Few roller coasters have stood the test of time quite like the iconic Hersheypark Comet. Eight decades after first roaring to life over Spring Creek, the beloved wooden coaster continues to delight generations of riders with its signature airtime hills, classic out-and-back layout, and shimmering nighttime rides that have become a hallmark of summer in Hershey.

Now celebrating its 80th anniversary season in 2026, Comet remains more than just a ride. It is a living piece of amusement park history and one of the most enduring attractions in the country.

A Roller Coaster Built for the Ages

Comet debuted in May 1946 and holds a special place in Hersheypark history as the last roller coaster added during the lifetime of founder Milton S. Hershey. Designed by legendary Philadelphia Toboggan Company president Herbert P. Schmeck and constructed with the help of local carpenters under the supervision of PTC foreman Frank Hoover, the coaster instantly became a landmark attraction.

At the time of its debut, Comet was the largest roller coaster in the United States. The modified double out-and-back wooden coaster stretched 3,360 feet and introduced riders to a thrilling blend of speed, sweeping turns, and weightless airtime moments that still feel exhilarating today.

Originally, the coaster was painted dark forest green at Mr. Hershey’s insistence so it would blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. By the late 1970s, however, Comet adopted the bright white color scheme that has since become one of the most recognizable sights in the park skyline.

Why Comet Still Resonates With Riders

While modern parks continue to push the limits with towering steel coasters and high-tech launches, Comet’s appeal comes from its timeless simplicity and pure ride experience.

The adventure begins immediately as riders leave the station and climb a 96-foot lift hill before plunging down a 47-degree first drop. The train races across Spring Creek, climbs into a dramatic 180-degree turnaround overlooking The Hollow, and barrels through twisting turns and rolling hills before delivering the coaster’s most celebrated feature — a series of airtime-filled bunny hills that send riders lifting out of their seats.

Comet reaches speeds of up to 50 mph during its one-minute, 45-second ride, but it’s the sensation of floating over those hills that has made the coaster a favorite for generations.

Its two 24-passenger trains, named “Mork’s Comet” and “Halley’s Comet,” add another nostalgic touch to the experience.

The Magic of Night Rides

One of Comet’s defining features comes after sunset.

In 1964, Hersheypark added 6,650 individual chaser lights along the coaster’s framework, creating the illusion of a shooting star racing through the night sky. The glowing display transformed Comet into one of the park’s most visually stunning attractions and elevated its reputation as a must-ride after dark.

The combination of rattling wooden track, cool evening air, and sparkling lights remains one of the most memorable classic coaster experiences anywhere in the country.

Honoring a Historic Roller Coaster

Comet’s place in amusement park history was formally recognized during its 75th anniversary celebration in 2021 when the coaster received the American Coaster Enthusiasts Preservation Award and was designated an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark for its historic significance.

The park has also continued investing in the attraction to preserve its legacy for future generations. In 2024, Hersheypark unveiled brand-new custom trains featuring a shimmering three-tone blue color scheme with a glittering metal flake finish. The refreshed ride logo paid tribute to the attraction’s early 1970s iconography, blending vintage nostalgia with a modern touch.

The updates reflected Hersheypark’s ongoing commitment to maintaining one of its most beloved attractions while continuing to evolve as a premier family destination.

A Classic Coaster at the Heart of Hersheypark

For many families, a ride on Comet is a Hersheypark tradition — the kind of shared experience parents, grandparents, and children return to year after year.

Today, Comet remains Hersheypark’s oldest operating roller coaster and one of the park’s defining attractions. While the park now boasts the largest coaster collection in the Northeast, Comet continues to hold its own among modern thrill machines, delivering an authentic wooden coaster experience rooted in nostalgia, history, and timeless fun.

For many visitors, riding Comet is more than checking another coaster off a list. It’s a shared experience passed from one generation to the next — proof that even after 80 years, a great roller coaster never goes out of style.

Guests can save on Hersheypark tickets valid through Jan. 3, 2027, by purchasing online. Summer admission includes access to more than 70 rides and attractions, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park, and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.

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(Photos courtesy Hersheypark)