The town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, is unique because industrialist Milton S. Hershey built it as a model community designed entirely around the well-being of his workers. Unlike the exploitative “company towns” typical of the early 20th century, Hershey envisioned a thriving, self-sustaining village complete with tree-lined streets, affordable housing, excellent infrastructure, and rich cultural opportunities.
Today, his profound philanthropic blueprint continues to govern and fund the town’s major institutions. The transformation of Hershey, Pennsylvania, from a quiet trolley-park town into a world-class destination resulted from a deliberate shift in the 1970s from a local picnic ground to a fully gated, highly commercialized theme park ecosystem. By systematically transitioning its properties to cater to regional vacationers and global roller coaster enthusiasts, the town scaled its hospitality and entertainment footprint exponentially.
To make the most out of your trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, maximize your ticket value by bundle-planning your attractions and exploiting park-perk secrets. Strategic timing and leveraging official resort benefits will transform a standard visit into an efficient, stress-free vacation.
The World that Milton Hershey Built
A Visionary Company Town
Against the advice of his peers, Milton Hershey broke ground on his chocolate factory in rural Derry Township in 1903 to ensure a steady supply of fresh milk from local dairy farms. As the Hershey Chocolate Company rapidly grew, he actively shaped the surrounding community.
Employee Amenities: He rejected row houses, opting instead to build comfortable, modern homes with yards, a public transit system, and comprehensive utilities.
Recreation First: In 1906, he opened Hershey Park purely as a pleasant green space for his employees to enjoy picnicking, boating, and relaxation.
Cultural Expansion: He established iconic landmarks like the majestic The Hotel Hershey and the elegant Hershey Theatre to bring world-class architecture and entertainment to his rural workforce.
The Great Building Campaign
When the Great Depression threatened the nation’s economy, Hershey took unprecedented steps to protect his town. Rather than laying off employees, he launched a massive, privately funded construction initiative colloquially known as his personal “New Deal”.
Job Creation: The campaign successfully kept over 600 local men gainfully employed during the height of the economic collapse.
Architectural Legacy: This period produced the town’s most prominent structures, including the Hersheypark Arena (a pioneering concrete structure) and the Hersheypark Stadium.
The Ultimate Legacy: Milton Hershey School
The true heart of the world Milton Hershey built lies in his ultimate act of philanthropy. Having no children of their own, Milton and his wife, Catherine, founded the Hershey Industrial School in 1909 to provide housing and education for orphaned boys.
The Quiet Donation: In 1918, three years after his wife’s passing, Hershey secretly transferred his entire fortune—including his controlling shares of the chocolate company—into a trust for the school.
A Living Endowment: Today, the coeducational Milton Hershey School serves over 2,000 underprivileged children entirely cost-free. Because the school trust holds the controlling interest in The Hershey Company, every Hershey chocolate bar purchased directly helps fund a child’s education.
The Town Today
The institutional ecosystem of modern Hershey is anchored by the entities Milton Hershey established to perpetuate his vision. The Hershey Trust Company manages the school’s massive endowment, while Hershey Entertainment & Resorts operates the commercial tourism properties. Additionally, The M.S. Hershey Foundation directly preserves local culture by funding regional pillars like the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum.
Transformation into a World Class Destination
The 1971 Great Gate Turn
End of open-gate admission: For its first 64 years, the amusement park operated as a free public transit park where guests only paid per ride.
Modern theme park model: In 1971, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts gated the park, instituted a single-price admission ticket, and launched a multi-phase master expansion plan.
Innovative Engineering: The park began aggressive investment in landmark thrill rides, opening the sooperdooperLooper in 1977 as one of the first complete-circuit looping roller coasters in the world.
Aggressive Coaster and Resort Expansion
Coaster capital status: Between 1991 and the present, the park accelerated capital investment, building world-renowned steel and wooden coasters like Great Bear, Lightning Racer, Skyrush, and the hybrid Wildcat’s Revenge.
The Boardwalk: In 2007, the park opened a massive, 11-acre water park directly inside the gates, cementing its status as a multi-day regional summer resort destination.
