The park was established through a trust created by Henry G. Long, a prominent Lancaster lawyer who bequeathed the land to the city in 1894.
The annual Long's Park Art Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, is consistently ranked among the top fine art festivals in the nation.
The lake within the park is man-made and serves as a focal point for the site's environmental and recreational management.
The park's petting zoo is one of the few remaining municipal-operated animal exhibits of its kind in the region.
Long's Park is an 80-acre municipal green space in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, centered around a significant lake used for recreational activities. The park is home to a petting zoo that features a variety of domestic animals accessible to families. It hosts a well-regarded annual outdoor fine art and craft festival that attracts exhibitors from across the United States. The grounds include multiple walking trails, picnic areas with pavilions, and dedicated play structures. The park serves as a hub for local community gatherings and seasonal public events. Its landscape design incorporates mature tree coverage and open grassy areas suitable for relaxation. It is a managed public facility operated by the City of Lancaster.
The stone bridge arching over the water near the center of the lake.
Bring bread-free snacks if you plan to visit the waterfowl near the lake, as feeding ducks bread is discouraged by park management.
Utilize the designated walking paths to explore the far eastern edge of the property, which is often quieter than the central playground area.
Check the park's municipal calendar before visiting to see if a community festival or concert is scheduled, which may affect parking availability.
Avoid visiting on major summer holidays if you prefer solitude, as the park reaches maximum capacity for community picnics.
The petting zoo may have seasonal operational changes; certain large-scale festivals require event-specific parking passes.
Leashed pets are permitted in most areas, but owners must clean up immediately; keep noise levels moderate near residential boundaries.
