Distelfink

Distelfink The official page of Distelfink! Family-owned and proudly serving our town once again, one scoop at a time. 🍦

🎩 NEW TOPPING ALERT 🎩Cotton candy crunch is here! Stop by and add it to your favorite ice cream today! We are open 11am-...
08/15/2026

🎩 NEW TOPPING ALERT 🎩

Cotton candy crunch is here! Stop by and add it to your favorite ice cream today!

We are open 11am-9pm!

Thank you to Robert Reports for stopping by today! Be sure to tune in to WPMT FOX43 this evening for the full story!
08/07/2026

Thank you to Robert Reports for stopping by today! Be sure to tune in to WPMT FOX43 this evening for the full story!

What is a Distelfink?A Distelfink is traditionally recognized as the German name for a European Goldfinch. European Gold...
08/07/2026

What is a Distelfink?

A Distelfink is traditionally recognized as the German name for a European Goldfinch. European Goldfinches are known to eat thistles and use thistle down to build and line their nests. It should come as no surprise that the word literally translates to English as thistle-finch!

The stylized Distelfink as we know today became a prominent symbol in Pennsylvania Dutch Folk art in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were commonly featured on manuscripts such as birth, baptismal, and marriage certificates. You could also find a Distelfink carved or painted onto furniture, pottery, or smaller household items. Many farmers often painted a Distelfink hex sign on their barn to bring good luck and happiness!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us during our opening week! Distelfink wouldn't be flying high without you!

Thank you, Gettysburg History! We are happy to serve our community. We have enjoyed hearing people’s wonderful memories ...
08/03/2026

Thank you, Gettysburg History! We are happy to serve our community. We have enjoyed hearing people’s wonderful memories of Distelfink and look forward to making new ones!

08/01/2026

Remember this? After being closed for 15 years, Distelfink is re-opening today at 11 a.m. (This is a peek at the information in today's Gettysburg Insider newsletter. Sign up for free: gettysburginsider.substackDOTcom).

Located at the corner of Old Harrisburg Road and Shrivers Corner Road, just off Route 15 north of Gettysburg, the Distelfink Drive-In was one of Adams County's most beloved roadside landmarks.

The restaurant was founded in 1954 by Cecil Sandoe, who was just 21 years old. What began as a small farm market and soft ice cream stand quickly grew into a destination known for Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, homemade baked goods, fresh soft pretzels, donuts, barbecue sandwiches, and ice cream.

The name "Distelfink" comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word for the goldfinch, a traditional symbol of happiness and good fortune.

During its heyday in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the Distelfink attracted both locals and travelers heading to Gettysburg. It became famous for its bakery, with visitors lining up for sticky buns, cream puffs, donuts, and fresh breads.

Former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower was known to stop by to pick up President Dwight D. Eisenhower's favorite baked treats, and baseball legend Brooks Robinson was also among its well-known customers. At its busiest, the restaurant employed around 40 people and sold thousands of soft pretzels on busy Sundays.

After Cecil and Patty Sandoe sold the business in 1979, the property passed through several owners. Although the restaurant remained open for many years, it gradually lost the popularity it enjoyed under the Sandoes' ownership. The Distelfink ultimately closed in 2011, ending a remarkable 57-year run.

08/01/2026

Distelfink Ice Cream Shop opened to the public on Thursday. It had been closed more than a decade for remodeling. Plans include adding food and bakery items in the near

07/31/2026

After nearly a decade of speculation, the Distelfink Drive-In, a beloved Adams County landmark, finally reopened its doors on Thursday.

The wait is over… Distelfink is officially OPEN! 🍦❤️Thank you to everyone who’s supported us and waited so patiently. St...
07/30/2026

The wait is over… Distelfink is officially OPEN! 🍦❤️

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us and waited so patiently. Stop by and see us today for a scoop (or two)!

Please note: We are starting with ice cream only while we get settled in. We can’t wait to serve you!

2710 Old Harrisburg Rd
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Address

2710 Old Harrisburg Road
Gettysburg, PA
17325

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 9pm
Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 9pm
Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 2pm - 9pm

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