Hershey is the place where the famous Hershey’s chocolates were born! Visit this quaint town and explore marvelous cultural gems like the Hershey Chocolate Museum and more. Make sweet chocolate filled memories that can only be made at this sweet place.
Explore the rich cultural offerings, including museums and theaters. Hershey is really a unique destination and one that is perfect for a family vacation!
Here is a list of the best cultural attractions there is to see in Hershey, and you must visit them all!
AACA Museum
Are you a huge car nut? If the answer is yes you cannot miss the Hershey Antique Auto Museum. The AACA museum is an antique auto museum in Hershey, in fact it is one of the most popular antique car museums Hershey has to offer!
Ride your way through the interactive exhibits which illustrate the extensive history of motor vehicles. The museum has over a hundred cars on display including even horse carriages from the 18th Century, and muscle cars of the 70s.
These immaculate exhibits will be sure to drive your passion for automobiles.
| Location | 161 Museum Dr. Hershey, PA 17033 |
| Hershey Auto Museum Hours | 9AM – 5PM |
| Ticket Fares | Adult: $16 | Senior: $14 | Child: $10 | Children under 3: entry free. |
The Hershey Story Museum
Ever wondered about the story of your favorite chocolates? Why not seek the answers to all your questions at the Hershey Story Museum! Learn and explore about the life of Milton Hershey with a fun and hand-on experience at the museum.
For ages this name has been associated with America’s favorite chocolate, learn more about the life of Milton Hershey and how Hershey’s Chocolates became what it is today.
The Hershey story museum offers incredible interactive experiences like creating your very own chocolate treat at the chocolate lab! You hear me right, you can make your very own chocolaty treat at the museum. The Hershey’s Chocolate Lab is the most attractive and fun exhibit offered by the museum, beloved by all ages. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for the sweetest activity.
The Chocolate Lab is a 45-minute class where you can learn everything there is to know about chocolate making, and you can even try your hand at chocolate pouring, decorating and of course tasting the delicious treats you’ve made! Also enjoy learning about the history with the Hershey chocolate museum tour.
| Location | 63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, United States |
| Hershey Story Museum Hours: | 9AM-5PM |
| Ticket Fares | Museum Experience: $16.50 | Chocolate Lab: $16.50 | Both: $28 | Tastings: $8 (half) $13 (full) For more details about senior, children’s pricing please visit the Hershey Story Website. |
The Hershey History Center
The Hershey History Center is determined to preserve and celebrate the extensive history of the town. Explore the unique heritage of the town as the museum exhibits delve into the community that was built on chocolate, the military heroes, and Hershey’s very own legendary hockey franchise.
The exhibits at the Hershey’s History Center showcases the history in different fields starting with its sweet chocolate history, a brief coverage on the history of Hershey Bears, and even Hershey’s Italian American heritage.
The Hershey History Center provides authentic visual and interpretive exhibits, which are complemented by the archives and library resource which provides access to many records, documents for research.
| Location | 40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033 |
| Hershey History Center Hours: | Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10AM-3PM Closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends. |
| Ticket Fares | Adult: $5 | Children (ages 4-17): $2 | Family: $10 | Children below 3: Free |
The PA State Police Museum
The Pennsylvania State Police Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts that are significantly appropriate to the history of the Pennsylvania Police Department. It is a historical, educational and memorial center.
A unique fact about this museum is that it also serves as an educational facility that highlights the various functions of the department and provides opportunities for education. The museum serves as a memorial to honor all the state police members who made the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty.
The museum features a remembrance wall and memorial garden dedicated to the martyrs who lost their lives in the line of duty. The museum also houses a significant collection of artifacts representing the decades long history of the police department.
The museum also has a memorial library consisting of official records, reports and documents which serves as a research center for those who are studying the Pennsylvania State Police. There are also spaces for educational, training and research centers with classrooms for special programs and lectures.
The state of Pennsylvania has done a splendid job maintaining the museum and providing enriching and educational resources as well.
| Location | 187 E Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, United States |
| Pennsylvania State Police Museum Hours | Monday – Friday: 9AM – 4PMSaturday: 10AM – 3PMClosed on Sundays |
| Ticket Fares | General Admission Costs: Adult: $7 | Students(6-18): $4 | Adults: $10 | Students (6-18): $5 | Children 5 and under: Free |
Austere Architecture : The Hershey Theater in Hershey, PA
The Hershey Music Theater is more than just a theater, it is also an architectural marvel. It is an opulent, intricate environment and you will feel like you have entered a royal space. It is a must see historic building.
The Hershey Theatre is a historical landmark and is simply remarkable. The interiors are historically beautiful and are spectacularly lavish especially for a ‘small town theater’. The theater is a true gem of Hershey. Take the Hershey Theater tour and explore the wonders of the architecture.
It is Hershey’s premier performing arts center, offering the finest in touring Broadway shows, classical music and dance attractions as well as comedy shows, and world renowned entertainers.
The Hershey Theater Broadway series has previously featured many iconic and popular Broadway shows like Hamilton, Beetle Juice, Pretty Woman (the musical).
| Location | 15 E Caracas Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, United States |
| Hershey Theater Hours | Visit the Hershey Theater Website for details on box office hours. |
| Ticket Fares | Ticket fares depend on particular shows. |
Theatrical Adventure: Hershey Area Playhouse Theater
A fun fact about the Hershey Area Playhouse is that it is actually a 136-year old farmhouse which was turned into an active and popular theater center! I mean, can you believe it, a farmhouse!
The Hershey Area Playhouse hosts a series of events in its 150 seat theater. They also have offered acting classes in the past.
The theater is beloved by the locals and has made community engagement one of its priorities as well.
| Location | Country Meadows 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA |
| Hershey Theater Hours | Monday – Friday: 9AM – 12PM |
| Ticket Fares | Ticket fares depend on particular shows. |
Winding Up
I hope these cultural gems have convinced you to explore the sweetest town on earth! Hershey is a town that must not be underestimated, it offers some truly amazing cultural opportunities and architecture that one should absolutely not miss.
Experience the cultural richness of Hershey and observe how these cultural institutions have fosters education, enriching the lives of the daily residents.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore all the sweetness that the sweetest town has to offer!
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