Plan a weekend trip to Hershey and learn all about Hershey's chocolate while sampling many delicious treats. This Pennsylvania town is home to Hersheypark featuring roller coasters, themed areas, shops and restaurants. Hershey's Chocolate World is another must-see attraction, offering guided tours, movies and plenty of chocolate. Here are the best things to do in Hershey, PA.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
1. Hersheypark
Hersheypark is a family-friendly theme park in the Derry Township of Pennsylvania that features a variety of roller coasters and rides, themed areas, entertainment zones and places to eat.
Established as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Factory, today the park is a one of the top Hershey attractions, offering something for everyone. Hersheypark is comprised of six themed areas, including Founder's Way, which winds through the park from the main gate to a junction where Kissing Tower Hill, The Hollow, and Pioneer Frontier meet up. Other themed areas include Midway America and The Boardwalk, all of which boast themed shops, restaurants, rides and attractions.
100 W Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 800-437-7439
2.Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey's Chocolate World is just that – a world full of chocolate! One of the best things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this popular tourist attraction offers an array of fun chocolate-related activities.
Take an interesting guided chocolate tour of the Hershey’s factory, create your own personalized Hershey’s chocolate bar, watch a 4-D movie about the ‘Mystery of Chocolate’ and sample as much Hershey chocolate as you can eat! Hop on the Chocolate Trolley for an in-depth historical tour that explores the inspiring story of Milton Hershey and the town he built on chocolate.
Other sweet activities at Hershey's Chocolate World include an onsite bakery where all sorts of delights can be bought, a large food court offering all types of food and drinks, and Hershey’s Dessert Creation Studio, where you can create your own personalized cupcakes, sundaes, and cookies.
251 Park Blvd, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-4900
3. Hershey Gardens
Established by Milton Hershey, who wanted to “create a nice garden of roses,” Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 and has been pleasing visitors with unique floral experiences ever since.
Spanning 23 acres, the beautifully maintained botanical garden overlooks the town of Hershey and features an awe-inspiring collection of rare, signature trees and shrubs, themed gardens, and brilliant seasonal flower displays. Stroll through the Historic Hershey Rose Garden, soak up the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden or discover culinary delights in the Herb Garden.
If you are wondering what to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania with kids, this is a great place to visit. The Gardens are home to an outdoor Butterfly House where visitors can walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies, as well as an enchanting interactive Children’s Garden where the little ones can explore and discover the world of the garden.
170 Hotel Road, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-3492
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4. AACA Museum, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Lovers of automobiles will delight in this world-class automotive experience. ACA Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to the preservation of vintage automobiles and highlighting their rich history and heritage.
Located in the heart of Hershey, the museum features an outstanding collection of vintage vehicle displays and interactive exhibits that showcase a range of cars, motorcycles, buses and other automobiles from the 1890s through the 1980s. Visitors to the museum can enjoy self-guided and guided group tours through the facility where automobile experts will impart their passion and knowledge about the incredible pieces on display.
The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for children of all ages and hosts automobile-related events throughout the year.
161 Museum Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-566-7100
5. The Hershey Story, Hershey, Pennsylvania
The Hershey Story is an interactive museum that follows the story of Milton S. Hershey and how he came to be the one of the world’s most recognizable names.
The family-friendly museum features a variety of interactive and informative exhibits, displays, and collections, showcasing Hershey’s history, lifestyle, and legacy and offers visitors an insight into the fascinating story of chocolate. Roll your sleeves up and learn how to make your own chocolate in the Chocolate Lab; sample an array of hot chocolate and truffles from around the world; or get the kids involved in the Apprentice Program and “I Spy” activities, where they are taken on a “scavenger hunt-style” exploration of the museum exhibits.
Grab a bite to eat or a delicious hot chocolate at Café Zooka and get all your chocolate memorabilia at the Museum store.
63 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-8939
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6. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey, PA
Located on Park Avenue, ZooAmerica - North American Wildlife Park is a walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. Covering 11 acres with tree-lined pathways, the park exhibits plants and over 200 animals that represent five regions of North America.
These regions include Big Sky Country, Eastern Woodlands, the Great Southwest, Northlands, and Southern Swamps. The park offers several education programs including school field trips, Boy Scout Tours, Girl Scout Tours, ZooCamp, and more. Some of the events that the park hosts are “Animal Tales, “Preschool Palooza,” and “Wild Winter Adventure.”
