Hershey, Pennsylvania, is the chocolate capital of the United States. But underneath its sweet exterior is a town with a rich history, easily explored through the many incredible museums near Hershey, PA. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for things to do in Hershey besides Hersheypark, these top 8 museums (plus two BONUS museums at the end) offer a unique and engaging experience.
Explore all things chocolate, automotive, fire and police-related, and historic as we guide you through these fantastic destinations. These museums best display our region’s history and culture, from its humble industrial beginnings to its role in reshaping the landscape of our country.
A Cocoa-Licious Journey: Exploring Hershey’s Chocolate Museums
In Hershey, PA, chocolate museums aren’t just sweet—they’re a deep dive into the delicious history of cocoa, where you can indulge in the legacy of Milton S. Hershey and savor every exhibit like a fine truffle. Get ready to unwrap the secrets behind America’s favorite treat! If you are short on time or looking for things to do around Hersheypark, these museums keep you in the heart of Hershey and right next to some of our favorite restaurants.
1. The Hershey Story
63 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, check site for details
The Hershey Story Museum should be the first stop for visitors to Hershey. This is a place we always recommend people try to fit into their trip, even if you’re only visiting for a weekend. Before the world fell for his chocolate, Milton S. Hershey was a struggling chocolatier trying to make an impact. This museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Hershey’s vision and accomplishments, making it a must-see for anyone looking to grasp the full story behind the town’s sweet success.
Visitors can explore the origins of Hershey’s chocolate empire, and discover his innovative business practices, packed with interactive exhibits, you’ll gain insight into how Milton Hershey’s life began in poverty and how he rebounded after numerous failures to revolutionize the production of milk chocolate. Don’t worry, there’s chocolate! Head to the Chocolate Lab to try your hand at being a chocolatier.
2. Hershey’s Chocolate World
101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA
Hours: Typically 9 am – 9 pm, check site for details
Okay, while not technically a museum, visitors to this chocolate attraction may be surprised by how well it showcases the chocolate-making process and Hershey’s impact on American culture and industry. Hershey’s Chocolate World often has special seasonal events and exhibits, making this one of our favorite things to do in Hershey, PA during Christmas and other holidays.
Discover the evolution of Hershey’s packaging, advertising, and iconic mascot, The Kiss, at Chocolate World. With exhibits highlighting the company’s innovations and popular brands, this interactive attraction offers a sweet journey through Hershey’s history. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just curious, it’s a fun, unforgettable adventure that deepens your appreciation for Hershey’s impact on the world of chocolate.
3. Hershey History Center
40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10 am – 4pm
The Hershey History Center chronicles life before chocolate poured into the community. You’ll also see an exhibit with the personal artifacts of one of the original “Band of Brothers” members. The real story is about the famous Hershey hockey team, the Hershey Bears.
Caverns, Cannons & Cars: Hershey’s Historical Treasures
There is more to the Hershey area than just chocolate. History buffs will rejoice as they visit these diverse history museums. There’s a story for everyone to uncover, vintage cars, Civil War artifacts, fire-fighting memorabilia, and subterranean wonders.
4. AACA
161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA
Hours: Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm
If you get revved up by classic cars and historic transportation, don’t miss the AACA (America’s Transportation Experience)! This 71,000-square-foot museum puts antique automobiles in the driver’s seat, showcasing them in unique settings.
Cruise down memory lane with a display that spans eight decades of motor vehicles from New York to San Francisco. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian, the AACA also features the Museum of Bus Transportation and an extensive collection of Tucker automobiles and memorabilia, making this place a pit stop you can’t afford to skip!
5. The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North Street, Harrisburg, PA
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm
Pennsylvania has a rich history, and as the official museum of the Commonwealth, The State Museum of Pennsylvania features an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits covering archaeology, anthropology geology, and history. Marvel at exhibits that include an original pioneer wagon, a Mastodon skeleton, Civil War displays, and an 18-foot-tall statue of William Penn. With its lifelike dioramas of Pennsylvania wildlife, Mammal Hall is one of our favorites.
6. National Civil War Museum
1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, PA
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
The National Civil War Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum with thousands of artifacts of well-known personalities such as Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln. However, the majority of the collection relates to average soldiers from the North and South. Exhibits include the flags of the Civil War, women’s role in the war, artwork of soldiers, and conditions of prisoners of war from both sides.
7. Indian Echo Caverns
369 Middletown Road in Hummelstown, PA
Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Explore a different kind of history at Indian Echo Caverns. This attraction offers guided tours year-round of its limestone rock formations and a serene underground lake. The caverns remain a temperate 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making this a great attraction for visitors coming to cool off in the summer or warm up after being outside in winter. The guided tours not only showcase the geological beauty of the caverns but also share intriguing tales of the caverns’ history and folklore. It’s the perfect attraction to add a touch of natural splendor to your Hershey itinerary. (Did we mention the free petting zoo)?
8. PA National Fire Museum
1820 North 4th Street, Harrisburg PA
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday, 1 pm – 4 pm
The PA National Fire Museum is in a historic 1899 Victorian Fire House. Exhibits focus on the history of the fire service in the United States from the colonial period up to the present. One of the premier exhibits is a working Gamewell alarm system headquarters from Johnstown, PA dating to the 1920s.
Plus Two BONUS Museums
9. Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 North 3rd Street, Harrisburg PA
Hours: Wednesday 10 am – 7 pm, Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday, 12pm – 5 pm
The Susquehanna Art Museum is Harrisburg’s only dedicated art museum. It seeks to encourage and inspire all visitors to learn and appreciate the art and culture around them. There are continually changing exhibits, as well as both adult and youth classes. Turn the trip into a date night activity by strolling through exhibits hand in hand.
10. PA State Police Museum
187 Police Academy Drive, Hershey PA
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
*2 weeks advance notice required for guided tours
Did you know that the State Police were originally formed in Pennsylvania in 1905 to protect the public from the Great Anthracite Coal Strike? PA’s State Police was the first of its kind in the nation and used as a model for other states. The PA State Police Museum has collected artifacts throughout the history of the PA State Police, and they are housed here.
Isn’t the number and variety of museums incredible? There are even more listed on our website. So get off the couch and visit some of the best museums near Hershey, PA! Make it a getaway, and make our inn your home away from home!
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