It probably wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that the candy stands out at Hersheypark. Characters dressed as Hershey Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and other delicacies roam the park. Because world-famous bars and other sweets are made in the nearby factory, the entire city even smells like chocolate. Started as a recreation center for workers at the Milton Hershey factory in 1906, the park has a long history and a palpable sense of nostalgia.
Hersheypark has a great variety of rides and attractions, including a great variety of roller coasters. In fact, it is a crazy mountain park with one of the largest collections of thrill machines in the world. The park also offers a good selection of attractions for younger children, as well as shows for the whole family. ZOOAMERICA, included with admission, features native North American animals. After the regular season ends, Hersheypark opens for Halloween and Christmas events.
With its hotels, amphitheater, sports stadium, gardens and Chocolate World, Hersheypark is more of a destination park than a regional amusement park. Adding in a visit to the nearby Dutch country of Pennsylvania, a trip to Hershey could be part of a multi-day vacation.
Featured coasters and other attractions
- Hersheypark is home to the top-10 wooden coaster, Lightning Racer. The dual track ride is a racing and dueling roller coaster.
- Perhaps the most exciting ride in the park, Skyrush climbs 200 feet, accelerates to 75 mph as it shoots a first drop of 85 degrees, and includes five moments of free-floating airtime.
- Great Bear is an inverted roller coaster, which means that the trains hang suspended from the traqk. Includes four investments.
- Storm Runner, a roller coaster, uses a hydraulic launch system to accelerate from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds. The launch is followed by three investments.
- Opened in 1946, Comet is a classic wooden roller coaster.
- Other thrilling rides include the Hershey Triple Tower, which offers three different rides, and The Claw, a high-flying pendulum ride.
Water park
Unlike many theme parks, Hersheypark does not identify its water attractions as an on-site water park. But The Boardwalk has an impressive collection of slides and other wet attractions and is bigger than most theme park / water park hybrids (and bigger even than some standalone water parks). Admission to the water park attractions is included with admission to Hersheypark.
Attractions include:
- Breakers Edge, an uphill roller coaster
- Waverider, a FlowRider surf ride
- Coastline dip tube slides
- Intercoastal canal, a lazy river
- Whitgecap Racer, a multi-lane mat racing slide
- East Coast Waterworks, an interactive water play structure with multiple dump buckets
- The Shore, a wave pool
Hershey’s world of chocolate
Located just outside the main entrance, Hershey’s Chocolate World includes a tour of a simulated chocolate factory, free candy bar samples, 4D Chocolate Mystery, a digitally animated presentation, a huge candy store, a bakery and an ice . cream shop.
Admission policy
Hersheypark offers day passes for a price, both at the door and online. Rides in the water park are included with admission. Discounted tickets are available for children and seniors. ZOOAMERICA is included with admission. The park offers reduced prices for two- and three-day admission tickets, as well as special “Sunset” offers for late-day tickets.
Admission is free to Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is not part of Hersheypark. The “factory tour” tour is free, but 4D movie and other attractions require additional charges.
What is there to eat?
Surprisingly, Hershey’s chocolate does not stand out within the park. Even the booth, Simply Chocolate, offers Turkey Hill ice cream. The usual park fee, which includes pizza, burgers, and fries, is available. More interesting options include a taco food truck, a second food truck that offers barbecue dishes, the Spring Creek Smokehouse with ribs and turkey legs, and the Gourmet Grille, which has a wide variety of dishes from the Southwest and the Mediterranean.
Addresses
From Baltimore: I83N to York and Harrisburg. Near Harrisburg, continue on I83N to 322E to Hershey. Exit at Hersheypark Drive / Route 39W.
From Central New Jersey: I95S to Pennsylvania Turnpike (I76). I76W to Exit 266. Turn left onto 72N to 322W. Route 322 becomes Hersheypark Drive / Route 39W.
From New York: I78W to I81S. Take Exit 77 and follow Route 39S toward Hershey.
From Philadelphia: Schuykill Freeway (I76W) to Pennsylvania Turnpike (I76). I76W to Exit 266. Follow NJ directions above.
Hotel Information
Hershey operates three nearby resorts: the elegant Hershey Hotel, the Hershey Lodge, and the Hersheypark Camping Resort.
