Hersheypark

Hersheypark is a famous theme park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. Today, it is considered one of the most popular parks in the country, attracting visitors with dozens of attractions, including roller coasters and a full-scale water park. This is a place where thrilling entertainment blends with a unique atmosphere dedicated to chocolate.

The park's history is inextricably linked with Milton Hershey, the founder of the famous chocolate company. In 1906, he created this place as a recreation area for his company's employees. Initially, it was a scenic space for picnics, family walks, and boating on Spring Creek. Over time, the park gradually expanded, adding new rides.

A key moment in its development was a massive reconstruction that began in 1971, when the park was transformed into the modern theme complex known as Hersheypark. This was when the single admission ticket system was introduced instead of paying for each ride, making it even more attractive to visitors. Since then, the park has been constantly evolving, growing from a small recreation area into one of America's leading entertainment centers.

To get the most up-to-date information on tickets, operating hours, and special events, it is recommended to visit the park's official website. You can also contact Hersheypark representatives directly using the contact details provided below.

At Hersheypark, visitors will find a huge variety of entertainment designed for every age and taste. The park's territory is cleverly divided into several themed zones, each offering its own unique attractions. For example, the Kissing Tower Hill area focuses on classic rides like the Coal Cracker water slide, the breathtaking Great Bear roller coaster, and the Kissing Tower observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the surroundings.

For lovers of history and classic rides, Hersheypark offers some real gems. Special attention should be paid to the legendary wooden roller coaster The Comet, launched in 1946 and still ranked among the best in the country. Nearby is an antique carousel that has been delighting guests since 1945. Those who enjoy a slower pace can ride the Dry Gulch Railroad, which opened in 1960 and provides a scenic way to enjoy views of the park.

In addition to the rides, Hersheypark offers other great leisure opportunities. The entrance to ZooAmerica, where you can learn about North American wildlife, is also located within the park. For those who are hungry, there is the Overlook Food Court, and for performance enthusiasts, the doors of the Hersheypark Amphitheater and the aquatheatre, which hosts marine animal shows, are always open. This variety makes the park an ideal place for a full day of family fun.

Getting to Hersheypark is quite simple, as it is conveniently located in the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The town is situated just 23 kilometers from Harrisburg, the state capital, making it easily accessible for travelers. Most visitors arrive at the park by car, using the major highways that pass through the region. For example, the drive from New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore takes only a few hours. The park itself provides large parking areas for the convenience of its guests.

For those who prefer to travel by air, the nearest airport is Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), located about 20 minutes from Hershey. The airport serves several major American airlines and offers direct flights from 17 cities. Upon arrival, you can rent a car or use taxi and rideshare services to quickly reach the park. It is also worth checking with your hotel to see if they provide airport transfers, as some hotels offer such services.

Traveling by public transport is also possible. The Amtrak rail company operates services to stations in Harrisburg (HAR), Elizabethtown (ELT), and Middletown (MID), from which Hershey can be reached by car in 20-25 minutes. The Greyhound bus company also runs services to the Harrisburg terminal, which is in the same building as the train station. Additionally, local bus route 322 runs between Harrisburg and Hershey, stopping at the Hersheypark Service Center and the outlets.

The history of Hersheypark is rich with events that go beyond its initial creation. For instance, while the Great Depression of the 1930s led to the closure of hundreds of amusement parks across the country, Hersheypark continued to thrive. In 1933, new attractions were added, including The Mill Chute water ride and The Bug. The post-World War II period marked a new stage of growth: in 1946, the park launched the legendary wooden roller coaster The Comet, which remains one of its symbols to this day.

In the 1950s, the park actively expanded its family offerings. In 1949, a special children's area called Kiddieland was opened, and a year later, impressive 66-foot double Ferris wheels appeared. The 1960s were a transitional period: some old rides were redesigned—for example, The Mill Chute was renamed Lost River. However, by the end of the decade, it became clear that the park needed a major modernization, which sparked its complete transformation in the early 1970s.

The park's connection to the chocolate theme has also evolved over time. In the early decades, it was more indirect—Milton Hershey used images of the park on postcards tucked into chocolate bar wrappers to promote his town. After the 1971 rebranding, when the park was officially named Hersheypark, the chocolate theme began to be integrated more explicitly. This process reached its peak in 2020 with the opening of the massive new area, Hershey's Chocolatetown—an entire district dedicated to the famous treat, complete with themed restaurants, shops, and attractions.

To fully enjoy everything Hersheypark has to offer, visitors should set aside at least one full day. A single admission ticket includes access to three areas at once: the main amusement park with over 70 attractions, The Boardwalk water park (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day), and ZooAmerica. Such a variety of entertainment means that even a whole day will be packed from start to finish.

The optimal distribution of time depends on your interests. If you want to ride all the famous roller coasters and visit the main attractions, that will take up most of the day. During the summer months, it's worth setting aside a few hours for The Boardwalk water park, which itself offers 16 water attractions. A visit to the 11-acre ZooAmerica, home to North American animals, will take another couple of hours. This is why many regular visitors and the park itself recommend dedicating two days to the visit to explore every zone without rushing and get the most out of your trip to Hershey.

Hersheypark operates on a seasonal schedule, so its hours of operation depend on the time of year. The main summer season, when the park is open daily, will run from May 22 to September 7 in 2025. During this period, the hours are usually the longest, such as from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, the park is open on weekends in the spring (from April 5 to May 18, 2025) and on certain days in the fall and winter for special events like Hersheypark Halloween and the Christmas Candylane holiday festival. It is worth noting that ZooAmerica, located on the park grounds, is open to visitors year-round.

Since the schedule can change depending on the day of the week, weather conditions, and ongoing events, it is highly recommended to check the current operating hours on the park's official website before planning your visit. To avoid queues and take advantage of the best offers, it is recommended to purchase tickets online and in advance. This not only saves time but also allows you to plan your day as efficiently as possible.

Visiting Hersheypark is undoubtedly an exciting event, but you shouldn't limit your trip to it alone. The town of Hershey and its surroundings offer many other interesting places that will make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the unique "chocolate" atmosphere of this corner of the USA and discover something new.

Many iconic locations are within walking distance of the park itself, making exploration particularly convenient. You can easily complement a day spent on the rides with a visit to an interactive museum or a stroll through scenic parts of the town. Below is a list of nearby attractions with their distances from Hersheypark.