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Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

Welcome to Hershey, Pennsylvania, a delightful and charming town known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Nestled in the heart of the state, Hershey is a haven for chocolate lovers and history enthusiasts alike. One of th…

#Chocolate#Amusement Park#Hershey's Kisses#Tourist Destination#Pennsylvania

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hershey.

Top Hotels in Hershey

Top Flights to Hershey

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hershey.

Tours

Hershey Gardens Visit

Explore the beautiful and expansive Hershey Gardens, featuring a butterfly atrium and themed gardens.

Hershey Theatre Show

Enjoy a show or concert at the historic Hershey Theatre.

Hershey's Legacy Tour

Discover the legacy of Milton S. Hershey through a historical tour of the town.

Hershey's Chocolate Tasting Adventure

Participate in a unique chocolate tasting experience at Hershey's Chocolate World.

Shopping

Tanger Outlets Shopping Spree

Shop at Tanger Outlets for great deals on popular brands and stores.

Outdoor

Hershey Park Adventure

Experience thrilling rides and attractions at Hershey Park, perfect for families and thrill-seekers.

Cocoa Castle Playtime

Let the kids play and explore at Cocoa Castle, a creative playground for children.

ZooAmerica Wildlife Park

Observe native North American animals at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hershey.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Hershey, Pennsylvania, is 15,000.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Hershey

Jan

2°-6°

Feb

4°-5°

Mar

10°-1°

Apr

16°4°

May

22°10°

Jun

27°15°

Jul

29°18°

Aug

28°17°

Sep

24°13°

Oct

18°7°

Nov

11°2°

Dec

5°-3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hershey.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the famous Hershey's chocolate company. Here are some key reasons why you should consider visiting:

Hershey's Chocolate World: One of the main attractions in Hershey is Hershey's Chocolate World, a fun and interactive experience for chocolate lovers of all ages. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the chocolate-making process, create their own chocolate bar, and shop for a wide variety of Hershey's products.
Hersheypark: Hershey is also home to Hersheypark, a popular amusement park with rides, games, shows, and attractions for the whole family. The park features roller coasters, water rides, live entertainment, and seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas celebrations.
The Hershey Story Museum: For those interested in learning more about the history of Hershey and the chocolate industry, the Hershey Story Museum is a must-visit. The museum showcases the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey chocolate company, and provides insights into the town's development.
Outdoor activities: Hershey is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. The nearby Hershey Gardens and Hershey Park are great places to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Hershey is known for its family-friendly environment, making it a great destination for travelers with children. The town offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities that cater to families, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable vacation experience.

Overall, Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of chocolate-themed attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences that make it a desirable travel destination.

What to know

Traveling to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and visiting Hershey as a destination may have some drawbacks:

Crowds: Hershey is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays. This means that attractions, hotels, and restaurants may be crowded, leading to longer wait times and less personal space.
Weather: Pennsylvania weather can be unpredictable, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may experience extreme temperatures or inclement weather, which could impact your travel plans.
Cost: Visiting Hershey can be expensive, especially if you plan on visiting multiple attractions, dining out, and staying in hotels. Admission prices to Hersheypark and other attractions can add up quickly, so budgeting for your trip is essential.
Traffic: Like many tourist destinations, Hershey can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times. Navigating through traffic congestion can be frustrating and may impact your overall travel experience.
Limited Public Transportation: Hershey is not known for its robust public transportation system, so having access to a car is often necessary to get around the area. This could be a downside for travelers who prefer not to drive or rely on public transportation.
Commercialization: Being the home of the famous Hershey chocolate company, the town of Hershey is heavily commercialized. While this can be enjoyable for chocolate lovers, some visitors may find the commercial aspects of the town to be overwhelming or detract from the overall experience.

Overall, while Hershey offers a unique and fun travel experience with its chocolate-themed attractions and entertainment options, visitors should be prepared for crowds, potential weather challenges, and the costs associated with a popular tourist destination.

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is often associated with the famous Hershey Chocolate Company and the town's unique history as a model industrial community. Here’s a detailed history of Hershey, Pennsylvania:

Founding and Early History

Milton S. Hershey: The town of Hershey is intrinsically linked to Milton S. Hershey, its founder, who was born in 1857 in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. After several failed business attempts in the candy industry, Hershey found success with the Lancaster Caramel Company. However, his vision extended beyond caramel to creating a chocolate empire.
Creation of Hershey Chocolate Company: In 1900, Hershey sold the Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million and focused on perfecting milk chocolate, which at the time was a luxury product. In 1903, he began building a chocolate factory in Derry Township, which he considered an ideal location due to its proximity to dairy farms, which would supply fresh milk.

Development of the Town

Model Town Concept: Milton Hershey envisioned a model town for his workers and began to develop what would become Hershey, Pennsylvania. Unlike other industrialists of his time, Hershey wanted his employees to enjoy a comfortable living environment. He invested in building homes, schools, churches, and recreational facilities.
Hersheypark: In 1906, Hersheypark was established as a leisure park for employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. Over time, it evolved into a public amusement park and remains a popular destination today.

Significant Events

The Great Depression: During the Great Depression, Milton Hershey undertook several "Great Building Campaigns" to provide jobs for the community. This included the construction of notable buildings such as the Hershey Theatre, the Hotel Hershey, and the Hershey Community Center.
World War II: During World War II, the Hershey Company produced a special ration bar, the "Tropical Chocolate Bar," for U.S. troops serving in tropical climates. The company was recognized for its contributions to the war effort.

Historical Figures

Milton S. Hershey: Beyond his business achievements, Hershey is remembered for his philanthropy. In 1909, he and his wife, Catherine, established the Hershey Industrial School (now the Milton Hershey School) for orphaned boys. The school continues to operate today, providing free education to children in need.

Important Landmarks

Hershey's Chocolate World: Opened in 1973, this visitor center offers tours, exhibits, and chocolate-related attractions.
Hershey Gardens: Established in 1937, these botanical gardens are a testament to Milton Hershey’s love of horticulture.
Hershey Theatre: Opened in 1933, this elegant theater is known for its beautiful interior and hosting a variety of performances.
The Hotel Hershey: Built during the Great Depression, this luxury hotel opened in 1933 and is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.
Hersheypark Stadium: Opened in 1939, it hosts concerts and sports events and is a key venue in the area.

Legacy

Milton Hershey passed away in 1945, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and community development. Hershey, Pennsylvania, remains a testament to his vision and continues to thrive as a center for chocolate production and a popular tourist destination.

The town's history is rooted in the ideals of Milton Hershey, who believed in creating a sustainable and enriching environment for his workers and their families. Hershey, Pennsylvania, is not just known for chocolate but also as a symbol of one man's dream to build a community that reflects his values of hard work, community service, and generosity.