Enjoy a small-town atmosphere with rich history near Harrisburg and Hershey.
About Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1762 by Frederick and Rosina Hummel, Hummelstown was originally named Frederickstown.
The Hummels purchased the land, divided it into sections, and then sold the lots to German settlers.
In 1874 Hummelstown was incorporated as a borough. This gave the town its own government and school district (the Lower Dauphin School District).
The borough celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2012.
A Wonderful Place to Live
Hummelstown is in southern Dauphin County and has a similar climate to Hershey.
Located approximately 10 miles east of Harrisburg, and just four miles west of Hershey, the borough is largely a residential community.
Because most of Hummelstown's 4,500+ residents commute for work and personal activities, it's referred to as a “bedroom community” (also known as a commuter town).
However, when you live so close to both the state capital and Chocolatetown, USA, your drive is more like a joyride than a daily downer.
Small Town Benefits
While many of the community’s residents travel to nearby Harrisburg or Hershey for employment and entertainment, Hummelstown is more than a just a place to sleep.
First and foremost, it's a fantastic place to raise a family!
Ultimately, the community is close enough to conveniently commute to Harrisburg or Hershey, yet far enough away to enjoy the benefits of small-town life.
3 Benefits of Living in a Bedroom Community
- Better Schools
- More Affordable Housing
- Lower Crime Rates
Things to do in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Witness the unique creations of nature at Echo Dell and Indian Echo Caverns!
Located in Derry Township (Dauphin County) at 368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036, Echo Dell, Indian Echo Caverns, is one of the most visited attractions in the eastern United States!
Take a 45-minute guided tour and discover a whole new world of stunning natural underground beauty. (A non-walking tour is also available.)
Also, be sure to visit Gem Mill Junction to pan for gemstones, chunks of amethyst, jasper, calcite, and much more. You can even have your favorite treasure transformed into a beautiful necklace to enjoy for years to come.
Visit their website or call Echo Dell at 717-566-8131 for more details.
In conclusion, the next time you’re traveling from Hershey to Harrisburg, or vice versa, be sure to take a moment to appreciate Hummelstown's small-town charm.
And don’t be surprised if you find yourself searching for “For Sale” signs in the well-manicured lawns of the 17036 zip code.
Photo Attributions:
Featured Photo: By Jayu from Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A. (Hummelstown, Pennsylvania) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Crystal Lake, Indian Echo Caverns, Hummelstown, Pa., near Harrisburg, Pa: By "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros., Inc., Boston, Mass. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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