The early maps of Pennsylvania show that the area of land now called Middletown was "A Susquehannock Indian Town" (1715). When Middletown was laid out in 1755, some lodges of the Conoy or Ganawese Indians were located on the ground in the area bounded by Pine, Spruce, Main, and High Streets. These two tribes were "remnants" of the once-powerful Susquehannock Nation. Middletown has the following 8 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to do in Middletown
Antique Automobile Club of America Museum
ntique Automobile Club of America Museum is 1 mi. n. of Hersheypark Dr. on US 39. Eight decades of antique cars and memorabilia are presented in themed exhibits. The Museum of Bus Transportation depicts the evolution of public transit and how it influenced the development of modern society; nearly a dozen buses are displayed. Call (717) 566-7100 for more information.
161 Museum Dr., Hershey, PA 17033
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is 6 mi. n. to 5300 Front St. overlooking the Susquehanna River Valley. Built in 1787 on the site of old Fort Hunter and enlarged in 1814, the stone house is decorated with 19th-century items including pewter, pitchers, furniture, costumes and toys. The dwelling retains the original fireplace. A 35-acre park surrounds the mansion and includes other historic buildings, playgrounds and nature trails. Call (717) 599-5751 for more information.
300 Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey's Chocolate World, Park Blvd., is the official visitor center of The Hershey Company and the information center for the Hershey area. A tour explains the chocolate-making process from harvesting cocoa beans to packaging the finished product. At the Hershey's Factory Works, visitors can package their own chocolates from an operating production line. “Hershey's Really Big 3-D Show” is a musical with many special effects. There also are shops and an indoor tropical garden. Call (717) 534-4900 for more information.
800 Park Blvd., Hershey, PA 17033
Hersheypark
Hersheypark, just off SR 743 and US 422, has more than 60 rides and attractions, including 10 roller coasters. The coasters include Storm Runner, a hydraulic launch ride with inversions; Great Bear, a looping steel coaster; and the Wildcat, a twisting, turning wooden roller coaster that crosses over and under itself 20 times. The 4.5-acre boardwalk area features five water attractions. Daily entertainment includes singing and dancing shows and a marine mammal presentation. Call (800) 437-7439 for more information.
100 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033
The National Civil War Museum
The National Civil War Museum, at 1 Lincoln Cir. in Reservoir Park, is reportedly the only museum in the nation to cover the entire American Civil War from beginning to end. In bringing history to life, the museum includes collections of Union and Confederate artifacts, life-size dioramas and audiovisual presentations. Seventeen galleries focus on the multitude of human experiences that made up the war. From slavery, to camp life, to the turmoil of 19th-century politics, the museum immerses visitors in the Civil War, with an equal emphasis given to both sides of the conflict. Call (717) 260-1861 for more information.
1 Lincoln Cir., Harrisburg, PA 17103