Directions

Visitors are welcome in selected areas of SEAREC including the Penn State Flower Trials, Lancaster County Idea Gardens, and Blooms & Butterflies Trial daily from dawn until dusk, June through September.

A glimpse of the native garden in the Idea Gardens at SEAREC

A glimpse of the native garden in the Idea Gardens at SEAREC

The public areas of the research center are open from June through September, dawn to dusk.  These areas include the Penn State Flower Trials, Lancaster County Master Gardener Idea Gardens, and the Bees, Bugs & Blooms study. No prior notification is necessary for self-guided tours, simply follow the signs to park.  SEAREC has reached capacity for professional guided garden tour requests in 2024, but please check back next season for available guided tour dates.

Please note: terrain in these areas is uneven, sloped, and may not be suitable for wheelchairs and walkers.  While bench seating is located throughout the public areas, most locations are full sun.  SEAREC is a working farm and research laboratory.  Please stay alert for vehicles and large equipment.

1446 Auction Road
Manheim, PA 17545

From Harrisburg (and points west)

  1. Take PA 283 east toward Lancaster.
  2. Exit at Esbenshade Road (just past Mt Joy exit)
  3. Go left at top of exit ramp.
  4. Immediately after crossing over 283, go right on Auction Road.
  5. Follow Auction Road to "T" at Erisman Road. Go right.
  6. Follow Erisman Road around the curve and then go left, back on to Auction Road (just before the covered bridge).
  7. Penn State farm driveway is on the left as you go around the curve. Look for grey Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center sign and a big blue barn roof.

From Lancaster (and points east)

  1. Take PA 283 west towards Harrisburg.
  2. Exit at Salunga exit (after the Landisville exit).
  3. Go right at top of ramp (onto Spooky Nook Road).
  4. Go left on Shenck Road (at Spooky Nook Sports Complex).
  5. Go left across the covered bridge.
  6. Go right onto Auction Road.
  7. Penn State farm driveway is on the left as you go around the curve. Look for grey Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center sign and a big blue barn roof.

From York

  1. Take US 30 east towards Lancaster.
  2. After crossing the Susquehanna River, take second exit (Prospect Road).
  3. Go left on Prospect Road and follow for several miles.
  4. Cross over PA 283 (4-lane).
  5. About 0.5 miles from PA 283, go left on Shenck Road (at Spooky Nook Sports Complex).
  6. Go left across the covered bridge.
  7. Go right onto Auction Road.
  8. Penn State farm driveway is on the left as you go around the curve. Look for grey Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center sign and a big blue barn roof.

Click here to find directions using Google Maps