What do a candy maker, a Victorian firehouse, and Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War have in common? They’re all part of Pennsylvania’s fascinating history. The Hershey area in particular is remarkably rich in cultural experiences, from the sweet story of Milton Hershey’s chocolate empire to the complex history of the Civil War, from gleaming vintage automobiles to the evolution of firefighting in America.
During your stay at our Hershey bed and breakfast, you’re just minutes from some of Pennsylvania’s most engaging museums. Whether you’re interested in chocolate-making classes, exploring stunning government architecture, or understanding the lives of the people who built this region, there’s a museum experience perfectly suited to your interests. Here’s your guide to the best museums waiting to be explored.
The Hershey Story Museum
63 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033
Open Daily 9 am-5 pm (9-4 pm Jan-Feb)
No visit to Hershey is complete without understanding the man who made it all possible. The Hershey Story Museum brings Milton Hershey’s remarkable life to vivid, interactive life, and it’s so much more than a boring history lesson.
The upstairs galleries guide you through the key moments of Hershey’s life, from his early setbacks to the breakthrough that changed everything. You’ll see how he shaped the world of chocolate, built a community around it, and later devoted his success to helping others.
But the real magic happens in the Chocolate Lab. This 45-minute hands-on class lets you try your hand at chocolate pouring, decorating, and of course, tasting as you create a delicious take-home masterpiece. You’ll learn about the origins of chocolate, how it’s grown, and the refinement process. The museum also offers Chocolate Tastings, where you can sample a flight of warm drinking chocolates from around the world.
Hershey History Center
170 W Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 am-4 pm
While The Hershey Story focuses on the man himself, the Hershey History Center tells the broader story of the community he built and the ones that came before him.
A favorite exhibit for many visitors is the sports collection celebrating the Hershey Bears, the American Hockey League’s most storied and successful franchise. Other exhibits showcase artifacts from the earliest settlers of Derry Township and walk you through the evolution of the town of Hershey.
The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including La Festa Italiana, the Preservation Gala & Tour, Hershey Artfest, and the beloved Holiday Train Show. If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss their Jazz at the Barnyard concert series held on the first Friday of each month.
AACA Museum
161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Open Daily 9 am – 5 pm
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the AACA Museum is absolutely worth a visit. This 71,000-square-foot space houses over 130 beautifully restored automobiles, buses, and motorcycles displayed in unique period-themed settings that bring automotive history to life. You’ll find everything from the horseless carriages of the 1890s to the muscle cars of the 1970s and beyond, all meticulously maintained and beautifully presented.
State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Open Wednesday through Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm | Sunday 12–4:30 pm
Just a short drive to Harrisburg, the State Museum of Pennsylvania (often called the Smithsonian of Pennsylvania) tells the comprehensive story of Pennsylvania from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibits cover geology, early industries, the Civil War, and beloved Pennsylvania icons. The wildlife dioramas in Mammal Hall are beautifully done, featuring animals in realistic habitat settings. There’s even an on-site planetarium that runs several shows per day for a more out-of-this-world experience.
Pennsylvania State Capitol Building
Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
As one of the most architecturally stunning government buildings in the country, Pennsylvania’s State Capitol deserves a spot on your itinerary. The grand dome was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and when you stand beneath it and look up, you’ll understand why President Theodore Roosevelt called it “the handsomest building I ever saw.” The interior is filled with beautiful murals by Violet Oakley, intricate marble work, bronze doors, and stained glass that bathes the rotunda in colored light.
Free guided tours run every half hour Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. On weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. The guides are knowledgeable and engaging, sharing stories about the building’s construction, the art, and Pennsylvania’s political history. Self-guided tours are available on weekdays if you prefer to explore on your own; just download their app!
National Civil War Museum
1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm | Sunday 12-5 pm
Perched on a hill overlooking Harrisburg, the National Civil War Museum presents one of the most comprehensive looks at the American Civil War you’ll find anywhere. It’s one of the largest museums in the country dedicated solely to this pivotal period in American history.
The museum features 17 galleries displaying over 850 artifacts, with an archive of 6,000 artifacts and 28,000 archival pieces. The exhibits present a balanced perspective, exploring the experiences of soldiers and civilians from both the Union and Confederate sides through letters, personal items, weapons, uniforms, and immersive displays.
John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion
219 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
This beautifully preserved Georgian-style mansion tells two intertwined stories. First, it was home to John Harris Jr., who founded Harrisburg in 1785. Later, it belonged to Simon Cameron, Abraham Lincoln’s first Secretary of War and one of Pennsylvania’s most influential politicians.
The mansion is filled with period furnishings, family portraits, original woodwork, and artifacts that bring these historical figures to life. The guided tours (Tuesday through Friday at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm) are led by knowledgeable docents who share fascinating details about daily life, politics, and the social dynamics of early Harrisburg.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
5300 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Situated along the scenic Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter is both naturally beautiful and historically significant. The mansion offers guided tours showcasing life in the 18th and 19th centuries, while the surrounding park provides walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning river views.
The park is open every day from dawn to dusk, making it perfect for a morning walk or sunset picnic. Mansion tours are available from May through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm.
Pennsylvania State Police Museum
8000 Grantley Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm | Saturdays 10 am-3 pm
This unique museum chronicles the history of the Pennsylvania State Police, one of the oldest state police departments in the nation, founded in 1905. Exhibits showcase the evolution of uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and technology over more than a century. You’ll see vintage motorcycles and patrol cars, early communication equipment, historical photographs, and personal stories of troopers who served. The museum does a nice job of honoring fallen officers while also explaining how police work has changed dramatically over the decades.
Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 North 4th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm | Sunday 1 pm-4 pm.
Housed in a beautifully restored 1899 Victorian firehouse, the collection at the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum covers firefighting history from colonial days through modern times, featuring hand-drawn equipment, vintage fire apparatus, an 1867 carriage, and interactive displays.
The star of the show is the working Gamewell telegraph alarm system on the second floor. Before telephones, this was how fire alarms were transmitted. Pull boxes on street corners would send signals to the firehouse, and bells would ring out coded locations. Visitors can actually pull the alarm box and watch the system spring to life, bells clanging and indicators clicking into position.
Knowledgeable volunteer staff (many of them retired firefighters) lead tours filled with stories and historical perspectives.
Planning Your Museum Adventures
With so many museums and different ways to learn about the story of Hershey, you can shape your days any way you like. Plan a full day of exploration or slip in a quick visit between other stops. Once you’ve had your fill of local history, head back to the quiet luxury of your suite at The Inn on Church Road. Pour a glass of wine, soak in the tub, and reflect on everything you’ve discovered.
Book your stay and start planning your historical journey through Hershey and Harrisburg!
