Hersheypark Marks 5 Years Since Opening of Hershey's Chocolatetown

Date: July 3, 2025

Hersheypark amusement park today celebrates the 5th anniversary of the public opening of Hershey's Chocolatetown region on July 3, 2020. The $150 million expansion is the hallmark of a decade of growth for the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, with the addition of six coasters and the all-new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity. 

Five years later, the 23-acre development at Hersheypark continues to honor the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey by bringing people together for happiness, fun and, of course, chocolate. Check out the top 10 things to see and do in the place Where Fun Meets Chocolate. 

1. Walk through history

Guests entering Hersheypark have a unique opportunity to walk through the one-of-a-kind history rooted in the town of Hershey from the ground up. Brick buildings, featuring historic architectural elements thoughtfully selected to reflect Mr. Hershey’s style, and a modern front gate welcome guests to the newest region of Hersheypark. 

Located just outside the Hersheypark front gate is the Compass Rose, a tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Hershey with 27 bronzed medallions honoring his community contributions. A glance in any direction will reveal the current or previous location of the Hershey landmarks he created in the community he loved. 

2. Learn about our Core Purpose

A visit to Hersheypark isn’t just a chance to make family memories—it’s a way to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) is proud to help fulfill the dream of its founder by providing value to Milton Hershey School (MHS) in its mission of helping students lead fulfilling and productive lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended. 

Before entering Hersheypark, guests can learn more about MHS at a digital screen activation in the plaza. Hershey's Chocolatetown also features special projects worked on in partnership with MHS students through the Hershey Project Pathways program (HPP).

3. Snap a photo at the Kisses Fountain

The Kisses Fountain is the sweetest, only-in-Hershey backdrop for a memorable family photo. Lucky guests may even catch the Hersheypark band playing some sweet tunes in front of the Fountain as they arrive in the morning. 

In addition to the Kisses Fountain, other hints of chocolate and candy are intentionally placed throughout Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Guests can see two Kisses-shaped planters, 100+ Hershey Bar pips in the paving, 28 linear feet of Twizzlers railing and 51 unwrapped Kisses.

4. Conquer Candymonium hyper coaster

Coaster fans are in for a sweet ride on Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, longest and sweetest coaster in Hersheypark. From the distinctive Hershey's candy theme to the memorable thrills around every turn, Hersheypark masterfully assembled the finest ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster that opened on June 3, 2020. The out-and-back style coaster features a 4,636-foot milk chocolate track spanning seven acres in Hershey's Chocolatetown.

Riders of Twizzlers height (54-60") and above embark on a heart-pounding, 210-foot ascent up the tallest hill in Hersheypark, then dip into thrilling drops, including seven camelback hills that serve up the ultimate feeling of freedom with the most airtime of any of the Park's 15 coasters. The finishing touch is an impressive panoramic banked curve around the iconic Kisses Fountain.

5. Ride the Carrousel

One of the most historic rides in Hersheypark was moved to a new home in Hershey’s Chocolatetown five years ago. The 106-year-old Carrousel is housed in a blue pavilion that reflects the personality of the newest region with a nod to the original pavilion design from the early 1940s. The Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC) treasure is often the first one guests enjoy as they enter Hersheypark or the last ride of the day before they leave. Guests can choose from 66 original hand-carved, wooden horses - 42 jumping horses and 24 stationary horses - and two magnificent chariots. 

6. Fuel up at Starbucks

Guests looking for a caffeine boost can enjoy their favorite Starbucks coffee and snacks at the first-ever Starbucks location inside Hersheypark. There is indoor seating and a patio along Spring Creek overlooking Candymonium.

7. Shop for sweet souvenirs

Hershey’s Chocolatetown has three retail locations, each featuring a unique blend of new collections and vintage designs. Guests should plan a visit to the following stores during their next trip to Hersheypark for a sweet souvenir:

• Hersheypark Supply Co. is a premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store where guests can browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark. 
• HP Collections is a shopping destination with a collection of curated premier brands and styles, including johnnie-O, Vuori, Adidas, Corkcicle and a dedicated Lululemon selection.
• New for 2025, guests can visit HP Toys & Collectables to view a selection of plush characters, popular toys and exciting souvenirs.

8. Dine at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is the flagship culinary experience at Hersheypark. Opened in spring 2021, the full-service restaurant serves up classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate, while showcasing the lasting impact that The Chocolatier himself made. Diners can choose from indoor booth seating themed around Comet and Tilt-A-Whirl to an outdoor patio featuring past and present rides and one-of-a-kind views of Candymonium, the iconic Kisses Fountain and the Carrousel.

A Fun-to-Table menu includes staples like the Ferris Wheel appetizer, Chocolatetown Burger, Reese’s Take5 Chicken Sandwich, Heath Bar Crusted Salmon and Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs, along with over-the-top Hershey's candy-inspired milkshakes, sundaes and desserts. Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy unique cocktails from the Carrousel Bar, which boasts two replica horses from one of the most storied Hersheypark attractions.

Reservations are strongly encouraged but not available for outdoor patio dining. Guests interested in re-entering Hersheypark after enjoying the patio will need to get their hands stamped. 

9. Stop by Milton's Ice Cream Parlor

Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is a must-visit during a trip to Hersheypark - and one of the sweetest ways to beat the heat on a summer day! Inspired by Mr. Hershey's early ventures in sweetness that came before his famous chocolate factory, expert Ice Creamologists craft custom creations from 100 percent local dairy house-made ice cream, Hershey's candy toppings, decadent sauces, and more. All-new this summer, Milton's Ice Cream Parlor offers a reimagined menu featuring fresh donuts topped with fresh fruit, Hershey's candies and more, in addition to the favorite ice cream creations. 

Given its location outside of the front gate, guests with or without a Hersheypark ticket can dine at Milton's.

10. Take Home a sweet treat

A visit to Hersheypark is not complete without taking home something sweet. Guests leaving Hersheypark can stop by The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen for a curated collection of mouth-watering confections, including chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts, signature fudge and more. Just like Milton's, The Sweeterie does not require a Hersheypark ticket.

What's your favorite element of Chocolatetown? Tell us on social media by tagging @Hersheypark.