201 Park Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-3900
7.Things to Do in Hershey, PA: The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
Surrounded by magnificent gardens and breathtaking views, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, also known as The Chocolate Spa, is a luxurious, tranquil haven in which guests can relax and enjoy a range of pampering spa treatments.
Echoing the opulence of High Point Mansion, home of chocolate aficionado Milton Hershey and his wife, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey combines timeless elegance with five-star service to offer guests an unforgettable spa experience.
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey is one of the best things to do in Hershey, PA for spa lovers. Choose from a variety of chocolate-infused treatments, from a delicious hot chocolate wrap to a decadent Whipped Cocoa Bath, or try a Cuban treatment of jasmine, lime, coconut, and raw sugar, which draws from Milton S. Hershey's connection to the Cuban mills. Other treatments and spa services include massages, body scrubs and wraps, facials, hands and feet and hydrotherapy sessions.
100 Hotel Road, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-520-5888
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8.Hershey Trolley Works, Hershey, PA
Hershey Trolley Works is a tour company located on Park Boulevard inside Hershey’s Chocolate World. All of the trolley tours start and end at the trolley depot which is next to the front door of Chocolate World. Guests learn about Milton Hershey, his birthplace and his home which is called Highpoint Mansion, the Milton Hershey School, the HersheyPark amusement park, the Hershey Kiss Streetlights, and much more.
The 75 minute tour is narrated and is also a chocolate tasting tour. There are several tours like the “Chocolate & History Trolley,” the “Summer Adventure Trolley,” the “Trick or Treat Trolley,” and many more.
251 Park Boulevard, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-533-3000
9.Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School
Founders Hall is a stately monument dedicated to Milton and Catherine Hershey for their contribution to society and is one of the most unique and magnificent pieces of architecture in central Pennsylvania.
Built over three years in the late 1960s, the building was opened as a tribute to the school’s founders, Milton S. and Catherine Hershey, whose philanthropy played a vital role towards building a better community. The Founders Hall has a modern Visitor’s Center, which is open to the public and offers guided tours of the monument. Next read: water parks in PA
Homestead Ln, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-520-2766
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Located on East Chocolate Avenue, the Cullari Vineyards and Winery is the only winery and vineyard in Hershey. It is a small boutique wine-producing company owned and operated by Salvatore and Kathi Cullari. Salvatore was born in Caroniti, Italy and comes from a long line of winemakers who use traditional methods to produce wine.
The company produces a variety of wines including reds, white, and pinks, and sweet wines and dry wines, but in small quantities, approximately 25,000 bottles per year. The first vineyard was planted in 2000 and the second in 2007.
1251 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-533-8985
11.Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
The Giant Center is a multi-purpose arena located on Hersheypark Drive in Hershey. With a seating capacity of 10,500, the center is the home of the Hershey Bears ice hockey team. The Hershey Bears became a member of the American Hockey League in 1938: this makes the Bears the longest existing member of the league.
In addition to hockey games, the arena hosts many other kinds of events. Cher opened the arena with a concert in 2002, and other performances have included American Idol Live, the Harlem Globetrotters, the WWE’s Unforgiven, and many more. Concessions sell a variety of food during events including products made by the Hershey Chocolate Company.
550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-3911
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Troegs Brewing Company was established in 1997 and produces six year-round and five seasonal beers, including HopBack Amber Ale, DreamWeaver Wheat, Tröegs Pale Ale, and Sunshine Pils, which are distributed nationwide.
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the brewery, which begin in the Tasting Room with a beer and follow the path of the beer-making process, from fermentation and filtration to kegging, bottling, and barrel-aging. Informative signage along the way explains the brewing process and equipment and is handicap accessible.
Guided tours are also available and include an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the Tröegs brewing and production facility, samplings and tastings of the brewery’s products and an exclusive take-home souvenir glass.
200 East Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-534-1297
13.Segway of Hershey
Explore the fascinating town of Hershey on a fun-filled Segway tour. Two types of tours are available: The Historical Tour, which offers an in-depth tour of The Hotel Hershey and the man behind the chocolate and the town’s name; and the Off-Road Tour, which explores the grounds and gardens of the famous Hotel Hershey, gliding through secluded woodlands and soaking up the beautiful views.
