Located in the heart of Harrisburg, The Central Hotel & Conference Center offers the perfect basecamp to uncover the rich history and heritage of Lancaster County. Start your exploration at Harrisburg museums and step into the past at The National Civil War Museum or The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Then, discover even more museums in Hershey, just 20 minutes down the road from our hotel. From the Hershey Story Museum chronicling the history of Hershey chocolate to the AACA Museum preserving motor vehicle history, there is something to pique everyone’s interest. Visit the Sweetest Place on Earth and learn something new at these local museums:
The Hershey Story Museum
Learn about the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of Hershey Chocolate, through informative exhibits and interactive experiences at The Hershey Story Museum. Start at the upstairs museum galleries and discover Milton Hershey’s story. Follow his journey from humble beginnings to rising as the number one U.S. chocolate maker. Along the way, kids can learn about the history of Hershey through interactive scavenger hunts, touch screens, working machines, and replica props.
Take the kids to the Chocolate Lab and sign up for an educational class to try your hand at chocolate pouring and learn about the cocoa bean-to-chocolate process.
AACA Museum
See an impressive collection of vintage automobiles at the AACA Museum in Hershey. Explore this family-friendly museum and discover three levels of interactive exhibits and vehicles, including the nation’s largest display of full-sized vintage buses. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, featuring everything from professional vehicles to Tucker automobiles and vintage bikes. Purchase your general admission tickets here!
Hershey History Center
Learn about the history of Hershey beyond the famous chocolate company at the Hershey History Center. Explore museum exhibits and discover the people who shaped Hershey through an impressive collection of artifacts, archives, and photographs.
Pennsylvania State Police Museum
Discover the history and heritage of the Pennsylvania State Police at the Museum in Hershey. Walk through exhibits highlighting the history of uniforms, equipment, criminal investigations, and more.
Stay at Our Hotel Near Hershey, Pennsylvania
Make the most of your time in Hershey and plan a visit to Hersheypark before or after exploring the museums. Then, return to The Central Hotel & Conference Center in Harrisburg to unwind. Refuel after a day of adventures at O’Reilly’s Tap Room & Kitchen and take advantage of hotel amenities like our heated swimming pool, fitness center, and concierge services. Browse our Harrisburg hotel rooms and find the perfect lodging for your Central Pennsylvania getaway today!