Located deep in the forest of Lancaster County, only a few miles from the Susquehanna River, you’ll find the historic Sickman’s Mill, which is now a popular tubing and live music spot with their own unique home-brewed beverages.
The first mill on this site near the communities of Conestoga and Martic Forge was built in 1765. The current stone structure was constructed in 1792 as a distillery before become a grist mill in the mid-1800s. It would operate as a mill until 1967 with the last operator, Warren Sickman, the namesake of the current business.
Sickman’s Mill is most well-known today as a popular tubing spot along the Pequea Creek. Visitors can rent tubes and put in right next to the creek with pick ups offered further down the waterway.
During my visit, I didn’t have a chance to go tubing (though I’m definitely planning on a return visit to do this at some point), but it looked like a lot of fun. Even on a weekday, there was a constant stream of tubers, so I can imagine that this is a very popular activity on weekends.
Get their early on weekends to make sure you secure parking.
For me, however, the main attraction of Sickman’s Mill and the reason for my visit was their very cool bar, known as Jimmy’s Place, and, in particular, their Jimmy Juice.
Jimmy Juice is a canned cocktail that you can find on draft at Sickman’s Mill, as well as in cans are many other breweries, restaurants, and bars in Lancaster County and beyond.
These cocktails are brewed on-site, right in the historic stone mill adjacent to the bar. They come in a variety of flavors, and while they do cost a bit more than than local beers that they also have on draft, they are quiet delicious.
During my visit, I tried the Orange, Juicy Pineapple, and Ginger Tequila, all of which were very good.
I also was able to try their on-site Mexican food restaurant, Comalli Taqueria (which also has a location in West Reading). I definitely recommend their burritos with both the Surf n’ Turf and the Pappi Pina being very good.
The bar, and the around around it, both have a definite “beach vibe”, and I could sit here for hours just enjoying the drinks and scenery. Chairs are available to watch the creek as people sit off on their rafting trips and kids play in the tranquil waters off of the deck.
Honestly, I doubt there’s anywhere in Lancaster County that offers more of a beach and an “It’s Five o’clock somewhere” vibe than the Jimmy’s Place bar at Sickman’s Mill.
Overall, there might not be a better summertime destination in Lancaster County than Sickman’s Mill. Whether you visit to go tubing, to enjoy their great bar and fabulous home-brewed drinks, or to simply relax the day away, this truly is a fabulous spot to check out during the warmer months of the year.
Definitely add this spot to your list.
Sickman’s Mill is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on select days throughout the rest of the year. Find out exact hours for their tubing, bar, and more on their website.
Looking for more fun things to do nearby? Check out Silver Mine Park, the covered bridges of Lancaster County, and my favorite Lancaster County breweries.
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