Hersheypark

Hersheypark, just off SR 743 and US 422, dates to 1907 when the park was founded by Milton S. Hershey as a recreational gathering place for employees of his chocolate company and residents of the town of Hershey. The park's appearance has changed over the past century but has retained its original charm. There are now more than 70 rides and attractions, including 14 roller coasters. At Hershey Triple Tower, each of the three towers offers a different ride experience. Coasters include Laff Trakk, an indoor, spinning “glow coaster”; Fahrenheit, a vertical lift coaster with a 97-degree drop; Great Bear, a steel looping coaster; Storm Runner, a hydraulic launch coaster with inversions; Skyrush, the park's tallest, fastest and longest coaster; and Comet, a classic wooden coaster built in 1946. Daily entertainment includes live singing and dancing shows and a marine mammal presentation. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a water play area reminiscent of the beaches and boardwalks of the Northeast, features more than a dozen attractions, including The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool, and Intercoastal Waterway, a lazy river. Admission to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park (see attraction listing) also is included. In April the park opens up for a 2-weekend preview called Springtime in the Park, and on weekends in mid-October the park celebrates Halloween with Hersheypark in the Dark. From mid-November through December 31, more than 4 million lights transform the park into a festive holiday wonderland for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Lockers are available, and day-use kennels are available during park hours. Food is available. Time: Allow 4 hours minimum.