Explore the Places That Shaped Hershey’s Legacy
Rooted in Milton Hershey’s vision, the places in Hershey, Pennsylvania, have been bringing people together for generations. See what makes each landmark special. Explore its history and how it’s changed over time.
Hersheypark
Hershey Park Then:
In the early 1900s, Milton Hershey set aside land north of his chocolate factory as recreation for his employees. In 1908, Hershey Park (now Hersheypark) added its first official ride: a second-hand carousel.
Hersheypark Now:
Today, 120 years later, Hersheypark has grown into a premier theme park attracting guests from all over the world. It’s home to 70+ attractions, including 15 iconic coasters, 1-million-gallon water park, more than 40 classic family rides, and seasonal events.
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD
Factory Tours Then:
Visitors once toured the working chocolate factory, watching beans roast and bars move along production lines. The crowds eventually outgrew the factory space. The last public tour inside the production plant was held in 1973.
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD Now:
At HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD, visitors can enjoy a free chocolate tour ride, create their own candy bar, watch interactive shows, and ride a trolley through the town’s historic streets and landmarks.
ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica Then:
ZooAmerica® opened as Hershey Zoo in 1910, when Milton S. Hershey formally organized his Park’s growing collection of wild animals. In 1978, the zoo entered a new chapter as ZooAmerica, dedicated to protecting, promoting, and encouraging the conservation of wildlife, natural resources, and habitats.
ZooAmerica Now:
Today, ZooAmerica invites guests to walk through forested trails and discover the wild of North America right in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Zoo cares for animals representing over 60 species from five regions of North America.
Hershey Theatre
Hershey Theatre Then:
Plans for Hershey Theatre were drafted in 1915. However, construction began in 1928, and later took off as part of Milton Hershey’s effort to provide jobs during the Great Depression. Gilded details, sweeping staircases, and richly decorated ceilings made it one of the town’s most striking landmarks. Vaudeville acts, films, and community celebrations soon filled its stage.
Hershey Theatre Now:
For nearly 100 years, Hershey Theatre has established itself as the area’s premier performing arts center, hosting Broadway shows and legendary performers year-round.
Hershey Gardens
Hershey Gardens Then:
In 1937, Milton Hershey created a rose garden overlooking the town to celebrate beauty alongside industry. He kept Catherine Hershey’s love of flowers alive by transplanting her rose garden from High Point to the new Hershey Rose Garden. What began as a small formal garden soon expanded into a much larger botanical garden.
Hershey Gardens Now:
Today, Hershey Gardens offers 23 acres of seasonal displays and family-friendly horticultural experiences. From 13 themed gardens, including The Children’s Garden and a tropical, indoor Butterfly Atrium inside the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, there is something to explore in every season.
The Hotel Hershey
The Hotel Hershey Then:
During the Great Depression, Milton Hershey built The Hotel Hershey to provide jobs and bring visitors to town. Its design was influenced by the Heliopolis Palace Hotel in Cairo and architecture of the Spanish Mediterranean, places he and Catherine enjoyed during their travels. Set high above the factory, the grand building overlooked the surrounding hills.
The Hotel Hershey Now:
The Hotel Hershey is now one of the country’s most notable historic luxury hotels and destination resorts. Today, guests can stay in rooms that blend historic elegance with modern comfort, dine in award-winning restaurants, relax with luxurious spa treatments, and walk the same terraces that have welcomed visitors for generations.
Hersheypark Stadium
Hersheypark Stadium Then:
Completed in 1939, Hersheypark Stadium rose during the Great Depression as both an employment project and a civic landmark. The Stadium’s sweeping concrete stands quickly filled with crowds for football games and public events.
Hersheypark Stadium Now:
Hersheypark Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium venue between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The stadium hosts events such as the annual Summer Concert Series, a variety of sporting events, and more.
Hersheypark Arena
Hersheypark Arena Then:
Hersheypark Arena opened in 1936 as a sports and entertainment venue connected to the Convention Hall. Originally called the Hershey Sports Arena, it hosted Milton Hershey’s 80th birthday party in 1937. It also hosted Hershey Bears hockey games along with ice shows and large public gatherings.
Hersheypark Arena Now:
Hersheypark Arena hosts local sports, public skating sessions, and community events throughout the year. Today, the Hershey Bears have moved to the GIANT Center, where they continue to play.
Milton Hershey School
The School Then:
Milton and Catherine Hershey signed The Deed of Trust in 1909. In 1910 they welcomed the first students to the Homestead, the farmhouse where Milton was born. The school provided housing, education, and stability for children in need.
The School Now:
Today, Milton Hershey School remains a residential private school serving students from across the country, continuing the mission that began more than a century ago. Visitors can step inside Founders Hall—a museum and visitor center—or take a virtual tour.
The Hershey Story
Step into the life of Milton S. Hershey and explore how his vision shaped a global brand and community.
History here is something you can see and do. Explore interactive displays in the Museum Experience. Visit the Chocolate Lab to learn how chocolate is made while crafting your own chocolate creation. Experience single-origin chocolates from around the world.
Opening in November 2026, a new special exhibit at The Hershey Story Museum takes visitors behind the scenes of the making of the HERSHEY Movie.
Plan Your Trip
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is just a short drive from Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Families can spend the day riding coasters, visiting attractions, and sharing meals together.
Use our interactive trip planner to find more attractions and map out stops across the town.
Explore More of The Hershey Legacy
The Schools
Learn how Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision became schools that continue to serve students and families today.
The Chocolate Company
Discover how Milton Hershey grew The Hershey Company from a bold idea into a family of brands recognized around the world.