In 1971, Hersheypark underwent significant changes by introducing a gated entrance largely for security and modernization, while also implementing new admission fees, provoking mixed reactions from locals.
Hersheypark instituted the R. Duell & Associates Hersheypark Renovation Plan (RDA Plan) in 1971. Phase I, due for the 1972 season, called for a temporary entrance for Hersheypark while the
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company began acquiring homes near Hersheypark in the 1970s for expansion. By 1981, only the Gerhart House remained after the sale of several properties, eventually becoming part of the park’s infrastructure.
Dive into Hersheypark’s ride lineage with Chance Rides, featuring the groundbreaking Rotor and the adventurous Twin Towers Toboggans. Explore the legacy that shaped this iconic park.
Find out how Arrow Development influenced Hersheypark’s ride offerings, starting with the famous Coal Cracker attraction.
Uncover the story behind D.H. Morgan Manufacturing Inc., a company with deep roots in the amusement park manufacturing sector.
Lakemont Park claims it opened in 1894, but it really opened on June 30, 1893.
Chance Rides is an amusement ride manufacturer that has existed since 1961. Known for their C.P. Huntington train, Ferris wheels, and Zipper rides, they’ve evolved through various acquisitions. The company has maintained its legacy, recently focusing on portable rides and ensuring future success under the new owners Permanent Equity while remaining in Wichita, Kansas.
The Carrousel Fair, an event at Hersheypark, originated in 1978 and was last held in 1999. Initially launched as “Old Fashioned Weekends,” it served as a marketing initiative to bring visitors to the park after the end of the summer season.
After the decline of Pennsylvania Dutch Days and the lack of interest in the sooperdooperFair ’80, the Carrousel Fair emerged in 1981, running until 1989. It was eventually replaced by Hometown Days in 1992 and revived as Carrousel Fair Days in 1995. It was quickly overshadowed by Hersheypark In The Dark, and the last Carrousel Fair occurred in 1999.
Kissing Tower, an observation tower ride at Hersheypark, debuted in 1975 after years of planning and construction. It features panoramic views and is one of several Gyro Towers produced by Waagner Biro AG. The ride has hosted weddings and special events, maintaining a prominent place in the park’s identity over the years.
The first Hersheypark advertisement ran in central Pennsylvania newspapers between August 29, 1907 and August 31, 1907.
Hersheypark integrated the Village of Spring Creek, which existed from the 1850s to the 1910s along West Derry Road. The area transformed drastically following Milton Hershey’s acquisitions, ultimately leading to the park’s expansion and closure of the road.
One question that often comes up is over the years, what date was Hersheypark’s first operating day of the new year. Of course, the answer is not simple. Hersheypark has
In 1997, Hersheypark added The Whip, a ride honoring its first Whip, featuring historic photos. Operating from 1997 to 2022, it was removed in February 2023, as confirmed by the park’s social media.
Since 1973, when Tudor Square was constructed, Hersheypark has had a restaurant at the entrance of the park. The restaurant was constructed on the south side of the Tudor Square
On January 1, 2019, the main entrance of Hersheypark was used for its last time. Within a few days, the demolition of the 45 year old Tudor Castle began. Shortly
Merlin Cless Crawford was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 4, 1895, to Walter B. (W. B.) Crawford and Laura Crawford née Cless. He was a co-founder of the Banjo-Saxo
On May 7, 1972, Hersheypark opened for it’s second season as Hersheypark. This was the first season Hersheypark would operate as a theme park – featuring three new themed regions:
Traffic Jam is a kiddie ride in Hersheypark manufactured by Hampton Amusement Company. The ride, sold as a Kiddie Variety Ride in the 1960s, was installed in Hersheypark in 1968.
Starship America is one of Hersheypark’s oldest rides. It was originally called Aero Jets and purchased used from Pontchartrain Beach amusement park, which was located north of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Minty Bees is a Hampton Amusement Company kiddie Super Jet ride which was installed in Hersheypark in 1961.