Hospitality expansion: To support the influx of multi-day travelers, the town built the expansive Hershey Lodge, opened the MeltSpa by Hershey downtown, and debuted the Hershey Inn & Suites.
The Chocolatetown Era
The $150 million gateway: Opened in 2020, Hershey’s Chocolatetown represents the largest capital expansion project in the park’s history.
Candymonium: The expansion is anchored by the park’s tallest, fastest, and longest hyper-coaster, integrating the signature candy branding directly into the ride experience.
Premium dining and shopping: The gate features The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, alongside massive flagship retail spaces, successfully marrying theme park thrills with high-end culinary tourism.
Major Destination Pillars
Hersheypark- Spans over 121 acres featuring 76 rides and an integrated water park. Features a world-class lineup of 15 roller coasters.
Hersheypark Stadium- A premier outdoor stadium hosting massive global stadium concert tours. Upgraded with premium viewing decks and back-of-house areas.
Hershey’s Chocolate World- Serves as the high-capacity, interactive visitor center welcoming millions annually. Features the iconic free chocolate tour ride and custom candy creation experiences.
The Hotel Hershey- A historic, AAA Four-Diamond hilltop luxury resort built during the Depression. Offers a world-renowned chocolate-infused spa treatment menu.
Hersheypark
To maximize your time inside Hersheypark, prioritize the “Big 3” destination pillars—the 15 world-class roller coasters, the 11-acre Boardwalk water park, and the walk-through ZooAmerica wildlife park—which are all included in your single admission ticket. Balancing high-thrill rides with the park’s iconic sweet-themed family attractions creates an efficient and highly rewarding itinerary.
Conquer the Thrill Rides & Coasters
Twizzlers Twisted Gravity- Swing high above Spring Creek on this towering, 137-foot-tall attraction that reaches speeds of 68 mph and delivers multiple mind-bending zero-G moments.
Candymonium- Head directly to Hershey’s Chocolatetown to ride the park’s tallest, fastest, and longest hyper-coaster, which mimics the smooth flow of chocolate.
Wildcat’s Revenge-Take a spin on this critically acclaimed hybrid coaster, combining a classic wooden framework with smooth, inversion-packed steel tracks.
Comet- a historic double-out-and-back wooden coaster celebrating its milestone anniversary as the park’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster.
Cool Off at The Boardwalk Water Park
Breakers Edge Water Coaster- Experience rocket-propelled hydromagnetic technology featuring flying saucer turns on a thrilling wet track. Compete against friends on the longest mat-racing slide in the world, complete with colorful, looping timing tunnels.
The Boardwalk at Hersheypark- Let kids play on a massive, seven-story water structure loaded with 500 interactive toys and a colossal 54,000-gallon tipping bucket.
Intercoastal Waterway-Slow the day down with a peaceful float along the park’s scenic lazy river.
Enjoy Family & Non-Coaster Attractions
ZooAmerica- Walk right across the internal park bridge into an 11-acre wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving native North American animals.
Reese’s Cup Fusion- Enter this interactive, laser-shooting dark ride to protect the chocolate factory from candy villains.
The Kissing Tower- Absorb a 250-foot panoramic aerial view of the town, looking through windows shaped like iconic Hershey’s Kisses.
Dry Gulch Railroad- Take a nostalgic, family-friendly tour around the park’s midways on a miniature 19th-century steam-powered train.
Indulge in
The Chocolatier- Sit down at the flagship full-service restaurant on the patio for cocoa-infused savory dishes, signature milkshakes, and views of the park gates.
Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor-Build custom sundaes with house-made ice cream, warm chocolate syrup, and specialized candy toppings.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
To make the most of your visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World, focus on combining its iconic free chocolate factory tour ride with its interactive, premium ticketed experiences. Because this high-capacity visitor center sits directly outside the Hersheypark gates, you do not need an amusement park ticket to enter, browse, or shop.
Experience the Classic & Free Attractions
Hershey’s Chocolate Tour: Board an automated dark ride that simulates the journey of cocoa beans from rainforests to the factory, complete with real chocolate scents and a free candy sample at the exit.
