Author and humorist Mark Twain once famously responded after the release of his obituary, "The report of my death is an exaggeration."
The same can be said of Hersheypark amusement park.
Recent posts and headlines about a "permanent closure" for the central Pennsylvania theme park have caused rumors to circulate following the end of Hersheypark's summer season.
The bottom line: Hersheypark is not shutting down. Instead, the Pennsylvania theme park has permanently closed Tidal Force, a water ride that operated for 32 years and took its final riders on Sept. 7.
The confusion appears tied to headlines highlighting a "permanent closure" at Hersheypark without immediately explaining that the closure involves a single attraction, not the entire park.
As a result, searches asking whether Hersheypark is closing for good have surged online.
Here's what visitors should know about the Tidal Force closure, Hersheypark's fall schedule and what's next for the park.
Is Hersheypark closing down?
No. Hersheypark is not closing.
The confusion over Hersheypark's "permanent closure" stems from news reports circulating about the Pennsylvania theme park and its closing for the 2026 season post-Labor Day. While Hersheypark's 2026 summer season ended Sept. 7, the park is scheduled to reopen Sept. 12 for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights.
Why do people think Hersheypark is closing for good?
Several news headlines about a "permanent closure" of Hersheypark likely led to confusion among fans, asking whether "Hersheypark is closing." Those reports refer to the retirement of a longtime attraction, not the closure of Hersheypark itself.
What is closing at Hersheypark?
Tidal Force permanently closed on Sept. 7, 2026.
The attraction opened in 1994 and operated for 32 years before Hersheypark retired the ride at the end of its 2026 summer season.
Ahead of the closure, Hersheypark told guests on social media: "After 32 years, it's time for Tidal Force to set sail. Visit us for one last ride through Monday."
The announcement referred to Tidal Force, not the closure of Hersheypark itself.
Why is Tidal Force closing?
Hersheypark announced earlier this year that Tidal Force would close at the end of the 2026 summer season.
The park has not publicly explained the reason for the closure and has not announced a replacement attraction for the site.
Is Hersheypark still open in 2026?
Yes. While Hersheypark's summer season ended Sept. 7, the park reopens Sept. 12 for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, which run on select dates through Nov. 1.
The annual fall events include family-friendly Halloween attractions, trick-or-treating, seasonal food, haunted houses and scare zones.
What is Hersheypark Halloween?
Hersheypark Halloween returns Sept. 12 through Nov. 1 and includes family-friendly seasonal attractions during the day before Dark Nights begins each evening.
Highlights include trick-or-treat trails, Halloween-themed entertainment, Hershey Character meet-and-greets and dozens of seasonal food and drink offerings. The event was previously recognized by USA TODAY 10Best as one of the country's top Halloween events. Hersheypark Halloween presale tickets end Sunday, Sept. 13.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network's Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Rumors of Hersheypark closing circulate, is PA theme park shutting down?
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