Have You Been to The Hershey Story Museum Yet?
If you live in Lebanon County and haven’t made the short drive over to Hershey, Pennsylvania, this is your sign.
Hershey is practically in our backyard, and somehow I had never made it to The Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue. That changed recently when I packed up my eldest daughter, Pay, and we made a little mom-and-daughter day out of it. I’m so glad we did, because it ended up being one of those experiences we’re still talking about.
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63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
What Even Is The Hershey Story?
The Hershey Story is a two-floor interactive museum all about Milton S. Hershey, the man behind the chocolate bar, and the man who literally built the town of Hershey from the ground up. His story is genuinely fascinating. He didn’t just stumble into success; he went through two bankruptcies before he finally figured it out. He was determined to make chocolate something everyone could enjoy, not just the wealthy, and he changed the industry forever.
The exhibits walk you through his whole life: his humble beginnings, his early failures, how he perfected his milk chocolate-making process, and the incredible legacy he left behind, including an entire school built for orphaned children that still exists today. There are over 30 animated, interactive stations throughout the museum, so you’re not just reading plaques on a wall. You’re actually immersed in the story.
For us Lebanon County folks, this is honestly the kind of local history trip that puts things in perspective. This man shaped an entire region, and his museum is right down the road.
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The Chocolate Lab Experience
Now here’s where things got really fun! My oldest daughter recently turned 5, and the Chocolate Lab is available for ages 5 and up, so the timing could not have been more perfect. We signed up for the 45-minute hands-on class, and from the moment we walked in, she was locked in.
The class teaches you how chocolate is made, starting from where cacao is actually grown around the world, all the way through the process of turning those beans into chocolate. Then you get to make your own creation to take home. Pay was in full scientist mode, and watching her work was the highlight of my whole day.
If you’re planning to go with little ones, just know that lab tickets are sold at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis the day of your visit. Get there early and grab your spot; it fills up fast, especially on weekends.
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The Bottom Line for Lebanon County Families
We are lucky. Hershey is a quick, easy drive from Lebanon County, and this museum is absolutely worth an afternoon. It’s the kind of outing that works for the whole family, educational without feeling like homework, fun without being overwhelming, and yes, there is chocolate involved at every turn.
Whether you have little ones, older kids, or you’re looking for a solo outing or a date day, The Hershey Story has something for everyone. Parking is free in the garage behind the museum, and it’s open daily year-round.
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Good to Know Before You Go
Open Daily, 9 am-5 pm
Free Parking behind the museum
