Whether you’ve been to South Central Pennsylvania or not, the best way to really get to know a place is by taking a tour. Come explore Hershey, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Cumberland by taking advantage of a variety of guided and self-guided tours, from animals, art and food to hiking, biking and history. So, get ready with these 10 unique tours near Hershey PA.
#1 – Chocolate Tour
We’d be remiss not to include Hershey’s Chocolate Tour on our list of local tours. After all, Hershey exists today because of this famous candy bar. Known as the sweetest place on earth, Hershey is the home of Hershey Chocolate. Milton Hershey, the man who founded The Hershey Company, turned a small chocolate factory in the late 1800s into what is now the largest chocolate-manufacturing plant in the world. On this tour, you’ll see candy in the making, from tropical cocoa beans to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
#2 – Hershey Trolley Tour
Located at Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Hershey Trolley Tour is a must-try tour for anyone visiting Hershey, but especially those who haven’t been here before. This unique 75-minute tour is more than just a bus tour. In fact, the trolley becomes the stage, and the conductors become the performers. Each tour is an entertaining experience that tells the inspiring story of Milton Hershey. Along the route, you’ll visit the original chocolate factory, Milton Hershey’s birthplace (Highpoint Mansion), Chocolate Avenue, Cocoa Avenue, the famous Hershey Kiss streetlights, and the Milton Hershey School.
#3 – Behind the Scenes Tours at ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica not only exhibits some impressive and endangered animals, like the gray wolf, Arizona mountain Kingsnake, black bear, and mountain lion, but they also offer three behind the scenes tours. The Early Bird Tour, After Hours Tour, and Photography Tour, will take you behind the scenes where you will see the animals up close, have a chance to feed some of them, and take incredible photos without the crowds. This is a must-try tour for your next visit.
#4 – Amish House and Farm Tour
During this 3-part Amish Country Tour, you will be Immersed in the traditions and culture of Amish country life as you explore an 1805 farmhouse, take a scenic bus tour through the Amish countryside, and go on a self-guided walking tour through a 15-acre historic farm with Amish schoolhouse, craft market, and farm animals. Purchase a souvenir to commemorate this enriching experience.
#5 – Strasburg Scooters
A truly one-of-a-kind way to tour Amish Country is visa Strasburg Scooters. Choose from easy-to-drive scooters for singles and scooters and coupes for couples who want to take to the country roads side by side. As you follow your expert guide through miles of Amish country, you’ll learn what makes the area so special. The Amish culture is a prominent aspect of Lancaster County. You’ll see acres of farms and homesteads, two-story white houses, families and animals hard at work. The countryside is also beautiful every season of the year. Depending on what time of year you visit, there are several different tour options available. A few include: Weekend Tour, Fall Tour, Covered Bridge Tour, Sunset Tour, and our favorite, Date Night in Amish Country.
#6 – Aaron and Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides
Located in the oldest known standing house in Lancaster County, Aaron and Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides offers an authentic cultural experience. During your visit, you’ll tour their farms and homestead, and enjoy a ride in a well-outfitted buggy as you travel deep into the Amish community. The hosts will also treat you to homemade cookies or pretzels, lemonade and root beer. Plan to travel rain or shine as the old-fashioned buggies have sides that roll up and will keep you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.
#7 – Gettysburg Bus Tours
Gettysburg is synonymous with the US Civil War as the famous Battle of Gettsyburg and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address still deeply resonate with people today. These Gettysburg tours are a must-try.
- Take an air-conditioned coach or Double Decker bus through the historic fields offering a unique perspective of this tragic battle.
- The popular Grand Tour takes you to the Civil War’s Seminary Ridge, along the Confederate line, and to Union lines where the fighting took place.
- The Historian Tour covers 16-20 miles of historically significant sites. You’ll even witness reenactments of most of the major events of the battle. This 7-hour tour includes a half hour to rest and enjoy your packed lunch. Call ahead to schedule this tour.
#8 – Unique Gettysburg Tours
- Gettysburg Historic Tour – Take a one-of-kind tour of the Gettysburg battlefield on horseback. The National Riding Stables provides a truly authentic experience. Imagine riding horseback through America’s most famous battlefield. Pastoral scenery, heartbreaking history, and the excitement of horseback riding combined create an incredible tour long to be remembered.
- Gettysburg Bike Tour – Gettysburg’s history goes back to pre-settler times, through the Civil War, and up to today. GettysBike offers two fantastic bike tours that allow you to pedal your way through the town’s rich history.
#9 – Adventure Explorations Guided Hiking
If adventure is more to your liking, then you will love Adventure Explorations. Take a guided hike into Cumberland Valley’s trails and mountains. Then, look for and listen to local wildlife, and learn to identify, and even taste, local flora. Breathe in the fresh air, stretch your legs, and get ready to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. What’s more, as a guest of the Inn at Westwynd Farm, you will receive a 10% discount off select Exploration Adventures.
#10 – Harrisburg Pedal Tours
Eat, laugh and pedal your way through Harrisburg, PA with Harrisburg Pedal Tours. This pedal-powered trolley takes you on a fun and safe 2-hour journey through town. They offer architecture or history tours, brewery tours, and more. You’re encouraged to bring food, snacks, appetizers, candy, and especially water. All tours begin and end at 403 2nd Street.
These 10 unique tours near Hershey, PA offer an exciting and enriching experience while you’re in South Central Pennsylvania. Book your overnight stay with us at Inn at Westwynd Farm. You will enjoy a filling gourmet breakfast each morning. At the end of a long day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and touring, you’ll return to your relaxing guest room where you can soak in a jetted tub, and kick back in front of the fireplace with an afternoon treat. Book your Pennsylvania getaway today.