The World’s Largest Hershey’s Store: Browse thousands of exclusive products, massive candy bars, and specialized apparel collections not found in regular grocery stores.
Character Meet & Greets: Stop by the central indoor courtyard at scheduled times to snap photos with life-sized Hershey’s Bar, Reese’s Cup, and Kiss characters.
Create and Customize Your Own Treats
Create Your Own Candy Bar: Suit up in an apron and hairnet to operate a digital assembly line, selecting your base chocolate type, interior mix-ins (like cookies or sprinkles), and designing custom packaging.
Hershey’s Melted Hot Chocolate Dispenser: Stop by the central food court to order a cup of ultra-rich, thick liquid milk chocolate poured straight from heated copper taps.
Immerse Yourself in Premium Shows & Tastings
Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition: Sit in a high-tech, 360-degree theater with interactive special effects to guide a digital train through immersive candy worlds while snacking on a specialized tasting tray.
Unwrap the Milk Chocolate Mystery: Book tickets for this interactive 4D movie experience that features digital special effects, wind gusts, and changing storylines controlled by audience votes.
Hershey’s Chocolate & Wine Pairing: Sign up for an educational tasting session (for adults 21+) that expertly pairs regional Hershey chocolates with local Pennsylvania wines.
The Hotel Hershey
The Hotel Hershey is a historic, AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort built during the Great Depression that stands as a premier crown jewel of Milton Hershey’s architectural legacy. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the town, the 1930s hotel blends elegant Mediterranean-Spanish architecture with high-end modern amenities and exclusive guest perks. Wake up early to enter Hersheypark one hour before the general public to hit popular coasters first. Receive complimentary general admission to both the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum. Skip the daily $25 theme park parking fees by riding the hotel’s front-door resort shuttle buses. Enjoy a full-size Hershey’s milk chocolate bar handed to every guest directly at check-in.
The Chocolate Spa & Wellness
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: Book world-renowned, chocolate-infused treatments like the Whipped Cocoa Bath or Chocolate Fondue Wrap.
Anniversary refresh: Relax in a newly modernized interior that blends historic charm with contemporary luxury.
Pool complexes: Swim year-round inside the indoor pool or enjoy the expansive outdoor pool complex featuring zero-grade entry and waterslides.
Premium Accommodations
Historic guest rooms: Stay in the main building to experience 1930s European elegance, fountain courtyards, and boutique design.
The Villas at The Hotel Hershey: Upgrade to an exclusive, ultra-luxury villa layout featuring multi-bedroom suites, private concierges, and an upscale lounge.
Signature On-Site Dining
The Circular: Indulge in upscale steak and seafood dishes inside Milton Hershey’s historic, window-wrapped formal dining room.
Trevi 5: Enjoy fresh, authentic Italian cuisine paired with an extensive wine menu in a casual, contemporary setting.
Harvest: Dine on farm-to-table American comfort food sourcing fresh regional ingredients from local Pennsylvania providers.
Why It is worth Staying overnight
Staying overnight at an official property like The Hotel Hershey is worth it because the exclusive “Sweet Start” early park access and the complimentary shuttle system completely eliminate the two biggest theme park headaches: massive morning lines and paid parking hassle. When you calculate the cash value of the free attraction tickets included with your room, the premium resort stay often pays for itself.
Every guest receives complimentary general admission to both the Hershey Gardens (a $15+ value per person) and The Hershey Story Museum (a $15+ value per person). You can leave your car at the hotel and ride the complimentary resort shuttle buses directly to the front gate, saving you the $25+ daily parking fee at the main lot. You are handed a full-size Hershey’s milk chocolate bar directly at the front desk upon check-in. Resort guests can enter Hersheypark at 8:30 AM—a full hour before the general public. This allows you to ride the park’s absolute busiest coasters (Candemonium and Skyrush) with virtually zero wait time. Having a hotel room less than 10 minutes from the gates makes it incredibly easy to use the free evening preview perk on Day 1 without worrying about a long, exhausting night drive home afterward. Because the shuttles run continuously, you can easily leave the hot theme park at 1:00 PM to take a nap, swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool complex, or get a chocolate facial at the spa, then return to the park refreshed for the evening. Splitting the trip across two days ensures you do not have to frantically sprint between the water park, zoo, roller coasters, and Chocolate World all in a single afternoon.
