Hersheypark is one of the most visited family amusement parks in the United States. There are more than 70 attractions, and there is a full-fledged water park. The ticket price includes a visit to the zoo, which is located on the territory of the complex.
History of creation
Milton Hershey, the founder of the first chocolate company in the USA, opened a recreation area for his employees in 1906. He stated that the workers of "Hershey" enterprises should not only work hard, but also relax in decent conditions, which in turn increased productivity. Initially, the plans included the development of a site along Spring Creek, then a bridge was built over Spring Creek, and a pavilion began to work on the hill above it, and soon the company began to buy land nearby and develop it.
In 1923, the first roller coaster appeared in the park, and this place became even more popular. In 1970, new attractions were launched as part of the renovation. Then it was decided to make the park a family park, and over time it continued to expand. At that time, the name of Hershey was changed to the Hersheypark Amusement Park, informally called the "West End".
Short description
Admission to the Hersheypark Amusement Park is free for up to 2 years old, children under 8 years old, as well as visitors over 65 years old, receive a discount when buying tickets. The area of the complex is 49 hectares, it is one of the most visited parks in the world. Before the coronavirus pandemic, more than 3.3 million people came to this place per year, after it the figure decreased slightly, and it took time to restore the previous figures. Visitors get access to over 75 attractions, including 11 roller coasters.
On some sites, there is a height limit: you need to be over 122 centimeters tall. For example, this applies to the famous wooden Wildcat campfire. Everyone understands the measures taken to ensure security. There are many attractions for young children and schoolchildren, including carousels. At the entrance to the Hersheypark Amusement Park, children's bracelets are issued, on which it is customary to record the phone in case the child gets lost on the territory of the entertainment complex, and it will be easier to find him. By the way, there is a special meeting place for those who have broken away from their company.
Water park and zoo
They belong to an amusement park, and the water park occupies a significant part of the complex. There is a large selection of slides and attractions. The longest slide is Candymonium, its track is 1,413.05 meters. East Coast Waterworks is a 7-story structure with 7 slides, 500 water play toys and a large tipping bucket. It is also crowded at the 378,000 gallon wave pool at The Shore and Bayside Pier, places with rolling waves, at Sandcastle Cove, where several slides are installed.
ZooAmerica Wildlife Park is located in the northern part of the complex, where you can get acquainted with more than 200 animals living in the regions of North America, including the eastern forests and southern swamps. Mountain lions, moose, black bears, otters, wolves, reptiles, birds live here, among them there are owls.
The "Hershey's Chocolate World" visitor center is located next to the Hersheypark Amusement Park. As part of the interactive tour, visitors ride a special train car to an imitation chocolate factory to learn the history of chocolate, see the entire production process, watch a show and create their own chocolate bar. There are shops and restaurants in this place.
How to get
The Hersheypark amusement park is located about 25 kilometers east of Harrisburg and 155 kilometers west of Philadelphia. You can use carsharing services, large parking areas are provided. The Amtrak railway company is launching flights to Harrisburg, Elizabethtown and Middletown. It will take about half an hour by car from these stations to Hershey. Bus Route 322 runs between Harrisburg and Hershey. Harrisburg International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
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