Hersheypark 2026: Complete Guide, Attractions, Prices and Tips

Hersheypark is the chocolate theme park. Literally. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1906 as a leisure space for the workers of his chocolate factory, this park121 acres in Hershey, PennsylvaniaIt has evolved into one of the best amusement parks in the eastern United States. with15 roller coasters—including the Candymonium hypercoaster, the wild Skyrush and the Storm Runner launch coaster—, a water park included in the ticket, Hershey's Chocolate World next door and a level of care that more than one park in Orlando envies, Hersheypark is one of those gems that many Europeans are unaware of. And that's a shame, because it's worth a detour.

The history of chocolate: how a park was born from a factory

Milton S. Hershey was not an amusement park man. He was a chocolatier. After failing twice in the candy business, he founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894 and built a factory in what was then Derry Church, Pennsylvania. The town ended up being renamed Hershey in his honor. Hershey created a model company: houses for employees, schools, infrastructure. And in 1906, as a gift to his workers, he openedHershey Park—a space with gardens, a lake for paddling and the occasional slide.

The park grew over the years. In the 1920s he added his first roller coaster (The Wild Cat, made of wood). In the 1970s, under the direction of John R. Herner, it was transformed into a modern amusement park with the addition of the first looping coaster in the eastern United States. In the 90s the era of large steel coasters arrived with Great Bear (1998). And into the 21st century, Hersheypark has continued to invest heavily: Storm Runner (2004), Fahrenheit (2008), Skyrush (2012), and Candymonium (2020), arguably the park's best addition in decades.

What makes Hersheypark unique from a historical standpoint is thatwas born from chocolate and chocolate continues to be its identity. It is not a generic park with a theme plastered on top: it is the park of the company that made American chocolate famous, and that can be seen in every corner. The streets are called Chocolate Avenue, the streetlights are shaped like chocolate kisses (Hershey's Kisses), and the aroma of cocoa floats in the air in certain areas of the town. It is an organic theming that is priceless.

The 15 roller coasters: Pennsylvania's most powerful lineup

Hersheypark has 15 roller coasters, making it among the parks with the highest coaster density in the United States. But it's not the quantity that's impressive—it's the quality. At least 5 of their coasters are of national level, and 2 or 3 could be on any list of the best in the world in their category. We go in order of priority.

Candymonium — The Hypercoaster Queen

Opened in 2020 as part of the new Hershey's Chocolatetown area, Candymonium is a 67-meter-high B&M hyper coaster that has become the park's star attraction. The first drop of 62 meters at 122 km/h is pure speed, and the course is full of airtime hills that lift you out of your seat again and again. It is smooth, fast, long and tremendously remountable. The name comes from Hershey's candy, and the trains are decorated with the colors of the brand's different chocolate bars. B&M at its best: elegant, powerful and without a single weak moment.

Skyrush — The intensity machine

If Candymonium is elegance, Skyrush is controlled brutality. An Intamin wing coaster that makes the most of the park's terrain, crossing over Spring Creek Lake and skimming the trees. The first drop of 61 meters at 120 km/h is just the beginning: the course is full of violent changes of direction, negative airtime that pins you against the armrest and a final section on the water that leaves you breathless. It's loved and hated in equal measure — the wing seats feel incredibly exposed, but your thighs can suffer from the pulling. Tip: Sit in the interior seats for less G-force on your legs.

Storm Runner — Launch coaster with valley views

An Intamin launch coaster that shoots you from 0 to 120 km/h in 2 seconds straight to a 55-meter top hat, followed by a 54-meter drop into the valley of the park. Storm Runner was one of the first coasters to combine a hydraulic launch with inversions and a long ride, and it's still a tremendous experience. The location is perfect: the top hat can be seen from all over the park, and the course goes down towards the Spring Creek River in a wooded area that makes the speed seem even faster. Short but intense, like any good launch coaster.

Fahrenheit — 97 degrees of madness

A vertical lift coaster from Intamin with a first drop of 97° —yes, more than vertical. The train climbs vertically and tilts forward 7° before plummeting. It's a strange and addictive feeling. The rest of the route is compact but loaded with inversions: an immelmann, a corkscrew, a cobra roll. Fahrenheit isn't as long as Candymonium or as aggressive as Skyrush, but that first drop makes it an experience you won't easily forget.

