Great Greenhouses of Pennsylvania: Hershey Gardens
Hershey Gardens | 170 Hotel Road | Hershey, PA 17033
About Hershey Gardens
Hershey Gardens is one in a constellation of attractions that chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey created in his model town. Its creation in 1936 was sparked by a request to contribute to a national rose garden in Washington, D.C. Milton Hershey instead directed Hershey horticulturist Harry Erdman to create a "nice garden of roses" in the shadow of the Hotel Hershey. Expansions during Milton Hershey's lifetime have resulted in the current 23-acre display garden, consisting of meandering paths through an arboretum of tree specimens and twelve themed gardens, including a children's garden, a Japanese garden, and, still, a stunning rose garden with over 100 varieties.Â
The 2016 addition of the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, including the Butterfly Atrium, truly makes Hershey Gardens a four-season attraction. The 16,000-square-foot indoor space serves as an entrance to the Garden overlooking Hersheypark. Its design harkens back to Hershey greenhouses, which delighted the community in the early 20th century with annual flower shows, especially at Eastertime.
Visit Highlights
The Butterfly Atrium is an oasis of warmth and life during a cold Pennsylvania winter. Hershey Gardens' Butterfly Atrium hosts hundreds of butterflies representing 25 to 30 species at any given time. Popular species present year-round include the striking, iridescent blue morpho (Morpho spp.) and the aptly named owl butterfly (Caligo spp.), with prominent eye spots on its wings. Other "frequent fliers" include paper kites (Idea leuconoe), leopard lacewings (Cethosia cyane), clippers (Parthenos spp.), dead leaf butterflies (Kallima inachus), and various swallowtails (Papilio spp.). Though many butterflies live only for a matter of days, the species commonly called longwings (Heliconius spp.) live up to three months. Children, in particular, are fascinated by the chrysalis cabinet, where they can watch fully-formed butterflies emerge from seemingly lifeless chrysalids. Another magnet for children is the Zoology Zone. Here, kids get an up-close look at other arthropods, such as Asian walking sticks, tarantulas, and cockroaches, and reptiles, such as tree frogs, geckos, and snakes.
Of course, plants are essential to creating the tropical environment that both butterflies and humans enjoy. Plants situated around a peaceful stream that runs through the butterfly habitat include the golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), sometimes called golden candles because of its yellow bracts and white flowers, and fragrant plumeria or frangipani trees (Plumeria spp.). Vanilla orchids (Vanilla planifolia), whose seed pods produce vanilla flavoring, climb the walls. A rare treat is the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), the source of chocolate, which naturally grows only within 20 degrees of the Equator. I was delighted to find this tree thriving indoors and loaded with ripening green to orange pods.
The educational and horticulture wing of the conservatory hosts seasonal special events, including a Christmas tree showcase. In early February, the Susquehanna Orchid Society typically presents a judged show, including orchid vendors and educational workshops. For details on this and other programs, see Hershey Gardens Programs and Events.
For those who want to venture outdoors in colder weather, Hershey Gardens includes a pleasant mile-long walk past impressive tree specimens, such as horse chestnuts, willow oaks, bald cypress, beech, hemlock, and an oak grove. Families will enjoy the Children's Garden year-round because of features such as a treehouse, animal sculptures, and interactives. Hershey Gardens also offers children's scavenger hunts online, such as a fall and winter bird search, that are great for off-season visits—see Hershey Gardens Family Fun.
Tips for Your Visit
Hershey Gardens is open daily, year-round, including Saturdays and Sundays. Some outdoor areas may be closed due to icy conditions in the winter months, along with some brief closure periods for maintenance, so it is best to check the Hershey Gardens website before a visit. Admissions tickets are available online or upon arrival. Check for special admission rates for a dual ticket to The Hershey Story Museum and discounted prices from January through March.
The Garden Shop is located directly inside the entrance of the Welcome Pavilion amid giant palms and beneath stained-glass butterflies. It features garden-related gifts and apparel and many educational items for children. Hershey Gardens does not have a food service area, so plan to fuel up before you arrive.
Hershey Gardens is wheelchair accessible, including the main path in the outdoor area. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
