Hersheypark concluded its 120th summer season on Labor Day, marking the permanent closure of the Tidal Force, a fan-favorite water ride that operated for 32 years. The attraction, a staple on The Boardwalk, offered thrill-seekers a 100-foot ascent followed by a rapid descent reaching speeds of 50 mph, culminating in a dramatic splashdown.
The ride first opened in 1994 and has been a significant draw for park visitors. Hersheypark announced the ride's final operational dates earlier in the season, with its last splash occurring on September 7. The park acknowledged the ride's long tenure, stating on social media that "After 32 years of making the biggest splashes Hersheypark has seen, we’ll dock the boats permanently after Sept. 7."
Park-goers shared fond memories of Tidal Force on social media, with one user calling it "one of the icons of Hersheypark" and another noting they rode it 66 times in a single day in September 2009. The closure leaves a void in the water-themed area of the park.
Hersheypark is set to reopen on September 12 for its fall season, which includes Halloween-themed events such as the Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights programming. This seasonal event features five haunted houses and five scare zones. Following the Halloween festivities, the park will host Hersheypark Christmas Candylane on select dates through January 3, 2027, offering attractions like illuminated lights, visits with Santa, and rides on select roller coasters.