Hershey Gardens photo
ParkPennsylvania, US

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens offers a stunning 23-acre botanical paradise overlooking Hershey, Pennsylvania.

About

Hershey Gardens offers a stunning 23-acre botanical paradise overlooking Hershey, Pennsylvania. This vibrant botanical garden is a feast for the senses, providing a beautiful escape with meticulously curated landscapes and engaging exhibits for all ages. It transforms with the seasons, ensuring a unique experience whether you visit in the blossoming spring, lush summer, colorful autumn, or serene winter.

The Gardens boast a diverse array of attractions, including the historic Hershey Rose Garden, home to 3,000 roses across 115 varieties, a fragrant tribute to its origins. Step into the tropical warmth of the year-round Butterfly Atrium, where hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world, such as the iridescent Blue Morpho and striking Owl Butterfly, flutter freely amidst lush foliage and a soothing water feature. For younger visitors, the Children's Garden offers 32 whimsical themed mini-gardens, complete with Hershey's Kisses-shaped misters and interactive displays, fostering a love for nature through play. Other notable areas include the tranquil Japanese Garden with its giant sequoias, Dawn Redwood trees, and reflective ponds, and the ever-changing Seasonal Display Garden showcasing thousands of tulips, daffodils, and vibrant annuals.

Hershey Gardens is more than just a collection of plants; it's an immersive experience designed to inspire and delight. It serves as a peaceful respite from the everyday, an educational journey into horticulture, and a perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories. Whether you're a passionate gardener, a family seeking interactive fun, or simply looking for a beautiful natural setting to explore, Hershey Gardens offers an enriching and memorable visit throughout the year. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

Hershey Gardens was founded in 1937 by Milton Hershey, who famously requested "a nice garden of roses" as a tribute to his wife, Catherine. What began as a 3.5-acre rose garden, initially planted with 12,000 rose bushes of 450 varieties, has blossomed over more than 85 years into 23 acres of diverse botanical beauty. Significant expansions and additions have shaped the Gardens over time. The introduction of themed gardens in 1979 broadened its appeal. In 2003, the Children's Garden opened, becoming one of the first of its kind in the nation. A major development in 2016 was the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which includes the year-round Butterfly Atrium, transforming Hershey Gardens into a four-season destination.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Check "What's in Bloom"**

Before your visit, check the Hershey Gardens website for current bloom reports to best plan your trip around seasonal highlights.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Gardens span 23 acres with a roughly one-mile main walking path and many detours, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Arrive Early

To avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons or for the Butterfly Atrium, consider visiting shortly after opening.

Plan for the Butterfly Atrium

Make time to visit the year-round Butterfly Atrium, a tropical oasis that provides warmth and vibrant life even during colder months. Note that strollers are not permitted inside.

Consider a Combo Pass

If you plan to visit The Hershey Story Museum, inquire about a Gardens-Museum Combo Pass for potential savings.

Utilize Free Parking

Ample free parking is available on-site, directly across from The Hotel Hershey.

Frequently asked questions

Hershey Gardens is open daily year-round, including Saturdays, Sundays, and most holidays. Hours vary seasonally: typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter (Jan-Feb), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in spring/fall (Mar-May, Sep-Dec), and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer (May-Sept). The last admission to the Butterfly Atrium is 15 minutes prior to closing.
Yes, Hershey Gardens is wheelchair accessible, including its main outdoor pathways and the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outside food is not permitted inside Hershey Gardens, but picnic tables are available outside the main entrance for guests to use. With the exception of service dogs, no other animals or pets are allowed within the Gardens.

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