When you think of American candy, nothing comes to mind faster than a Hershey's chocolate bar. But in the town where it all began, there's much more than just chocolate. From roller coasters to roses, there are plenty of things to do near Hershey, Pennsylvania. We've included seven of our favorites. While wonderful, be sure to check each attraction beforehand for availability and guidelines. Once you get the green light, have fun exploring Hershey!
Without a doubt, Hersheypark is the biggest attraction in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Visitors from the East Coast and beyond flock to the thrill rides and roller coasters of Hersheypark.
More than a dozen roller coasters can be found at Hersheypark. These range from family rides like Cocoa Cruiser to high thrill coasters like Storm Runner. There are also many non-coaster rides like carousels, drop towers, and variety of water slides and rides.
Don't forget to enjoy the great food stands around the park! The options are a step above your usual amusement park fare. And after your fun at Hersheypark, swing by Hershey's Chocolate World. Located next door, Chocolate World offers a free tour and many other activities.
There's no older attraction in Hershey than Indian Echo Caverns. Though the cave wasn't turned into a tourist attraction until 1929, it has a storied history. For centuries, it served as a living and storage place for Native Americans. The constant temperature of 52 degrees ensured cool temperatures year-round.
Today, visitors can marvel at the limestone formations in Indian Echo Caverns. Skilled tour guides will take you through the caves, covering the geology and history. Along with the natural beauty, you'll be able to see markers and carvings from early explorers.
In 1937, Milton Hershey requested "a nice garden of roses" for his wife. Over time, the small garden grew into one of the best botanical gardens in the eastern U.S.
Visitors can explore 23 acres of flowers, shrubs, and trees at Hershey Gardens. Each season, select displays change for a new experience every visit. And you won't want to miss the Butterfly Atrium, one of only a few year-round butterfly houses in the country. There's no doubt that visiting Hershey Gardens is one of the best things to do near Hershey!
Being a popular tourist destination, it's no surprise that Hershey is home to factory and outlet stores. The selection is centered around the Tanger Outlets. Within this outlet mall, you'll find recognizable brands like Vera Bradley, Michael Kors, Aerie, and more. Whether shopping for yourself or the family, the Hershey outlet stores are great places to find deals.
One of the finest things to do near Hershey is a visit to the AACA Museum. An official Smithsonian Affiliate, the AACA Museum is a collection of rare and unique cars, buses, and motorcycles. More than eight decades of automobiles are contained in the collection.
Beyond just displaying cars, the AACA Museum offers the history behind them. For example, the shift from streetcars to buses in the 20th century. Or the counterculture movement and the associated Volkswagen vans. There's plenty to learn and enjoy. And if you have a young gearhead in the group, this is a must-see attraction.
On the edge of Hershey sits a weathered barn. This distinct structure is the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania and is home to Crossroads Antique Mall.
Spread over two stories is a collection of furniture, pottery, glass, toys, and more. The selection is more curated than many antique stores so there's less sorting through low-quality items. And there are some unique items too, such as classic Hershey memorabilia. If you're a niche collector, Crossroads Antique Mall is the place to stop in Hershey.
As we round out our list of things to do near Hershey, we come to Dutch Wonderland. This theme park is 30 miles southeast of Hershey but is worth the drive. Known as the "Kingdom for Kids," Dutch Wonderland is the top place to visit with children!
Rides, attractions, shows, and family dining are all part of the experience. Land and water rides are designed to accommodate kids of various ages. And attractions like the dinosaurs of Exploration Island cater to the interests of kids. If you're gunning for "Parent of the Year," you won't want to miss Dutch Wonderland.
There's a variety of things to do for all ages. Whatever you decide to do, we know you'll enjoy your visit!
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