Pennsylvania's quite often associated with Amish country, and for good reason. Second only to Ohio in the number of Amish residents, Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 55 settlements of Amish communities with a total of more than 80,000 people. The Amish play an important role in Pennsylvania's heritage, economy, and everyday life. If you're looking for the best Amish towns in Pennsylvania, here are six of them. Each will provide a unique glimpse into Amish life.

1. Lancaster

If you're looking for Amish towns near me, look no further! Lancaster is perhaps best known for its Amish community. Get a glimpse inside the life of the Amish with a tour of the Amish Farm & House. Tour the home which is modeled after the Old Order Amish before learning more about the important role the farm plays in the Amish community. Make time to also visit the Willow Lane One-Room Schoolhouse, an authentic school that is decorated with schoolwork by Amish students and illuminated by gas lights. Start planning your visit by checking out the official website of Lancaster.

2. Strasburg

Sneak a peek at authentic Amish life at The Amish Village in Strasburg, one of the best Amish towns in PA. Climb aboard an air-conditioned bus for a close-up look at the back roads of Amish country. Before or after your bus tour, wander around The Amish Village. Visit the Amish barn, the one-room schoolhouse, and examine authentic Amish tools. The attraction also features a blacksmith shop and a smokehouse market, where you can stock up on Amish jams, jellies, and other goodies. Learn more about why Strasburg is such an enchanting place to visit.

3. Intercourse

Has your search for Amish towns in Pennsylvania brought you here? Then you're in luck. Drive alongside horses and buggies when you arrive in Intercourse. Stroll around the quaint village that is dotted with shops. Purchase authentic Amish used clothing, furniture, dolls, quilts, and other handmade items at the Intercourse Trading Post. Browse the countless handmade Amish products at The Old Country Store. And, purchase Amish-made furniture at Peaceful Valley Furniture. Discover more about Intercourse.

4. Bird-in-Hand

Explore Amish life on a variety of tours offered in Bird-in-Hand. Climb aboard a buggy with Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides. Tour Amish farmland, or join the popular Visit In-Person Tour, where you'll watch Amish farmers milk cows, stop by an Amish business, and visit with an Amish family in the comfort of their home. This Amish town in Pennsylvania ranks as one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania. Plan your itinerary to this Bird-in-Hand.

If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting, check out these great picks for accommodations in Bird-in-Hand.

5. New Wilmington/Volant

Slip away to the charming Amish communities of New Wilmington and Volant. Surrounded by Amish farms, the quaint villages are home to an estimated 1,500 members of the Old Order Amish community. Get an up-close view of the Amish on a self-guided driving tour. Be sure to also visit the charming shopping village of Volant Mills while you are visiting some of the best Amish towns in Pennsylvania.

6. Smicksburg

Journey to Smicksburg - and its nearby neighbor Dayton - where you'll mingle with the Amish. Home to more than 300 Old Order Amish families, the two communities offer the opportunity to experience authentic Amish life. Drive alongside the Amish in a horse and buggy. Peruse such quaint Amish stores as Smicksburg Furniture, the Primitive Peddler, and Our Twist of Country. Take a peek at all that Smicksburg, one of the loveliest Amish towns in PA, has to offer.

What do you think are the best Amish towns in Pennsylvania? How about the best Amish places to visit? Let us know in the comments!

For an authentic Amish meal, visit one of these Amish country restaurants.