Summer Adventures Hershey Gardens and Hersheypark

We have all heard of Hershey’s. Their delicious chocolates and many varieties of candy bars are unsurpassed. You might have even taken a trip to Hershey’s Amusement Park located at Hershey, Pennsylvania. Milton Hershey created his original park in 1906 for the enjoyment and relaxation of employees at his Hershey’s Chocolate Factory. While it did have a few rides, it did not become a true amusement park until the mid-1940’s.

Since then, it has grown into a huge amusement park, called Hersheypark, with a multitude of outdoor attractions built on 121 acres and surrounded by shady trees and green spaces. A fun water park, fifteen roller coasters and rides for kids of all ages make this a fun destination for families. The Chocolatier restaurant is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after a full day at the park.

Milton Hershey was truly a community visionary. In 1937, he wanted to do something special for his wife and thought of a “nice garden of roses”. Hershey Gardens is more than a “nice garden of roses” since it covers 23 acres of botanical beauty with themed gardens that include the Hershey Historic Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, Butterfly Atrium, Seasonal Display Garden, Herb Garden, Rock Garden, Senses Garden, Japanese Garden, Bill Bowman Garden, and Oak Grove. A list of which plants will be looking their best for each of the four seasons is posted on their website, hersheygardens.org.

In 1940, The American Rose Society named a rose in Milton Hershey’s honor called the ‘M.S. Hershey’ rose. There are over 3,500 roses representing 115 varieties planted in the Hershey Rose Garden, from floribundas and shrubs, to miniature roses and hybrid teas. Each year, the new AARS rose winners are planted in the garden. If you love roses, this garden will thrill you.

Hershey Gardens holds several adult classes throughout the year. This summer’s agenda includes “Daylilies: The Perfect Perennials” and “Manada Conservancy Presents: Climate Change and Penn’s Wood”. It is a perfect place for weddings, one of which was being set up as we walked through the garden. Music in the garden is another popular community event.

As we toured the Hershey Historic Rose Garden, the roses were all in bloom. So many varieties, colors and wonderful smells! There are a lot of nooks for sitting and contemplating throughout the garden for people to rest and enjoy the view. Yes, Hershey Gardens is best described as “a peaceful respite surrounded by the joyous chaos of an amusement park”. We enjoyed our visit and hope you might also like to visit.

By Karen Lyman
Karen is a member of Tempe Garden Club and is the current treasurer. She is a member of the PR25 Convention committee.

Photo 1 Karen Lyman

A beautiful statue of a child catching a butterfly can be seen at the Butterfly Atrium.

Photo 2 Karen Lyman

Hershey’s Butterfly Atrium is home to dozens of rare butterflies from Central and South America, Asia, and Africa. This is the Common Morpho butterfly. When its wings open, the inner color is brilliant blue.

Photo 3 Hershey Gardens

This is the Common Morpho butterfly will its blue wings showing. Many exotic plants are grown in the Butterfly Atrium to produce nectar for all the rare butterflies.