Overview
Hershey is a town of 660 people (2019) in rural Lincoln County, Nebraska, midway between North Platte and Sutherland in the Platte River valley.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hershey
American Legion Hall
This historic hall has been restored by an enterprising and energetic group of local activists.
North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The CVB maintains a comprehensive list of attractions, events, lodging and dining establishments in all of Lincoln County.
Spring Crane Migration
One of the greatest migratory spectacles in the world, millions of Sandhill cranes converge on the river bottoms and corn fields between Hershey and North Platte from mid-March through about April first. If there hasn't …
The Hershey Fall Festival
Held annually in August, usually around the third weekend. The celebration features a parade, community picnic, and a dance "under the stars and between the bars".
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 13°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Kearney)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LBF North Platte Regional Airport Lee Bird Field, North Platte — 17 mi away. Directions
- MCK McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport, McCook — 69 mi away. Directions
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 213 mi away (major hub). Directions
The primary means of getting to Hershey is Interstate 80, which runs east-west; Highway 30, named the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway, runs east-west. Lincoln is 3½ hours east on I-80; Cheyenne is 3½ hours west on I-80; Denver is 3½ hours west on I-80 and I-76.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning American Legion Hall, North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Lunch Butch's Steakhouse & Lounge
- Afternoon Spring Crane Migration, The Hershey Fall Festival
- Dinner Western Convenience Cafe
- Evening The Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
While the first Union Pacific Railroad tracks were laid in 1867, it wasn't until 1892 that the farmers and ranchers met to organize a town site company so they could have a post office and a railroad siding from which they could ship hay and potatoes. The town was named in honor of one of the owners of the Paxton & Hershey Land and Cattle Company, J.H. Hershey, originally from Pennsylvania. It wasn't until 1909 that Hershey was incorporated as a village.
Get in
The primary means of getting to Hershey is Interstate 80, which runs east-west; Highway 30, named the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway, runs east-west. Lincoln is 3½ hours east on I-80; Cheyenne is 3½ hours west on I-80; Denver is 3½ hours west on I-80 and I-76.
North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) with connecting flights from Denver International Airport.
Get around
A car makes life easier, but the village is small enough that you can walk anywhere you need to go.
See
See American Legion Hall
This historic hall has been restored by an enterprising and energetic group of local activists.
See Spring Crane Migration
One of the greatest migratory spectacles in the world, millions of Sandhill cranes converge on the river bottoms and corn fields between Hershey and North Platte from mid-March through about April first. If there hasn't been a lot of rain or snow, the gravel roads north of town will get you up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. Pull to the side of the road and watch the show, just don't venture on to private property.
Do
Do The Hershey Fall Festival
Held annually in August, usually around the third weekend. The celebration features a parade, community picnic, and a dance "under the stars and between the bars".
Buy
Shop Western Convenience Stores
A large truck stop at the Hershey I-80 interchange. It features a great cafe, truck wash and convenience store.
Eat
Eat Butch's Steakhouse & Lounge
One of Lincoln County's favorite restaurants. Featuring great home cooking.
Eat Western Convenience Cafe
The restaurant in the Western Convenience truck stop near Interstate 80. Open 24 hours, it is a great place for breakfast after closing the bar.
Drink
Drink The Bar
Creative name. Or maybe with a name like that, it's supposed to be "The Hershey Bar." Anyway, popular local watering hole.
Sleep
There are more than 1500 sleeping rooms available in North Platte, eleven miles east, and the Park Motel, with about 20 rooms in Sutherland, six miles west.
Stay Jay-Jayz Campground
Nearby
Sutherland
City / town · 28 listings · 6 mi away
North Platte
City / town · 62 listings · 12 mi away
Paxton
City / town · 19 mi away
Wallace
City / town · 8 listings · 24 mi away
Maxwell
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
Wellfleet
City / town · 3 listings · 31 mi away
Brady
City / town · 15 listings · 34 mi away
Ogallala
City / town · 2 listings · 37 mi away
My experience
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