Over 12 miles of walking paths wrap around Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s 1,400 acre campus. Shaded and sunny sections, inclines and declines, wooded and open; on any pathway, you can find exactly the environment you’re looking for.
After all, exercising amongst nature helps build strength, improves balance, decreases cardiovascular risks and can even make you happier!
In combination with creating a healthier lifestyle, Masonic Village’s walking paths benefit the Elizabethtown community by providing extra mileage for the public to enjoy without the hassle of traffic.
Masonic Village’s pathways and roads have been used for various 5Ks, partnering with Elizabethtown Area High School clubs, the Cornerstone Youth Center, the local Humane Society, the Elizabethtown Rotary Club as well as with other community causes. Various spots on campus have also given community biking groups, cross country teams and training marathoners places to perfect their skill.
As you’re taking your own exploration, reference the walking path maps located throughout campus and check out these destinations:
The six and a half acres that make up the Formal Gardens feature more than 52 varieties of evergreen trees and changing displays of annual and perennial flowers. A fountain display, reflecting pond, miniature pathways weaving through pergolas with climbing roses, picnic tables and benches welcome guests to relax and soak in the views. For a shaded atmosphere with tons of wildlife, take a walk along Serpentine Road to see the beautiful duck and fish pond and the Conoy Creek, which was recently restored on the Masonic Village grounds.
The Masonic Village Farm Market may seem like a long walk from the entrances of Masonic Village, but well worth it. With fresh produce, snacks, soups, ice cream and baked goods, as well as plants and seasonal displays, it’s the perfect place to peruse. Orchards for pick-your-own apples and pumpkins and the Orchard View Café are open seasonally.
At the Veterans Grove, monuments honor and remember veterans and active servicemen and women. Pause at the Eternal Flame Monument, which is lit 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year as a constant tribute and symbol of gratitude. There are picnic areas under the canopy of shade trees, as well as restrooms, in this area.
Stop by the Baird Wellness Center, located in the Freemasons Cultural Center, which offers an array of equipment, personal training, massage therapy, wellness workshops and group fitness classes, which can all be added to your outside adventures. These services are all open to the community at a minimal cost.
Visiting the Model Railroad Club, located on Freemason Drive, can be fun for the whole family. The club is open to the public and offers free viewings of thousands of feet of running railroad track and one-of-a-kind train collectibles.
Tie up your sneakers and start mapping out your journey through Masonic Village!