Great Bear — The most elegant inverted

A B&M inverted coaster from 1998 that has aged like fine wine. Great Bear runs partly over the park's parking lot, giving a feeling of height that few inverted buildings offer. The first loop is huge, the zero-g roll is silky smooth and the final section with the helix over the water is pure B&M poetry. It's not the most intense in the park, but it's probably the most beautiful to ride, especially at sunset.

Wildcat's Revenge — RMC joins the party

In 2023, Hersheypark commissioned RMC (Rocky Mountain Construction) to convert the former wooden Wild Cat. The result is Wildcat's Revenge, a hybrid coaster with a first drop of 82°, four inversions (including an inverted stall that leaves you face down for several seconds) and brutal airtime. The passage section through the original wooden structure gives it a unique visual character. It is proof that Hersheypark is not resting on its laurels and continues to invest in world-class attractions.

The rest of the lineup

Comet(1946) is a classic wooden coaster that still performs surprisingly well for its age—smooth, fun, and perfect for those who want trauma-free wood.Lightning RacerIt's a GCI racing wooden coaster with two trains racing in parallel (Lightning and Thunder), and the racing experience makes it much more fun than its size would suggest.Trailblazer(1978) is a modest mine train, good for families.SooperDooperLooper(1977) was the first looping coaster in the eastern US and is still in operation - historic, although it does not impress those accustomed to modern coasters.Laff TrakkIt is an indoor spinning coaster with a funhouse theme, short but entertaining. And the family coasters likeCocoa Coaster, Jolly Rancher Remixand those in the children's area complete a lineup that has everything: hyper, wing, launch, inverted, wooden, hybrid, racing, spinning...

In total, Hersheypark has one of the most diverse lineups of any park in the United States. There is no other park with this combination of styles and manufacturers in such a compact space.

Thematic zones: the park divided into flavors

Hersheypark is divided into several themed zones, each with its own personality. It is not the level of immersion of a Disney or Universal park, but it is well above the average for American regional parks.

Hershey's ChocolatetownIt is the new area (2020), the main entrance to the park and the most visually impressive. Here is Candymonium, the largest store in the park, themed restaurants and architecture that mixes the classicism of Hershey with the modernity of a 21st century park. It is the best example of how Hersheypark has raised its level of theming in recent years.

The HollowIt is the wooded area where Skyrush and Comet are located, with Spring Creek Lake as the protagonist. The vegetation and water create an environment that is more reminiscent of a European park than an American one—something that is appreciated.

Pioneer FrontierIt has an American Old West theme and houses Storm Runner and Trailblazer.Midway AmericaIt's the classic fair zone with Lightning Racer and Fahrenheit.Kissing Tower HillIt is named after the Hershey's Kiss-shaped observation tower and offers the best panoramic views of the park.Founder's WayIt connects the entrance to the rest of the park and has one of the best collections of gardens in the state.

What is most striking is how Hersheypark has managed to maintain its chocolate identity without making it feel forced. The references to Hershey products are there, but naturally: the names of the attractions, the colors, the decorations. It's not a chocolate theme park in the sense of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; It is an amusement park that has chocolate in its DNA.

The Boardwalk: the water park included

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is the resort's water park, and unlike many parks that charge extra for the water area, hereIt is included in the entrance. Open from May to September, The Boardwalk has everything you'd expect: wave pool, lazy river, speed slides, splash pads for kids and a rental cabana area if you want your private space.

What is notable isBreakers Edge Water Coaster, a water coaster with jet propulsion that shoots you uphill and drops you plummeting—basically a roller coaster on the water. andIntercoastal Waterway, the longest lazy river in the park, which runs through the entire aquatic area with enough current to never have to swim.

In the summer, with Pennsylvania temperatures topping 90°F, The Boardwalk isn't an optional add-on—it's a survival strategy. It is best to combine the morning of coasters with the afternoon of water, and return to the coasters when the sun begins to go down.