The Ultimate Hershey Experience
Day 1: Gardens, History, & The Free Park Preview
Hotel Hershey Check-In: Arrive at the historic, AAA Four-Diamond The Hotel Hershey. Claim your signature check-in chocolate bar, free Hershey Gardens and museum passes, and resort shuttle schedule.
Learn Downtown History- Start your trip at The Hershey Story Museum. Explore Milton Hershey’s legacy, take a hands-on candy class in the Chocolate Lab, and drink a flight of warm, melted chocolates from around the world.
Visit Butterfly Atrium- Head up the hill to the 23-acre Hershey Gardens to walk among hundreds of rare, tropical butterflies inside the indoor atrium.
Exploit the Preview Plan- Head to Hersheypark. Enter the front gates early using the free evening preview perk included with tomorrow’s park ticket.
Ride Heavy-Hitter Coasters- Walk straight to the back of the park to knock out high-demand coasters like Wildcat’s Revenge or Storm Runner as daytime crowds exit.
Dinner at The Circular- Return to the hotel to dine inside The Circular, Milton Hershey’s historic, window-wrapped formal dining room known for upscale steak and seafood.
Day 2: The Ultimate Coaster, Water Park, & Chocolate World Marathon
Sweet Start Power Hour: Use your official resort guest wristband to enter Hersheypark a full hour before the general public. Immediately ride Candemonium and Skyrush with zero lines.
The Boardwalk Dash: As the rest of the park opens, head straight to The Boardwalk water park. Ride Breakers Edge Water Coaster before afternoon lines peak.
Shaded Wildlife: Walk across the internal park bridge into the shaded, 11-acre ZooAmerica to view North American wildlife and escape the midday sun.
Coaster & Family Ride Wrap-Up: Hit any remaining theme park favorites, including Fahrenheit, Great Bear, and the historic Comet wooden coaster.
Chocolate World Tour: Leave the theme park and walk next door to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Board the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour dark ride to see how the candy is manufactured and grab your free sample.
Create Your Own Candy Bar: Step into your pre-booked ticket slot to operate an assembly line, designing and packaging a custom 1-pound chocolate bar.
Flagship Shopping: Hit the world’s largest Hershey’s store to load up on massive candy bundles so you don’t have to carry them through the park.
Dinner at The Chocolatier: Head upstairs to The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio for your final dinner. Enjoy cocoa-infused savory dishes and over-the-top milkshakes while overlooking the park gates.
Why Visit Hershey?
You should visit Hershey because it is a one-of-a-kind, sensory-rich destination where a world-class, 15-coaster theme park seamlessly integrates with a living historic legacy of chocolate and philanthropy. Unlike generic vacation spots, the entire town smells like roasting cocoa beans, and every chocolate bar you buy directly helps fund a cost-free education for underprivileged children. Hershey is a premier global destination for thrill-seekers, featuring top-ranked steel and hybrid coasters. A standard admission ticket functions as a multi-attraction pass, including access to a full, 11-acre water park complete with hydromagnetic water coasters and ZooAmerica. Ride an automated dark ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World to see how candy is manufactured and score a free sample. Don a hairnet and apron to digitally and physically design your own 1-pound custom chocolate bar. Explore Downtown Hershey, a pristine 1930s “company town” featuring iconic streetlights shaped like Hershey’s Kisses. Discover how chocolate magnate Milton Hershey bypassed corporate greed, leaving his entire controlling fortune to a trust that houses, clothes, and educates over 2,000 underprivileged kids.
Attributions
Visit Hershey Harrisburg- Things to do on Chocolate Ave
Hershey Legacy- The Town Hershey Built
Visit Hershey Harrsiburg- Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
Visit Hershey Harrisburg- The Circular
Hersheys Chocolate World- Things to Do
Chocolate World- Plan your visit
Stories- Hershey PA- Historic First year for Hersheys Chocolatetown
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