Hersheypark Celebrates Six Ride Anniversaries in 2026

Date: February 25, 2026

In 2026, Hersheypark amusement park is set to commemorate significant anniversaries of various beloved attractions: Comet, Dry Gulch Railroad, Dizzy Drums, Minty Bees and Granny Bugs. 

From an iconic roller coaster and a family-friendly favorite to charming kiddie rides, these milestones underscore the success of Hersheypark in blending its historic past with modern-day thrills over the last 120 years. Read on to learn more about each of these special attractions. 

80 Years of Comet

The wooden wonder known as Comet opened in May 1946. This high-thrill attraction holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating roller coaster at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Comet represents a piece of Hersheypark history, as it was the very last roller coaster purchased by the Park’s founder, Milton S. Hershey, before his passing in 1945. Today, it remains beloved by generations of park-goers, celebrated for its thrilling first drop, its scenic views of Spring Creek and its distinguished reign in an impressive ride lineup.

Comet delivers a timeless roller coaster experience as a classic double-out-and-back wooden coaster. Guests of the Reese's height category (42 inches tall) and above sit in one of its two signature 24-passenger trains, aptly named “Mork's Comet” and “Hailey's Comet." The ride begins with a 96-foot climb up a chain lift hill and down a signature first drop, reaching a top speed of 50 miles per hour. The ride continues with swooping turns, airtime-filled bunny hills and sweeping views of The Hollow region of the Park.

Comet is a three-season staple at Hersheypark, open for Spring Weekends, summer and Hersheypark Halloween, weather and maintenance permitting. For Hersheypark Halloween, Comet offers a special "dark ride" experience during the final hour of Park operation. The iconic string of chaser lights that outline the track is intentionally turned off, plunging the wooden coaster into near-total darkness. As the holiday season arrives, Comet takes an operational hiatus to become a part of the seasonal décor, with a light display of Santa and his reindeer positioned on the lift hill. 

Fun Fact: Comet was originally painted green to blend seamlessly into the Park's natural scenery and atmosphere. It was later repainted white, the color it retains today. The coaster has undergone multiple train iterations throughout its lifespan, the latest of which premiered in 2024 with a new, out-of-this-world design.

65 Years of Dry Gulch Railroad

Dry Gulch Railroad, a beloved staple of Hersheypark, marks a remarkable 65 years of operation in 2026, having officially opened its rails for scenic rides on April 21, 1961, according to the Hershey Community Archives. This miniature reproduction of a 19th-century steam-powered train is operated by steam engine engineers, using real steam engines to traverse its scenic route throughout Hersheypark. This makes Dry Gulch Railroad one of the few remaining amusement park railways in the United States that still operates on actual steam power.

Dry Gulch Railroad boasts two distinctive steam engines, affectionately named Scooter and Janelle. These engines pull the train cars along the track that winds its way through the Pioneer Frontier region of the Park. 

The family-friendly attraction for guests of all Hershey’s height categories operates during all four seasons at Hersheypark, weather and maintenance permitting. However, the ride experience truly shines during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. The route is lined with thousands of shimmering lights and special displays, including the "12 Days of Christmas,” transforming the journey into a magical, immersive holiday experience.

Fun Fact: Beyond its role as a scenic ride, Dry Gulch Railroad holds a long-standing Hersheypark tradition: its whistle signals the official end of every Park operating day. One of the engineers drives the train to a strategically chosen spot—the trestle bridge adjacent to the launch track of Storm Runner—and allows the steam pressure to build to its maximum. What follows are five loud, resonant whistle blasts, serving as the universal signal that the Park is closed for every ride operator, staff member and guest.

60 Years of Pint-Sized Thrills

In 2026, a handful of the more than 20 kiddie rides at Hersheypark will celebrate their diamond anniversary: 60 years of providing fun, spins and smiles for the Park’s youngest thrillseekers. 

• Dizzy Drums: This classic spinning teacup-style ride is low-speed, allowing riders of Hershey’s Kisses height (36-42 inches), Reese's height (42-48 inches) and Hershey's Chocolate height (48-54 inches) to get a taste of the spins and twirls.
• Granny Bugs: A perennial favorite, this attraction features whimsical bug-themed vehicles that move at a low speed around a small track for riders of Hershey’s Miniatures height (0-36”) through Hershey's Chocolate height (48-54 inches).
• Minty Bees: Originally known as Bizzy Bees, this buzzing attraction was rethemed in 2019 to complement the opening of the nearby interactive dark ride, Reese's Cupfusion, adding a refreshing minty twist for riders of Hershey’s Miniatures height (0-36”) through Hershey's Chocolate height (48-54 inches).

Per the Hershey Community Archives, these kiddie rides opened concurrently with the original Kiddieland area in 1966. They were integral to the Park's first dedicated zone for younger guests, laying the groundwork for the family-friendly atmosphere that defines Hersheypark today. As Hersheypark expanded and evolved, these attractions were eventually relocated to other regions of the Park. Today, guests can find Dizzy Drums and Minty Bees nestled within the Founder's Way region, while Granny Bugs continues to charm riders in the Midway America region.

Fun Fact: Unlike many other amusement parks that centralize their children's attractions in one area, Hersheypark ensures that attractions for guests of all height categories are readily accessible, no matter where a family is exploring. This intentional layout means that parents and children of all ages can always find suitable thrills within a short distance.

Now is the perfect time to plan a visit to Hersheypark and celebrate these attractions with a ride during their anniversary season. For a limited time, guests can enjoy the Best Price Of Summer on tickets, Season Passes and summer getaways to The Sweetest Place On Earth. 

We can’t wait to celebrate these sweet anniversaries during the 2026 operating year -  we’ll see you soon at Hersheypark!