Hersheypark in central Pennsylvania has evolved from a 1907 Hershey Chocolate Company employee picnic ground into one of the largest regional theme parks in the country. The park’s 15 roller coasters span every category from family woodies to hypercoasters, and the chocolate-themed branding extends through dining, gift shops, and the adjacent Hershey’s Chocolate World free-admission attraction. These six highlights capture what makes Hersheypark genuinely worth a destination trip rather than just a regional day-out, especially for families balancing thrill seekers with younger kids.
Skyrush: The Hypercoaster That Bites Back
Skyrush opened in 2012 as Hersheypark’s flagship Intamin hypercoaster, climbing 200 feet before launching into a winged-seating layout with intense lap-bar restraints. The ride’s reputation for delivering brutal thigh forces during high-speed turns has made it polarizing among enthusiasts — some swear it’s the best airtime ride east of the Mississippi, others find the lap-bar pressure painful.
According to Roller Coaster Database, Skyrush reaches 75 mph and delivers approximately 4.5 G’s at multiple points throughout its 3,600-foot layout.
Candymonium: The Newer Hyper
Candymonium opened in 2020 as Hersheypark’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster, standing 210 feet tall and reaching 76 mph. The Bolliger & Mabillard hyper offers smoother airtime than Skyrush and has become a fan favorite for its open-air seating and sustained negative-G hills. The two hypercoasters together give Hersheypark a one-two punch that few regional parks match.
For more on what makes the hypercoaster category so dominant in modern parks, our breakdown of every type of roller coaster explained covers the engineering principles behind these 200-foot giants.
Storm Runner: The Launched Coaster Pioneer
Storm Runner opened in 2004 as one of the first hydraulic-launch coasters at a regional park, accelerating to 75 mph in 2 seconds. The 150-foot top hat element and three subsequent inversions still hold up two decades later. The launch sensation remains genuinely shocking even for riders who’ve experienced newer launched coasters.
Wildcat’s Revenge: The RMC Hybrid
Wildcat’s Revenge replaced the original Wildcat wooden coaster in 2023 with a Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid retrofit, keeping the wooden support structure but adding steel rails and a 140-foot drop with multiple inversions. The world’s longest single rail loop is among Wildcat’s Revenge’s signature elements.
Family Coaster Variety
Beyond the headliners, Hersheypark operates SooperDooperLooper (the East Coast’s first looping coaster from 1977), Comet (a classic 1946 wooden coaster), and Cocoa Cruiser (a junior coaster perfect for first-time riders). The park’s intentional blend of family and thrill rides makes it one of the better multi-generational destinations on the East Coast.
For families weighing Hersheypark against other regional options, our roundup of the best water parks in the United States for families covers the increasingly important water park gates that pair with theme parks like Hersheypark’s adjacent Boardwalk water area.
How to Plan a Hersheypark Day
Coverage from Coaster101 consistently ranks Hersheypark among the top 15 amusement parks in North America, and the park earns particular praise for its capacity management. Multi-day Sweet Access tickets paired with a stay at one of the Hershey-owned hotels include early entry that effectively eliminates lines on Skyrush and Candymonium for the first hour. The park’s chocolate-town setting also offers a town walkable enough to combine with Chocolate World, the spa, and the Hershey Story museum for a multi-day trip that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many roller coasters does Hersheypark have?
Hersheypark operates 15 roller coasters as of 2026, ranging from family models to two hypercoasters and an RMC hybrid.
What is the tallest coaster at Hersheypark?
Candymonium stands 210 feet tall, making it Hersheypark’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.
Is Hersheypark open year-round?
No, Hersheypark operates seasonally from late April through early January, including the Christmas Candylane holiday event.
Does admission to Hersheypark include the water park?
Yes, the Boardwalk water park area is included with regular Hersheypark admission, unlike most other regional parks that charge separately.
What’s the closest airport to Hersheypark?
Harrisburg International Airport is about 20 minutes from Hersheypark; Philadelphia and Baltimore are roughly 2 hours away.