April 24, 1907: Hershey opens leisure park for chocolate factory employees

In 1907, Milton S. Hershey opened Hershey Park for workers in his Pennsylvania chocolate company. On April 24, the park marked its grand opening with a baseball game. The original conception of Hershey Park was a place for picnicking and boating, with a grandstand and a band shell. With most of the town of Hershey working for the chocolate factory or otherwise tied to the company, the park was aimed at creating a leisure place for the community. A merry-go-round was built in 1908 and two bowling alleys, a tennis court and a scenic train were added in 1909.

Over the years, the park expanded to include a zoo that housed Hershey’s own exotic animals. The first roller coaster was added in 1923 to celebrate the town of Hershey’s 20th anniversary. During the 1970s, the park changed from a typical park – with landscaping and trees – to an amusement park and was renamed Hersheypark.

The park now covers 110 acres, with 65 rides, 12 roller-coasters, and a water park. Hershey’s Chocolate World (with a museum) is next to Hersheypark, as is the zoo, the American Hockey League team the Hershey Bears, and Hershey Gardens. Most visitors hit up multiple attractions. Chocolate World entry is free and includes a tour of the factory — and lots and lots of chocolate.