Want to watch a quick video with reasons you should visit Hershey Gardens? Head here!
Background of Hershey Gardens
Located in Hershey, PA (yup, like the chocolate 🍫), Hershey Gardens is across from Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate World, and the old Hershey Chocolate factory.
Its full address is 170 Hotel Rd Hershey, PA 17033.
The Gardens were first opened in 1937 by Milton Hershey. He was a nature lover and wanted to create a rose garden.
His original idea wasn’t to have such a large garden, but thankfully, we can all enjoy the fruits of him and his botanists’ labor. Today, Hershey Gardens covers 23 beautiful acres.
What To See
There are several attractions to see within the Hershey Gardens. They are all easily viewed during one trip.
Butterfly Atrium
You get a wristband for the Atrium when you purchase your main ticket. When you enter the Atrium, you must wait in a mirrored room, sort of like a non-trippy funhouse, to wait your turn. Only a certain number of people are allowed in the Butterly Atrium at a time.
Once you enter the Atrium, you will become instantly amazed (as I am every visit) at the colorful, unique butterflies floating around you. You’ll get one or more to land on you if you’re lucky!
The Atrium isn’t huge, but there is plenty to take in. Your time isn’t limited, but it’s essential to be courteous of others waiting in that mirrored room.
When it’s time to leave, you await in yet another mirrored room to ensure no butterflies snuck out on your clothes. Then, you’re free to explore the rest of the Gardens! Even if it’s cold, you can still visit the butterflies. The atrium is open year-round.
The Butterly Atrium is open year-round. If you’re lucky, one may even land on you. Don’t touch the butterflies, though – you may risk getting kicked out.
Children’s Garden
If you’re traveling with children, that’s no problem! There is a Children’s Garden with many tiny features for the kids to enjoy.
The Children’s Garden is a whimsical, fun part of the Garden dedicated to visiting children. Inside the Garden are 32 areas for children to learn and explore.
One area teaches children how easy it is to grow their food at home. My favorite part of touring the Children’s Garden is seeing how art is integrated with the plants.
Conservatory
The Conservatory dates back to 1909 when Mr. and Mrs. Hershey had it built to display their beloved plants in winter.
Today, it features the Welcome Pavillion, Butterfly Atrium, and Educational & Horticulture Wing. The large doors and bright, sunny windows are inviting. The plants, many tropical, are lush.
In the Welcome Pavillion, you can purchase tickets in person. You may also visit the gift shop, which features many fun and cute nature-inspired gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
In the Educational & Horticultural Wing, you can witness many plants with a special relationship with butterflies. There are also events held here throughout the year. Click here to check out the events calendar.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden was Hershey’s pride and joy. It’s located outside of the Conservatory passed the fountain. You can’t miss it, and you don’t want to! There are so many roses to see, from traditional red roses to multicolored varieties.
In the summer of 2021, there were 3500 roses in bloom. That’s a lot of roses! 🌹
Tips For Visiting Hershey Gardens
Tickets
Regular tickets are $13.50, senior tickets (62+) are $12.00, and children tickets (3-12) are $9.50. Children under 2 are free. Active military member tickets are also free!
Tickets for Hershey Gardens can be purchased online or in person.
Parking
Parking is located in parking lots near the Gardens. You will only need to take a short walk to begin walking the exhibits.
Looking for gifts?
There is a lovely gift shop inside the main building with many garden and butterfly items available for purchase.
Local Attractions
After seeing the butterflies and smelling the various flowers, head over to Hershey Chocolate World. There, you can take a free ride that explains the chocolate-making process. You’ll even get a free sample of one of Hershey’s many candies. It’s a delicious time!
I want to hear from YOU!
Have you ever visited Hershey Gardens or the surrounding areas? Let me know how your visit was!
Until my next adventure,
Robyn xoxo
Read more about nature in Pennsylvania here.