Hershey's Chocolate World: The experience that isn't the park (but should be)

Next to Hersheypark, with no park admission required, isHershey's Chocolate World. It's a mix of shop, interactive experience and chocolate temple that's worth a visit in itself, even if you don't go to the amusement park.

The main attraction is theHershey's Chocolate Tour, a free omnimover ride that takes you on an animated tour showing how Hershey chocolate is made, from the cocoa harvest to the final packaging. It's short, tender and at the end they give you a sample of chocolate. Ideal to go with children or for those who want to understand where all this comes from.

But Chocolate World has more:Create Your Own Candy Bar(you design and make your own chocolate bar),Hershey's Unwrapped(interactive show with tasting), a huge store with Hershey products that you won't find anywhere else and exhibits about the history of the company. If you're a chocolate fan—and who isn't—you can easily spend 2-3 hours here.

Ticket prices 2026

Hersheypark has a dynamic pricing system: the price varies depending on the day and how far in advance you purchase. Here is an approximation based on previous seasons:

Important tip:Buy online in advance. The difference between online and box office can be $30-$40. Additionally, weekday tickets are significantly cheaper than weekend tickets. If you can, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday in spring: fewer people, less heat and less money.

TheSeason PassIt makes up for it if you are visiting the park for more than two days or if you combine it with Hershey's Chocolate World and other attractions in the area. It includes discounts on food, souvenirs and parking, as well as access to special events such as Halloween (Hersheypark in the Dark) and Christmas (Christmas Candylane).

Parkland Score: 8/10 — Why this rating?

Hersheypark gets a well-deserved 8, and we're going to break down why.

Which brings it closer to 9:The lineup of coasters is excellent. Three national first-class coasters (Candymonium, Skyrush, Wildcat's Revenge) and three others that would be the star of any medium-sized park (Storm Runner, Fahrenheit, Great Bear). The water park included. Hershey's Chocolate World next door. The location in a town with its own identity (the kiss-lamps, the aroma of chocolate). The level of cleanliness and maintenance is notably higher than the average for American regional parks. The food is better than most Six Flags or Cedar Fair parks. And the family experience is well cared for without sacrificing intensity for thrill-seekers.

What prevents you from reaching 9:It doesn't have the thematic immersion of a Disney or Universal park (nor does it pretend to). The operating season is shorter than that of the southern parks—in winter it closes almost completely. The lines in summer can be frustrating and Fast Track (their preferred access system) is expensive. And while the food is better than average, it's still amusement park food at amusement park prices.

But as a complete package—top-notch coasters + water park + Chocolate World + identity + value for money—Hersheypark is one of the best regional parks in the United States. If you're on the East Coast or planning a park tour through Pennsylvania, it's a must.

How to get there from Spain

Hershey is in central Pennsylvania, about a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia, 3 from New York, and 2 from Washington D.C. It does not have its own airport, so the options are:

• Madrid/New York (JFK/EWR):direct flight ~8.5 hours, from €350 round trip. From NYC, rental car (3h) or train + connection.
• Madrid/Philadelphia (PHL):direct flight with American Airlines ~8 hours, from €400 round trip. From Philadelphia, 2 hours by car.
• Madrid/Washington D.C. (IAD/DCA):direct flight ~9 hours, from €380 round trip. From D.C., 2.5 hours by car.
• Barcelona/New York:direct with several airlines, from €320 round trip.

The best strategy:Fly to New York or Philadelphia, rent a car and hit the road. Hershey is in a prime position to combine with other destinations. If you're driving from NYC, you can stop in Lancaster (Amish country) or Philadelphia on the way to Hershey.

If you prefer not to rent a car, there areAmtrak buses and trainsfrom New York and Philadelphia to Harrisburg (the capital of Pennsylvania, 20 minutes from Hershey), and from there taxi or Uber. It is not the most comfortable option, but it is viable.

