue blacksmithing, coopering, and carpentry demonstrations, while a separate reconstructed Eichelberger Distillery interprets early production methods and offers its own ticketed tours. The two experiences should not be collapsed into one admission promise.

The current 2026 public season is unusually clear: Sunday Tavern Tours run every Sunday from April 12 through October 25 at 2 and 3 p.m., with spinning demonstrations on the second Sunday from May through October. Monday–Saturday visits are appointment-only. The venue's group-tour material also states that the tavern's second floor requires stairs; other tour areas and restrooms are accessible, and a video alternative covers the upstairs interpretation.

What stands out

Read a working crossroads

The tavern story joins lodging, food, family life, distilling, wagon work, and commerce rather than treating the building as a static shell.

Begin in the 1798 Log Barn

The orientation room sets the context before the stone tavern, wheelwright shop, and wider campus.

Watch traditional skills

Blacksmithing, coopering, carpentry, and monthly spinning demonstrations connect preserved buildings to practiced craft.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association trip

At about 2.2 miles straight-line from Williams Grove, Dill's Tavern is the closest substantial independent history stop. It works best before an evening event or after a morning train window, but the fixed 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday tours can conflict with showground programming; choose one anchor rather than rushing both.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • 2026 Sunday toursEvery Sunday Apr 12–Oct 25 at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Admission$5 per individual or $10 per immediate household family; children under 12 free
  • ArrivalBegin in the Orientation Room and Gift Shop inside the 1798 Log Barn; payment is collected before the tour
  • Weekday and Saturday visitsAppointment only; groups of 10 or more use the group-tour process, while smaller parties contact the office
  • AccessibilityThe tavern's second floor is stairs-only. Other tour areas and restrooms are described as accessible, and a video alternative covers the upstairs tour
  • ParkingThe group FAQ identifies the 227 N Baltimore Street drop-off; a nearby Route 15 lot has two accessible spaces. Confirm the best ordinary-visit entrance
  • DistilleryEichelberger Distillery tours are year-round, separately scheduled, and separately purchased
  • PetsLeashed pets are allowed outdoors but not inside the tavern, log barn, wheelwright shop, distillery, or gardens; service animals are permitted

Return to the railroad story

Add Mechanicsburg Museum Association

Add the preserved Cumberland Valley Railroad stations for the strongest train-first companion to Williams Grove.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When are Dill's Tavern tours in 2026?

Public Sunday tours run every Sunday from April 12 through October 25 at 2 and 3 p.m. Monday–Saturday tours require an appointment.

How much is a Sunday tavern tour?

The official page lists $5 per individual or $10 per immediate household family, with children under 12 free.

Where does the tour begin?

Begin in the Orientation Room and Gift Shop inside the 1798 Log Barn on the Dill's Tavern campus.

Is Dill's Tavern accessible?

The second floor of the historic tavern is accessible only by stairs. The venue describes the other tour areas and restrooms as accessible and offers a video of the upstairs tour.

Is the distillery included with the tavern tour?

No. Eichelberger Distillery tours are offered year-round but are scheduled and purchased separately.

Can I bring a pet?

Leashed pets are permitted outdoors but not inside the historic buildings or gardens. Service animals are permitted throughout the facility.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.