Hershey Park
From LoveToKnow Travel
HERSHEYPARK, located in the south central Pennsylvania town of Hershey, was opened in 1907 as an amusement park for the families of Hershey Chocolate Company workers. The Hershey park gradually evolved to include the public and, today, it encompasses 110 acres and 60 rides, 10 of which are roller coasters.
History of HERSHEYPARK
Hershey Chocolate owner, Milton Hershey, built Hershey Park as a built for his workers and their families to relax. Openned in 1907, it included large picnic lawns, a band shell, and a stage for vaudeville productions. Attractions were gradually added, first a merry-go-round, then two bowling alleys, a tennis court, and a scenic railroad.
By the 1930s, the park's attractions included the "Wild Kat" roller coaster, a "flying" airplane ride, and a larger Ferris Wheel. Each year, new attractions were added. The park was completely revamped during the 1970s and was transformed from a small regional park to one of the most popular and innovative amusement parks in the US. Today, the complex includes an open-air concert stage, a zoo, and 60 rides including 10 roller coasters, 10 water rides, and 20 kiddie rides.
The Rides
The 60 rides at Hershey Park range from mild children's rides to "agressive thrill" rides. The ten roller coasters include the classic wooden coaster, "The Comet," built in 1946 and remodeled in 1979, and the steel "Storm Runner," opened in 2004. Other rides include 10 water rides, the 1946 Carrousel, and a giant, 100-foot Ferris Wheel, added in 1997.
Other Activities
In addition to the rides, Hershey Park offers a full schedule of stage presentations and roving entertainers. The park also is home to an outdoor amphitheater that attracts big name musical acts during the summer.
Dining options at HersheyPark include the full-service Tudor Grill, Famiglia Pizza, Central PA's Kosher Kitchen, Wok n Roll, and several other eateries. Guests are not permitted to bring food or drink inside the park, but ample picnic facilities and restrooms are located in the parking lot area.
Visiting Hershey Park
HersheyPark is located in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, just east of the state capital of Harrisburg. The park is easily accessible from the east coast and Midwest via the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81.
The park is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with hours varying. It is also open on weekends from the beginning of May until Memorial Day and from Labor Day to the end of October.
Admission to HersheyPark includes admission to the adjacent ZOOAMERICA, the complex's animal attraction. Single day admission is $41.95 for guests 7-54, $24.95 for ages 3-8 and 55-69, $17.95 for ages 70+, and free for guests under 2 years old. Discounts are offered for evenings and multi-day passes.
Accommodations
The town of Hershey features several accommodations near the park. The majestic four-star Hotel Hershey, built in the 1930s, offers 232 elegant rooms and fine dining. The Hershey Lodge is a 665-room family-oriented resort, with kids activities, golf, and a spacious pool area. The Hershey Campground offers 55 acres of scenic woodland and 300 open and wooded campsites, accompanied by a full array of facilites.
Contact Information
HERSHEYPARK
100 W. Hersheypark Dr.
Hershey, PA 17033
1-800-HERSHEY
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