Top Museums in Our Region

Top museums in our region include exceptional experiences for our Guests in Hershey, Lancaster, Lebanon and Harrisburg. All are within a very short drive (as little as 12 minutes) from Annville Inn.   Therefore, it is easy, after your delicious Annville Inn candlelit gourmet breakfast lovingly prepared by Rosalie, your innkeeper, to go exploring. The museums featured in this blog will pique your curiosity, enlighten you and give your hours of educational adventure.

The views from Annville Inn are unparalleled. After your evening at our Inn –perhaps enjoying our theatre, gardens (and views of the legendry Blue Mountains) and swimming pool, and then your candlelit gourmet breakfast in the morning–,it is time to venture out for discovery.

Interestingly, your Inn’s owners come from a museum background (Craig was with the Smithsonian in Washington and New York City for the better part of a decade, as well as other museums.  Moreover, Rosalie was also deeply involved in museum work.  They know what makes an outstanding experience and sense of adventure; therefore, they suggest the following top museums in our region for their Guests:

(Note: Art Galleries and Art Museums are not included in this list although we have previously published individual blogs about many of the outstanding art galleries in our area. Likewise, in a few weeks, another blog will list all our area’s top art galleries.

HERSHEY STORY MUSEUM

Among the Top Museums in our Region is the Hershey Story Museum.  Our April 3, 2023 Blog has complete information and photos about this museum dedicated to the many attempts Milton Hershey made in the confectionery business until he hit upon a major success. It follows the company’s growth and advertising, and his dedication to his employees, his product, and his community.

AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

Another Top Museums in our region is the American Automobile Museum. A Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.  Regarded as one of the best automobile museums in the world, we are fortunate to have this exemplary exhibition, built on three different levels, only 20 minutes away from the Inn.  You can read all about it and enjoy numerous photos on our March 29, 2023 blog post.

LEBANON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

The Lebanon County Historical Society’s Museum highlights the beautiful Lebanon Valley’s exceptional history. Like all stories in our region, there are ties to Milton Hershey, of course, but also to one of the most important industrial magnates in America, the Coleman dynasty. Throughout the museum, visitors will find fine examples of Pennsylvania German craftsmanship in such items as furniture, quilting and weaving, fraktur, and redware.

HERSHEY HISTORY CENTER MUSEUM

Likewise, the Hershey History Center, another top museum in our region, focuses on the history of Hershey’s corner of Dauphin County and beyond. Explore exhibits chronicling the community built on chocolate, the military heroes that became world renowned (such as a dedicated Major Dick Winters exhibition), and the legendary hockey franchise that calls our town home.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE MUSEUM

Not to be missed is the Pennsylvania State Police Museum.  This unique museum rates as one of the top museums in our area due to its focus on the 100+ year history of the Commonwealth’s state police, its educational mission, and beyond that: A memorial to fallen peace officers.  The location is beautiful, atop a hill overlooking Hershey. Not only is this a top museum in our region, it, along with the State Museum of Pennsylvania, as shown below, is a top museum statewide!

STATE MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA

There are over 33,000 museums in the United States. Of those, only a little over 1,000 are accredited, meeting rigorous requirements for presentation, outreach and many other metrics.  The State Museum of Pennsylvania is an award-winning museum that Annville Inn’s Guests always proclaim one of their best museum experiences ever.

LANDIS VALLEY VILLAGE AND FARM MUSEUM

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum is unquestionably a top museum in our area that we highly recommend. Our Guests come back to the Inn excited about experiencing Pennsylvania farm life in a bygone era, talking with reenactors, and becoming involved with hands on displays.  You can read all about the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in our Annville Inn Blog post.

WHEATLAND, PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN’S HOME

Wheatland, President James Buchanan’s Home

This is the beloved home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan. Built in 1828, Buchanan occupied the brick Federal style house from 1848 until his death in 1868. President James Buchanan’s Wheatland is owned and operated by LancasterHistory. Period furnishing and personal artifacts tell the story of Buchanan. For tickets and more information, please visit the website.

AMISH FARM AND HOUSE