A scenic farming community in southern Lebanon County
Along Pennsylvania Route 419 is a sweeping stretch of cornfields, farmhouses and churches set against the distant backdrop of Blue Mountain. This is Millcreek, a rural farming community near the small historic village of Newmanstown. “There is some gorgeous architecture in Newmanstown,” says Stephanie Butler, a Realtor with Suburban Realty who's a lifelong Lebanon County resident. “It’s home to Fort Zeller, which is the oldest fort in the state, and there’s a lot of beautiful old churches. But outside of that, it’s a very rich farming community. They grow corn, soybeans and small grains, and everyone is very proud of the agriculture here. Even the schools have great agricultural sciences programs.”
Farmhouses on acreage and Colonial Revivals on country roads
Homes are spread out amid the cornfields, spaced out at even lengths along the one-lane roads that are like seams along the patchwork quilt of farmland. Acreage is the name of the game in this rural area, and few homes have less than an acre. Many were custom-built on their land, resulting in a wide range of home styles, though Colonial Revivals, cottages and even log cabins are common here. Large farmhouses and smaller farmettes may come with outbuildings such as barns, workshops or garages. Depending on features and acreage, single-family homes can be priced from $200,000 to $875,000. “Property values really hold their own out there,” says Keith Snyder, a Realtor with Kingsway Realty who lives nearby in southern Lebanon County. “Those rural homes are in very high demand right now.” Millcreek holds a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, well below the the national average of 4.
Houses with wraparound porches set on small farms are a common sight in Millcreek.
This large colonial revival home features a mostly-wooded property in the middle of Millcreek.
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Most Eastern Lebanon County schools are north in Myerstown
Millcreek is within the Eastern Lebanon County School District, which has schools located nearby. Fort Zeller Elementary, which serves kindergarten through the second grade, is within the township and scores a B-minus from Niche. Eastern Lebanon County Intermediate houses grades three through five and receives a C, as does Eastern Lebanon County Middle. Eastern Lebanon County High earns a B-minus and offers agriculture science and technology courses, including companion animals and equine science or welding and industrial machining. Small, private Christian schools are scattered across the area, such as Millbach Mennonite School and Millcreek Parochial School.
Hunting in Middle Creek and playgrounds in Newmanstown
While there are no parks in Millcreek, there are plenty of places to connect with nature or get active around the township. Hunting and fishing clubs frequent the nearby Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, which spans 6,000 acres surrounding Middle Creek Reservoir. “Mill Creek Rod and Gun Club is a popular shooting range out there, and they do a gun bash every year,” Butler says. Hiking trails wind through the preserve’s forests and wetlands, providing ample opportunity for birding, as Middle Creek is a haven for migratory waterfowl and grassland nesting birds. “Horseshoe Trail is popular for hiking,” Snyder says. "I have some horses, and we take them out that way to ride the trails." Most of the area’s sports facilities are in Newmanstown, including a playground and a baseball field at Newburg Village Recreation Area. Noel K. Hertzog is the town’s busiest park, with youth games on the soccer field and a popular mulched play area with equipment for kids of all ages.
Middle Creek has a seasonal wildlife driving tour and over twenty miles of hiking trails.
Many outdoor, family-friendly activities can be found at Noel Hertzog Fields.
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Local Mennonite farm stands and Richland restaurants
Millcreek’s winding country roads are flanked by sprawling farmland, with churches, campgrounds and industrial centers occasionally dotting the landscape. This is the type of town where there are no grocery stores, but folks can get produce straight from the farm at local markets such as Wise Produce. “There’s a large Mennonite population, so you’ll find Mennonite grocery stores there,” Butler says. "People love them because you can get fresher produce at some really great deals." In Newmanstown, Justino’s Pizza is reliable for takeout and delivery, or residents can stock up on basics at Dollar General or Indian Grocery & Town Market. Heading farther north along Main Street leads to Womelsdorf, where there’s a Boyer’s Food Market grocery store just off of U.S. Highway 422. There are more spots to dine out in Richland, from pub fare and pints at Union House Taproom & Livery to classic American platters from Richland Railroad Diner.
Wise Produce does a brisk business as they feature the freshest produce in Millcreek.
With plenty of free parking, Justino's attracts a lunchtime crowd from all over Millcreek.
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Between Lebanon, Lancaster and Reading
Pennsylvania Route 419 passes through the heart of Millcreek and connects to U.S. Highway 422 to the north. “Route 419 is a scenic byway because of its beautiful, winding roads,” Butler says. “It goes into Schaefferstown, which is also very, very old and historic.” Lebanon is roughly 10 miles northwest, while Lancaster and Reading are each about 20 miles away. Harrisburg, where the nearest international airport is located, is approximately 45 miles west, and Philadelphia is 75 miles southeast.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Britt Lyle
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristen Obert,
an experienced agent in this area.
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