Hershey Park: America's Sweetest Amusement Experience
Introduction
Nestled in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Park has delighted families and thrill-seekers since opening its gates on May 30, 1906, as a leisure destination for Milton S. Hershey’s factory workers. Over the past century-plus, it has evolved into a 121-acre entertainment paradise, blending lovable chocolate branding with over 70 nose-diving rides, two themed water parks, and ZooAmerica. This article takes you on a journey through Hershey Park’s rich heritage, marquee attractions, family offerings, and what’s new in summer 2025.
A Sweet History – From Picnic Spot to Roller Coaster Capital
The Park’s Origin Story
Hershey Park began as a shaded, serene retreat where Hershey Chocolate employees and local families could picnic and enjoy casual entertainment. Its first major ride—the Wild Cat wooden coaster—arrived in 1923, beginning a long tradition of roller coaster innovation.
Significant milestones:
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1946: Comet wooden coaster replaced the original Wild Cat
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1977: SooperDooperLooper debuted—Hershey’s first looping coaster
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2000s–2010s: Rapid expansion added coasters like Storm Runner, Great Bear, Candymonium, and Laff Trakk
Major Coasters & Attractions You Can’t Miss
Hershey Park boasts the most roller coasters in the Northeast—14 of them—including these favorites:
Roller Coaster Spotlight
| Coaster | Year Opened | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candymonium | 2020 | Hyper coaster | Tallest, fastest at the park – 210 ft drop, 76 mph |
| Skyrush | 2012 | Wing coaster | 200 ft, 75 mph, extreme airtime hills |
| Storm Runner | 2004 | Launched coaster | 0–72 mph in 2 s plus cobra loop & inversions |
| Great Bear | 1998 | Inverted coaster | Feet off track, zero‑G roll, scenic views |
| Fahrenheit | 2008 | Intamin inverted | 97° drop and six inversions in 85 s |
| Laff Trakk | 2015 | Indoor spinning | Glow‑in‑the‑dark family coaster inside Midway America |
New in 2025 — Twizzlers Twisted Gravity
New for Summer 2025, Hershey Park introduces Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world's tallest Screamin' Swing ride. Towering 137 feet with speeds up to 68 mph, it delivers multiple zero‑G moments and candy‑branded gondolas themed in Twizzlers strawberry, cherry, chocolate, and black licorice color zones.
Guests can expect thrills from late May—opening day is May 24, 2025—and Fast Track access for shorter lines .
The Family Fun Zone: Water & Wildlife
The Boardwalk Waterpark
Included with admission, this summer oasis features:
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16 water attractions—including Whitecap Racer, lazy river, wave pool
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Family play areas (Shoreline Playground, Sand Castle Cove)
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One of only a few fatal incidents in park history occurred here in July 2025—a 9‑year‑old child drowned despite rapid response teams; the park reaffirmed safety as its top priority
ZooAmerica
A complimentary six-acre wildlife preserve featuring North American animals—a serene contrast to the thrill rides.
7 Must-Experience Highlights at Hershey Park
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Ride Candymonium for high-altitude airtime thrills in Chocolatetown
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Launch on Storm Runner and feel the power of the hydraulic coaster
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Twizzlers Twisted Gravity delivers record-breaking swing excitement
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Take a spin on Laff Trakk — fun indoor ride for all ages
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Relax at The Boardwalk Waterpark, a family water haven
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Watch a show in Hersheypark Amphitheater or catch ZooAmerica animals
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Get the Fast Track Pass—skip waits, especially on new/peak attractions
Planning Your Visit: Tips & Essentials
Best Time to Go
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Summer peak: late May through August—with water park and new ride open
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Spring weekends and Fall events like Halloween and Christmas Candylane offer seasonal charm with fewer crowds
Ticket Options & Add‑Ons
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Single-day admission, season passes, and resort packages
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Fast Track passes reduce wait times for popular rides
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Dining plans available across park restaurants and snack stops
Staying Safe and Comfortable
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Height requirements: Twizzlers swing needs riders 48–54+ inches tall
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Water park access requires careful supervision around pools and slides
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In case of ride closures due to weather, vouchers may be issued for return visits
Quick Comparison of Ride Experiences
| Experience Type | Best Ride(s) | Thrill Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High‑adrenaline | Candymonium, Skyrush | Extreme | Brave thrill‑seekers |
| Speed & Launch | Storm Runner | Aggressive | Fans of acceleration & loops |
| Inverted & Loops | Great Bear, Fahrenheit | High | Riders comfortable with inversions |
| Fun & family | Laff Trakk, Wild Mouse | Moderate | Kids and casual riders |
| Water fun | The Boardwalk Waterpark | Wet but fun | Families & heat relief |
| New sensation | Twizzlers Twisted Gravity | Intense swing | Those seeking unique thrills |
Honoring Legacy & Looking Ahead
Ride Anniversary Highlights
In 2025—its 119th operating season—Hershey Park celebrates anniversaries of several classic rides, marking the park’s long history of fun and evolution.
Continued Growth Path
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Ongoing investment in immersive themes (e.g., candy-branded rides)
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Integration of fast lane systems, restaurants, shows, and lodging
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Possible future coaster additions continuing the tradition of bold innovation
Conclusion
Hershey Park combines nostalgic charm and chocolate heritage with modern thrills and family excitement—making it a destination for all ages. Whether you're chasing record-breaking roller coasters like Candymonium, swinging to new heights on Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, or splashing through The Boardwalk, every visit offers sweet memories. With thoughtful expansion, ride diversity, and a focus on guest experience, Hershey Park continues to be a leader among America’s theme parks.