Tours are conducted on state-of-the-art Segway Personal Transporters, which are battery-powered, self-balancing and guarantee a safe and exhilarating ride. Both of the tours take place on the grounds of The Hotel Hershey and are suitable for visitors of all ages. Phone: 717-668-1641
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Located on Elizabethtown Road, Adventure Sports Family Entertainment is an activities park that offers video arcades, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, outdoor laser tag, miniature golf, and much more. Occupying 10 acres of beautiful rolling land with flowers and waterfalls, the park also features a driving range, a clubhouse, a picnic pavilion, and an ice cream parlor.
The park offers catering for on-site events like corporate meetings and parties: the park is able to accommodate groups from 20 people up to 350. Opened in 1990 with a miniature golf course, the park is family owned and operated and is popular with local residents as well as with tourists.
3010 Elizabethtown Road, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-533-7479
15.Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Hershey, Pennsylvania
The Hershey Symphony Orchestra is an 80 member professional orchestra located in Hershey. Providing quality music to audiences in the Central Pennsylvania area for 80 years, the orchestra performs four concerts per year in addition to a POPS concert at the Hershey Theatre and a yearly benefit gala called “Shall We Dance.”
The orchestra also has a spin-off ensemble called the Hershey Symphony Big Band as well as the Hershey Symphony Festival Strings Youth Orchestra which gives youth an opportunity to experience playing in an orchestra. The Hershey Symphony Orchestra plays a wide variety of music from classical music to Broadway tunes, and often uses local talent for its guest soloists. Phone: 717-533-8449
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Located on Northeast Drive, the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society is a museum devoted to the history and culture of community of Hershey and of Derry Township. The museum features more than 50,000 artifacts and photos related to the early settlers of the area.
Some of the exhibits include “A Pictorial History of Our Community, Then & Now,” “The Preservation of our Community’s Architectural Legacy,” “The History of Medicine in Derry Township,” and many more. The society also has an extensive library that can be used for research for things such as ancestry. It also hosts events such as “Art on Chocolate” and the “Annual Skating Party.”
40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-520-0748
17.Hershey Theatre, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey Theatre is a historic theater located on East Caracas Avenue in Hershey. Built by Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban and opened in 1933, its major benefactor was chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey. Mr. Hershey promoted the building of the theater and many other landmarks such as the Hotel Hershey, the Hersheypark Arena, and the Hersheypark Stadium as a part of his “Great Building Campaign” during the depression years between 1929 and 1933.
With a seating capacity of 1,904 people, the theater presents classical music concerts, dance performances, touring Broadway shows, and performances by world class entertainers. The interior of the theater is known for its beauty: its polished Italian lava rock floor, marble, painted ceiling, and much more.
15 East Caracas Avenue, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-534-3405
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The Hersheypark Stadium is located on Hersheypark Drive on the grounds of Hersheypark. Opened in 1939, the stadium is a sporting events facility and venue for music concerts and other large functions. The stadium has a seating capacity of 16,000 people in the stands for athletic events, and 30,000 people for music concerts.
With its high quality synthetic grass, the stadium has hosted sporting events such as the American Hockey League Outdoor Classic, and other events, some of them historic. It hosted a birthday gala for President Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as the Cavalcade of Bands and the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship competitions.
100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-534-3911
More weekend trips: Best Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania.
19.The Pennsylvania State Police Museum, Hershey, PA
The Pennsylvania State Police Museum is dedicated to the history of the Pennsylvania State Police. The museum contains artifacts, documents, exhibits, memorabilia and memorials. Some of the exhibits include “PA State Police Rodeo” which displays artifacts from the last “rodeo” held in 1974; “PA State Highway Patrol,” an interactive exhibit that includes rare artifacts and documents of the State Highway Patrol; “Patrol Vehicles,” which displays some of the vehicles that were used by the State Police over the years, including a restored 1972 Plymouth Fury; and more. Visitors can learn how the “Great Anthracite Strike” in 1902 resulted in the formation of the Pennsylvania State Police.
187 East Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-534-0565
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Located on Cherry Drive, the Hershey Area Playhouse is a venue for the performances of musicals and plays. Established in 1998, the playhouse staged its first performance, “Barefoot in the Park,” in 1999 at the Hersheypark Faire Tent.
Later, in 2002, the playhouse began presenting its productions in a 136 year old barn at Country Meadows of Hershey; eventually, in 2007, the playhouse began performing in its permanent home on the campus of the Country Meadows Retirement Community. In addition to its many productions, the playhouse offers acting classes for children and for youth.