On June 14, 1984, an act – providing for the inspection of amusement rides and attractions; granting powers and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture; creating the Amusement Ride
Dizzy Drums is a kiddie ride that operates in Founder’s Way across from Fender Bender. It was manufactured by Hampton Amusement Company, and it has been operating in Hersheypark since
Lewis Henry Garbrick operated a dairy in his hometown of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. This dairy, called Garbrick & Son Dairy, closed in 1937. Garbrick left the dairy business to start
Space Age is an umbrella kiddie ride, installed in Hersheypark in 1965 and is still operating today in the Founder’s Way region of Hersheypark. The ride has maintained the same
The Bug was one of Hershepark’s most classic rides, located in the Hollow, adjacent to Comet.
60 years ago, Hersheypark operated for it’s 54th season. The season began on April 24, 1960, and operated through September 11, 1960. The park was closed on Mondays. Hersheypark remained
In 1910, Hersheypark opened for its fifth season on May 30, Memorial Day. At the time, Memorial Day was also commonly called Decoration Day, which was the original name of
Hersheypark has had many jazz orchestras and bands appear at the park throughout the years, especially between the 1910s to 1960s. One regularly scheduled resident performer for the first half
Valley Video Cable Company (VVC) was a company founded by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company on October 27, 1966 (at the time the company was named Hershey Estates). The president
Hersheypark had not produced any maps of the park until 1972, when a map of the park produced by a third party was put into the park’s rack brochure and
There is a postcard that Hersheypark has sold since approximately 1970 that shows the Monorail, installed in 1969, crossing over the entrance of Hersheypark and its main feature – the
Happy Fourth of July from The Amusement Parkives! Have a great day and thanks for checking out the website! There’s a lot more new content the works. If you’d like to
Before the pool at the intersection of Park Boulevard and West Derry Road was opened in 1929, there was another major pool in Hersheypark – the original Hershey Park Pool,
In 2005, Starship America and Balloon Flite were installed in Founder’s Circle (what was previously called Carrousel Circle from 1972-2004 and later Founder’s Way). These two rides took the place
The featured photo above is courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. Ride The New Carrousel On Sunday, May 20, 1945, a mere twelve days after Germany surrendered to the
Springtime in the Park is open Saturday. There will be a new temporary main entrance for the park this year.
Hersheypark has published the 2019 Springtime in the Park map.
On March 7, Hersheypark announced some new information about the 2019 season. Reese’s Cupfusion will open in the summer of 2019, while the summer season will begin on May 3.
Happy New Year’s Eve! As done in 2017, here is a look back at the top 10 articles published on The Amusement Parkives during the year. These are ranked by number of
Just down the road from Hersheypark, on Hersheypark Drive, is the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. It is located on the same hill as The Hotel Hershey and Catherine Hall, part
Here is your Hersheypark update for December 17, 2018. Digging is underway in the old Hershey Park Pool area.
Unveil the story of Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane in 1983, a festive adventure that defied cold to enchant visitors with its holiday spirit and iconic rides.
The Rotor was invented in Europe in the 1940s and was brought to the United States in 1951. Kennywood Park installed a Rotor in 1955, and Hersheypark installed a Rotor in 1970.
Construction of the perimeter gate for the expanded area of Hersheypark has continued. Fence poles have been installed on part of the fence line. It is set a handful of
Hersheypark’s Hershey’s Chocolatetown preliminary construction is underway.
On October 23, Hersheypark in the Dark will turn 20 years old. The first season the event occurred was in 1998. Creatures of the Night originally began as a single
Hershey’s Chocolatetown, the first theme region added to Hersheypark since 2007, was announced on October 3, 2018. It will open in Summer 2020.
In 1940, Dionisio Castelli opened a restaurant in Hershey, transforming it into a hotel in 1946. After 24 years, it was sold to Hershey Estates and became integrated into Hersheypark’s expansion in 1980.
Reese’s Cupfusion is new for summer 2019. It will replace Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge, which will permanently close on September 3.
Hersheypark and Knoebels closed on July 23 due to localized flooding. Hersheypark is scheduled to reopen on July 24. Knoebels has not yet announced their plans for tomorrow.
On July 19, 2018, Kennywood Park and the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a collaboration that has resulted in a new themed region being added to the park, which will be called
The mission begins on August 2, 2018. What will it be? #Hersheypark2019
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company presented Plat #1298 to Derry Township Planning Commission.
Tip Top was a flat ride at Hersheypark from 1966 to 1979, showcasing intense spinning and bouncing experiences before its removal.
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