Accommodation: where to sleep in Hershey

Hershey has limited but quality accommodation options, starting with two hotels in the Hershey complex itself that deserve special mention:

• The Hershey Hotel:a historic hotel from 1933, Mediterranean style, with a first-class spa (The Melt Spa), swimming pool, gardens and an elegance that you do not expect to find in a Pennsylvania town. Guests have early access to the park (one hour before general opening) and discounts on tickets. From €200/night.
• Hershey Lodge:more familiar and economical, with a chocolate theme in the details. Indoor pool with water slides, access to the same benefits as The Hotel Hershey. From €120/night.
• Chains in Harrisburg:Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn... from €70-90/night, 15-20 minutes from the park. More economical option without sacrificing comfort.
• Bed & Breakfasts in the area:Pennsylvania has a tradition of charming B&Bs, especially in the Lancaster area (Amish country), 30-40 minutes away. Ideal if you are looking for something different.

Recommendation:If the budget allows, The Hotel Hershey is an experience. The chocolate treatment spa is not a gimmick—it's really good. And the advantage of early access to the park (an entire hour without crowds) is worth its weight in gold in the middle of summer. If you're on a tighter budget, the Hershey Lodge offers almost the same benefits at a more reasonable price.

Strategy of the day: how to squeeze Hersheypark

One day is enough for the essentials, but two days allow you to go stress-free and repeat favorites. This is how we would do it:

• 9:00 — Arrival.If you stay at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, get in with early access. If not, arrive 30 minutes before opening.
• 10:00 — Candymonium.Direct. It is the most popular coaster and the line grows quickly. First hour = maximum enjoyment.
• 10:45 — Skyrush.In The Hollow, two minutes away. Riding Skyrush with the lake in the background in the morning is an experience.
• 11:30 — Storm Runner.Three top coasters before noon.
• 12:15 — Wildcat's Revenge.The RMC of the park. Intense, fast and with a stall that leaves you breathless.
• 1:00 p.m. — Eat at Chocolatetown.The new area has the best food options in the park. Try Hershey's BBQ or giant pretzels.
• 14:00 — Fahrenheit + Great Bear.Two more coasters before the lines get long.
• 15:30-17:30 — The Boardwalk.Water park. The perfect time to disconnect from the lines and refresh yourself.
• 17:30-19:30 — Lightning Racer + Comet + Laff Trakk.The coasters are not essential but are very fun. Lightning Racer at night is great.
• 19:30-21:00 — Re-ride of favorites.The queues go down in the last hour. Close with Candymonium or Skyrush at dusk.

If you havetwo days, use the former for the main coasters and the latter to repeat favorites, leisurely explore themed areas, visit ZooAmerica (the adjacent zoo included with admission), and spend more time on The Boardwalk.

Hersheypark vs other parks: quick comparison

To put it in regional context:

• vs Knoebels:Knoebels is 1 hour drive away and is a traditional timber park with free entry (you pay per attraction). It has charm, history and two legendary wooden coasters (Phoenix and Twister). But it's nowhere near the level of modern Hersheypark coasters. They are complementary: go to Hersheypark for the coasters and Knoebels for the nostalgia.
• vs Dorney Park:Dorney is 1.5 hours away in Allentown. It has Steel Force (a decent Morgan hyper coaster) and some acceptable attractions, but overall it is a step below Hersheypark in everything: coasters, theming, food, cleanliness. If you can only choose one, Hersheypark without hesitation.
• vs Cedar Point:Cedar Point (Ohio, 5 hours by car) is the king of coasters in the US and possibly the world. More coasters, bigger, more extreme. But Hersheypark wins in atmosphere, cleanliness, charm and water park included. If you're a pure junky coaster, Cedar Point. If you are looking for a balance between coasters and overall experience, Hersheypark.
• vs Orlando parks:In terms of immersion and theming, Orlando wins by a landslide. But Hersheypark costs $50-$65 versus $120-$189 at Epic Universe or Disney, has coasters Orlando will never have, and the overall experience is more relaxed. They are not comparable, but Hersheypark has its own charm.

Pennsylvania is, surprisingly, one of the best states in the US for amusement parks. Hersheypark, Knoebels, Dorney Park and Kennywood (Pittsburgh) form a circuit that is worth a 4-5 day trip for any serious roller coaster fan.