830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-533-8525
21.Emerald Springs Spa, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Located on Cocoa Avenue in the Cocoa Plex Center, Emerald Springs Spa has been serving the Hershey area for ten years. All staff members are highly trained and professional. The spa offers a variety of wellness treatments such as ayurvedic rituals, body wraps, exfoliating, manicures and pedicures, massage, and much more.
Massage options include aromatherapy, bamboo fusion, couples massage, cranial sacral, hot stone, raindrop, Thai, and more. The spa also offers “Sampler Programs” which include treatments such as bamboo fusion, foot bath, hot stone, and warm oil scalp massage.
Cocoa Plex Center, 1126 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, PA, Phone: 717-533-5991
22.Art on Derry
Peruse, support, and purchase from talented local artists at Laird Augusts' "Art on Derry" Gallery. Laird August is a stained and fused glass artist from Hershey who desired to create a space for local artists to exhibit their work and showcase their skills and talents in a mutually beneficial way. Apart from checking out the current exhibitions, visitors can also sign up to take glass art classes with Laird August himself to gain a deeper appreciation of this complex art form. Some of Mr. August's pieces can be shopped at the gallery's store, while a café is located within the premises for guests who want to enjoy a bite and a drink during their visit.
233 E Derry Road, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 717-510-8872
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For foodies, no visit to Hershey is complete with a visit to The Mill. This restaurant, which was established in 2014, is celebrated and favored by locals and visitors alike for its staunch commitment to providing simple, honest, and made from scratch meals that are, in their words, “crafted with integrity”. The Mill tries, as much as possible, to use only locally sourced produce from local farmers, seafood from local fishermen, and some other ingredients from homegrown artisanal food producers. Not only are their dishes delectable and satisfying, but their award-winning cocktails will also leave you craving more thanks to their unique flair and attention to detail.
810 Old West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033; Phone: 717-256-9965
24.The Hershey Pantry
Local hospitality doesn't get any better than the good old Hershey Pantry. Founded in 1990, The Hershey Pantry is largely regarded to be the best breakfast joint in town, having been serving up trendy breakfast cuisine in a setting that can only be described as a cross between urban and small-town diner. With an equally delicious lunch menu and homemade baked goods that will have your mouthwatering, The Hershey Pantry is an absolute must-visit for visitors. Try crowd-pleasers like the Pantry Sampler, the Avocado Beet Toast, and the Breakfast Cuban, or try one of their spectacular benedict options like their Nick's Pork Benedict, The Italian Benedict, and the Chesapeake Crab Benedict.
801 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 717-533-7505
25.Escape Room Hershey
Experience the ultimate destination for interactive fun in Hershey when you stop by Escape Room! Designed to test your mental capacity, attentiveness, and problem-solving skills, Escape Room is a great place to test your teamwork with friends, officemates, or even your family. It’s perfect for fans of mystery novels or puzzle game shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor or board games like Stratego and MindTrap, with the added factor of having an immersive room to navigate. Guests at Escape Room can select from three different rooms: Enchanted Forest, Investigation at the Speakeasy, and Museum of Magic, each of which has a one-hour time limit. Visitors should book their visit ahead of time.
253 W Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, Phone: 717-298-1580
25 Best Things to Do in Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Hersheypark , Photo: Courtesy of candy - Fotolia.com
- Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Hershey's Chocolate World
- Hershey Gardens, Photo: Courtesy of alfaori - Fotolia.com
- AACA Museum, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Courtesy of vallerato - Fotolia.com
- The Hershey Story, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: The Hershey Story
- ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey, PA, Photo: Courtesy of Andrea Izzotti - Fotolia.com
- Things to Do in Hershey, PA: The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, Photo: The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
- Hershey Trolley Works, Hershey, PA, Photo: Hershey Trolley Works
- Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School, Photo: Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School
- Cullari Vineyards and Winery, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Cullari Vineyards and Winery
- Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Giant Center
- Troegs Brewing Company, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Troegs Brewing Company
- Segway of Hershey, Photo: Segway of Hershey
- Adventure Sports in Hershey, Photo: Adventure Sports in Hershey
- Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Hershey Symphony Orchestra
- Hershey Derry Township Historical Society , Photo: Hershey Derry Township Historical Society
- Hershey Theatre, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Hershey Theatre
- Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA, Photo: Hersheypark Stadium
- The Pennsylvania State Police Museum, Hershey, PA, Photo: The Pennsylvania State Police Museum
- Things to Do in Hershey, PA: Hershey Area Playhouse, Photo: Hershey Area Playhouse
- Emerald Springs Spa, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Photo: Emerald Springs Spa
- Art on Derry, Photo: Art on Derry
- The Mill in Hershey, Photo: The Mill in Hershey
- The Hershey Pantry, Photo: The Hershey Pantry
- Escape Room Hershey, Photo: kanpisut/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Nicole Nierenberg - Fotolia.com
Attraction Spotlight: Hersheypark
Hersheypark is a world-renowned family theme park in Hershey in the Derry Township. Established in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company, the popular leisure park was known as Hershey Park until 1970 and has been the recipient of several awards, including the IAAPA Applause Award.
