Explore a dazzling array of differently shaped and sized plants at Hershey Gardens. This botanical attraction packs in a diverse and sizable collection of flowers, trees and bushes from all around the world, so that there is something to see at every time of year.
In 1937, the famous chocolatier Milton Hershey opened a small rose garden that has since expanded to 11 themed gardens spread over 23 acres (93,000 square meters). The selection of plants within the gardens changes all the time, maintaining a wide diversity of flora visit more than once and it’s likely you’ll see something new.
The Historic Hershey Rose Garden is the first stop on your tour of the site. Walk around bushes blooming with flowers of deep red and delicate pink. Afterward, head to the neighboring Seasonal Display Garden, which takes on different colors as the months change.
Breathe in the rich scents of the Herb Garden, which grows plants for cooking and medicine. Relax among the sights and smells of the Far East in the tranquility of the Japanese Garden. A colorful arboretum contains statues representing the four seasons and the adjoining rock garden has hardy perennials that retain their foliage throughout the year.
Let your kids run wild in the Children’s Garden, which offers play areas, fountains and mazes for the youngest botany enthusiasts. An education center provides informative displays about plants and ecology. Walk through Chocolate Lane and the Fragrance Garden to use all of your senses.
Step into the Butterfly House, where delicate creatures of every pattern flutter around your head. Follow the life cycle of the butterfly, seeing them as caterpillars and chrysalises before enjoying hundreds of them in flight. The Butterfly House is open throughout summer.
The sheer variety of plants at the Hershey Gardens means you can see a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms at any time of the year. Combination tickets with The Hershey Story Museum are available. The gardens are about half an hour on foot from other attractions such as the museum. Find free parking on-site.
