Hersheypark Marks 120 Years on May 30, 2026

Date: May 30, 2026

Happy birthday to Hersheypark! The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania turns 120 on May 30, 2026. 

Amusement Park Roots

“Hershey Park” formally opened to the public on Memorial Day, May 30, 1906, along the banks of Spring Creek. 

From the moment Milton S. Hershey established his community, he planned to build a park to create a more pleasant environment for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory and residents of the factory town. An ideal spot for picnicking, boating and canoeing, the Park was landscaped with graceful trees and wooded groves that provided a shady retreat for thousands of people. The first ride was a merry-go-round in 1908, followed by the first coaster - The Wild Cat - in 1923. 

In 1971, the first phase of a five-year redevelopment campaign began the conversion from Hershey Park as a regional amusement park to Hersheypark, one of America's most popular theme parks. The pay-as-you-ride policy was replaced with a one-price admission plan that now includes more than 70 rides, a water park and a zoo.

Explore the new offerings by decade in our Hersheypark history review. 

Recent Growth of the World-Class Amusement Park

Over the past 120 years, Hersheypark has become one of the most respected parks in the amusement industry. Within the last decade alone, the amusement park has experienced significant growth with six new major coasters, a water park, culinary additions and Hershey’s Chocolatetown, a $150 million transformative investment that created the place Where Fun Meets Chocolate in 2020.

The 23-acre Hershey's Chocolatetown region celebrates Milton S. Hershey's life and legacy by bringing people together for happiness, fun and, of course, chocolate. The region features the Candymonium hypercoaster, an entirely reimagined arrival experience, the iconic Kisses Fountain, two shopping locations, the first-ever Starbucks inside the Park and more. In 2021, three culinary experiences, including The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, opened inside Hershey’s Chocolatetown.

Hersheypark has no shortage of thrills with 15 coasters that represent one of the largest and most iconic coaster collections in the United States. 

All-American Celebration

Hersheypark celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic events and activations all summer long, including the following: 

• Multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S on July 3, July 4 and Aug. 8 at 10:15 p.m.
• ALL-NEW live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue from May 29 through Sept. 7
• Select Americana-themed rides and red, white and blue light packages and decor
• Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best
• Limited-time food and drink, including a Star-Spangled King Size Shake (only available in July) and a Birthday King Size Shake available all summer long