Hersheypark’s opened the first rollercoaster ride called the Wild Cat in 1923, and after an expansion and renaming in 1970, the park added several new rides, including the SuperDooperlooper, and a 330-foot-tall observation tower called the Kissing Tower.
Hersheypark covers over 110 acres and is home to more than 70 rides and attractions, as well as ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. Next door the park is Hershey’s Chocolate World, a visitor center that features a variety of restaurants and shops, and a chocolate factory-themed tour ride.
Hersheypark has several themed regions, namely Founder’s Way, Kissing Tower Hill, Midway America, Pioneer Frontier, The Boardwalk, and the Hollow. Rides at Hersheypark include the Lightning Racer, which features a double wooden track with two coasters that race side by side and then curve to face each other, creating a "duel." The Coal Cracker is an exhilarating aerial water ride that features water blasters, water curtains, and exploding geysers, drenching riders and spectators below. The Claw is a thrilling, 65-foot spinning pendulum ride and the Storm Runner is an the world's first hydraulic launch coaster complete with inversions. Family Rides include the Cocoa Cruiser, Fender Bender, Kissing Tower, Music Express, Skyview, the Howler, and the Wave Swinger.
The popular attraction of Hershey Chocolate World can be found at Hersheypark and offers several interactive and immersive exhibitions, activities, and chocolate-related experiences. Fun tours include exploring the journey from cocoa bean to the end product and new features of the attraction range from learning more about the dairy farms in Central Pennsylvania and the cocoa farms of West Africa, state-of-the-art animated figures such as the famous barnyard cows, catchy sing-a-long theme songs and new technological effects that explain the story of chocolate.
Established in 1937 at Milton Hershey’s to create a ‘lovely garden of roses,’ Hershey Gardens began as a small rose garden and grown into 23 acres of botanical and blossoming beauty that provide visitors with enriching experiences. Boasting lovely views over the town of Hershey, Hershey Gardens is home to a collection of rare and significant trees, a spectacular assortment of shrubs and flowers, including brilliant seasonal displays, themed gardens, an indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium and an interactive Children’s Garden where the kids can explore the wonders of nature.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is an animal center next to Hersheypark in Hershey that is home to over 200 animals from five regions of North America. The zoo covers 11 acres of tree-lined pathways and natural habitats and offers a unique and fascinating walk-through experience. Established in 1905, the zoo was founded by Franz and Louise Zinner and began with a collection of ordinary and exotic animals ranging from a family of ‘possums, two black bears and a pair of Zebus to angora goats, fox squirrels, and three peacocks.
Hersheypark offers more than 12 resident shows, concerts, games and plenty of opportunities for children to meet their favorite Hershey’s Characters over a special breakfast. The park offers more than 40 games and two indoor arcades for children of all ages, including Wac-A-Mole located in The Hollow, Center Ring located in the Kissing Tower, and the long-shot basketball game Pro Shot located in Founder’s Way and the Overlook Arcade in Kissing Tower Hill. The Overlook Arcade in Kissing Tower Hill is a large arcade center with video games, skeeball, crane machines, and redemption machines. The Play Dome Arcade is located in Pioneer Frontier and features video games, crane machines, and redemption games for all ages.
Hersheypark offers three places to stay, including the family-friendly Hershey Lodge with a new indoor pool complex, the elegant Hotel Hershey, famed for its abundant amenities and gracious service, and the HersheyPark Camping Resort, which offers year-round camping on 55 acres of beautiful landscapes.
