Hershey is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The town was originally founded in 1903 by the Hershey company, which established the community so its employees could live there. The town had a lot to offer for its early citizens, including electricity, indoor plumbing, central heating, a public trolley system, free schooling, and more.
As of 2020, the population in Hershey was roughly 15,000. These days, the community is primarily known as the home of the Hershey Park amusement park, which draws visitors from all over the country every year. If you're in town with the whole family, you should spend an exciting day enjoying the thrilling rides, playing games, and eating delicious food at the theme park. Another popular attraction to visit is Hershey's Chocolate World, where you can enjoy a variety of chocolate-related activities and eat plenty of tasty chocolate.
There are quite a few unique museums to visit around Hershey. If you're up for educational entertainment, you should stop by places like the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society, The Hershey Story, and the AACA Museum. You could also visit awesome attractions like ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School, and Adventure Sports Family Entertainment. While you're in town, consider taking a tour of Hershey through Hershey Trolley Works or attending an event at the Giant Center.
If you feel like relaxing during your visit, you may want to spend a few hours at Emerald Springs Spa or The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. Then, when you're ready for lunch or dinner, head to one of Hershey's many excellent eateries, like The Hershey Pantry or The Mill in Hershey.
Campgrounds Near Hershey, Pennsylvania
While you're exploring the Hershey area, consider camping at the Deer Run Camping Resort, which features many RV campsites capable of accommodating big rigs. The campground is a great destination for those who enjoy hiking and fishing, and various activities are provided for guests regularly.
The Western Village RV Park has over 250 RV campsites available and offers full hookups. Visitors at the park have access to numerous amenities, including free Wi-Fi, cable television, a mini-golf course, a large pool, playgrounds, and showers. The campground is also located very close to popular attractions like Hershey Park and Gettysburg.
You could also enjoy a peaceful stay at Little Buffalo State Park, where the campground has 46 full-hookup RV campsites available for only $15-$20 per night. During the spring and summer, guests can enjoy nearby fishing opportunities, and during the winter, the surrounding area is a popular spot for cross-country skiing. The park offers plenty of amenities, such as an RV dump station, boat rentals, a playground, a boat launch, and many more.
State Parks Near Hershey, Pennsylvania
Little Buffalo State Park sits on the shores of Little Buffalo Creek, a 10-mile tributary of Buffalo Creek. The park is home to Holman Lake, which is an excellent angling destination. Other features of the recreation area include a sizable hunting section, two picnic sites, and several scenic hiking trails. While visiting the park, you can also stop by the historic grist mill and the charming covered bridge.
Located beside the beautiful Lake Marburg, Codorus State Park comprises 3,500 acres of rolling hills, lush pine groves, and placid waters. Visitors to the park can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake, swimming in the on-site pool, and hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the area's nature trails. The park is also a popular spot during the winter, offering fantastic opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing. While exploring the area, keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife.
Another tranquil waterfront park to check out is Locust Lake State Park. The park sits on the shores of its namesake reservoir, where visitors frequently enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. The area is also a popular destination for hunting doves, common pheasants, wild turkeys, and woodcocks. If you need to grab some supplies or snacks, you can do so at the park's general store or concession stands. You can also explore the park's hiking trails, which surround the lake and wind through the nearby forests.
National Sites Near Hershey, Pennsylvania
The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail is a superb destination for anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War. When the American and French armies teamed up in 1781, they marched several hundred miles together to battle the British Army in Yorktown, VA. Today, the historic trail is home to many of the roads that the troops used during their march, which lasted for 14 weeks. While visiting the site, you can navigate local hiking trails like the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail and the Laurel Loop Trail. You can also visit historical landmarks and learn more about the amazing march.
The Hampton National Historic Site preserves the estate of the Ridgely family, who owned the land between 1790 and 1948. The site, which sits on 62.4 acres, features a historic mansion that is now open for the public to explore. You can explore the estate at your own pace or embark on one of the site's guided tours. As you walk through the property, you'll find beautiful gardens and several historic buildings. You may also get the chance to spot local birds and other wildlife species.
At the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, you can explore a historic furnace community. These specialized communities played a massive role in the Industrial Revolution. When you visit the historic site, you can learn about the people who lived and worked in the furnace community to keep the furnace running smoothly. The site features a visitor center with a variety of exhibits and staff members who will answer all of your questions. You can also take a guided tour of the historic community, pick apples, and help feed the site's farm animals.
National Forests Near Hershey, Pennsylvania
At Finger Lakes National Forest, you can partake in many recreational activities while surrounded by beautiful scenery and breathtaking natural landmarks. Located in upstate New York, the national forest is relatively small, but its landscape features dense groves, cascading waterfalls, and massive gorges. As you explore picturesque nature trails like the Finger Lakes Backbone Trail and the Burnt Hill Trail, you'll pass through vibrant fields of wildflowers and peaceful meadows. While visiting the area, you can also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, biking, stargazing, cross-country skiing, and geocaching.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are two national forests that combine to cover roughly 1.8 million acres across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Large sections of the forests cover the majestic Appalachian Mountains, providing many miles of rugged hiking trails and plenty of beautiful vistas. The forests contain a diverse collection of flora and fauna, including over 200 avian species and over 2,000 species of plants. Visitors will find great fishing spots at places like the Bark Camp Recreation Area and Big Stony Creek. Other popular activities include camping, stargazing, and geocaching.
Allegheny National Forest is the lone national forest in Pennsylvania. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the forest encompasses just over 500,000 acres and is known for its diverse recreational opportunities. For example, visitors to the area can hike the forested trails, fish in the Allegheny River, and observe the many cool wildlife species, including black bears, beavers, and muskrats. Additionally, the forest is a wonderful destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter months. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll find hundreds of miles of scenic routes to explore, including the Christian Hollow Loop and the Three Sisters Trail.