Hersheypark is located at 100 Hersheypark Drive in Hershey and is open daily throughout the year. Ample paid parking is available, and a shuttle regularly runs from all parking lots to the park. Food is not allowed into the park, but Hersheypark offers picnic and restroom facilities. Hersheypark provides two meal options for groups, namely catered picnics and meal tickets. Catered picnics include a delicious all-you-can-eat meal prepared by experienced catering staff for the group to enjoy in one of six private catering areas conveniently placed around the park. Vegetarian, Kosher, and specialty-themed menu options are available upon advanced request. Hersheypark also offers the flexibility of enjoying a variety of different meal options with individual meal tickets that can be used throughout the park.
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100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, Phone: 800-437-7439
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Attraction Spotlight: Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society & Museum
The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society & Museum is an institution that was formed to foster and preserve the downtown revitalization of the town of Hershey in Pennsylvania. Established in 2003, the non-profit organization is made up of community members who want to enhance the beauty of the downtown area, attract new business to the area and improve the quality of life for all, as well as maintaining the town's rich heritage.
Museum
The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society has a museum that is home to over 50,000 artifacts, objects, documents and photographs that tell the story of the early settlers of Derry Township and the surrounding community of Hershey. Featured exhibits at the Museum include 'History of the Pennsylvania State Polic,' 'History of Medicine in Derry Township,' 'A Pictorial History of Our Community, Then & Now,' and 'The Preservation of Our Community's Architectural Legacy.'
Notable exhibitions include 'The First Inhabitants' which takes an in-depth look at the Native Americans who inhabited the area before European settlement, as well as early German and Scotch-Irish settlers who established Derry Township. 'The Villages of Derry' journeys back to the beginning of the communities of the region, many of which influenced the current day town, such as Stoverdale, Derry Church, Swatara Station, and Vian. 'Before Chocolate' delves into the early quarry industry in the region, which supplied brownstone to the cities of New York and St. Louis, and the local community of Waltonville that supported it.
'The Hershey Room' provides an overview of the man behind the chocolate bar and the town and the school for orphans he and his wife founded. 'The Discovery Room' is an interactive learning exhibit designed particularly for children to explore and experience a general store and home from the 1830s, complete with physical artifacts and objects.
'Major Winter's Den' also known as the Veterans Exhibit is a popular exhibit that re-creates the office of Major Dick Winters. 'From B'ars to Bears' takes a look at the history of the most storied and successful franchise of the American Hockey League and features items on loan from the HDTHS permanent collection and former Bears personalities.
Special Events
The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society hosts several special events throughout the year, including a Model Train Exhibit in November and December, a Preservation Award Dinner, 'Art on Chocolate,' and an annual skating party.
Art on Chocolate is a favorite family-friendly fine art and craft festival held in Downtown Hershey every year and features works from more than 120 artists and artisans, children activities such as face painting, and food and beverage vendors. Artworks by local students can be viewed at the Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue, and live entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the day.
The Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society is located at 40 Northeast Drive in Hershey and is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Museum Store offers a selection of various gift items that reflect the reflecting history of the Museum and its collection, maps, books, magnets, golf balls and more.
Plan Your Vacation
Hershey offers an array of things to see and do for the whole family. Explore the fascinating town on a fun-filled Segway tour state-of-the-art Segway Personal Transporters, which are battery-powered and self-balancing and guarantee a safe and exhilarating ride.
Hershey Park is an award-winning, family-friendly theme park that features a variety of roller coasters and rides, themed areas, entertainment zones and places to eat. Established as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Factory, today the park is a popular recreational attraction for the public, offering something for everyone.
Hershey's Chocolate World is a popular tourist attraction offers an array of fun chocolate-related activities - take an exciting guided chocolate tour of the Hershey's factory, create your own personalized Hershey's chocolate bar, watch a fantastic 4-D movie about the 'Mystery of Chocolate' and sample as much Hershey chocolate as you can eat! Hop on the Chocolate Trolley for an in-depth historical tour that explores the inspiring story of Milton Hershey and the town he built on chocolate.
The Hershey Story is an interactive museum that follows the story of Milton S. Hershey and how he came to be one of the world's most recognizable names. The family-friendly museum features a variety of interactive and informative exhibits, displays, and collections, showcasing Hershey's history, lifestyle, and legacy and offers visitors an insight into the fascinating story of chocolate.
Lovers of automobiles will delight in the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of vintage vehicles and highlighting their rich history and heritage. Located in the heart of Hershey, the museum features an outstanding collection of vintage vehicle displays and interactive exhibits that showcase a range of cars, motorcycles, buses and other automobiles from the 1890s through the 1980s.
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40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 717-520-0748
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