The longtime attraction welcomed its final riders on Sept. 7
Credit: Google Maps
NEED TO KNOW
- Hersheypark’s Tidal Force has officially closed after 32 years
- The water ride welcomed its final riders on Sept. 7
- Fans shared photos and memories as they said goodbye to the longtime attraction
The final splash has come for Tidal Force.
The Pennsylvania theme park officially closed the ride after 32 years, with fans gathering for one last ride before its permanent retirement.
On Sept. 6, Hersheypark shared a video of Tidal Force’s signature drop and splash, with a rainbow appearing above the attraction. The park captioned the video, “A Hersheypark icon gives its final splashdown 🌊🌈☀️ Visit us to enjoy your last rides on Tidal Force before it sets sail!”
The ride’s final day also prompted fans to share their own memories and photos.
Credit: Google Maps
In a Facebook group called Hersheypark Connoisseurs, one post invited fans to celebrate Tidal Force’s final day by riding the attraction and sharing their pictures.
“We’re at Hersheypark today to celebrate, say goodbye to, and of course RIDE Tidal Force on its final day of operation! If you’re here, or have ridden recently, share your Tidal Force photos in the comments!” the post said. “Farewell, Tidal Force! You’ll be missed!”
The attraction first opened in 1994 and became known for its steep drop and massive splash. The ride takes visitors up a 100-foot incline before sending them downhill at speeds exceeding 50 mph.
Hersheypark previously announced that the attraction would make its final voyage at the end of the 2026 summer season.
“When a vessel takes its last voyage, we believe it deserves a proper send-off,” the park said on its website. “After 32 years of making the biggest splashes Hersheypark has seen, the final tide goes out on Tidal Force at the end of the 2026 summer season. We invite you to spend the entire summer making tidal waves before we dock the boats permanently on September 7.”
The announcement prompted an emotional response from longtime fans, who took to social media to mourn the attraction’s impending closure.
“But it’s a classic! It’s like getting rid of the Hershey bar from Hersheys,” one fan wrote in the comments of Hersheypark’s Instagram post announcing the closure.
“What’s going in place of it?? I think it’s a good spot for a water ride no?” another person wrote.
Credit: Google Maps
A third fan recalled how the ride had become part of the park’s scenery over the years.
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“Dang. This ride is such an icon to watch as you pass by it when you head to Wildcat or Lightning Racer! Always a picturesque attraction especially with the splashdown. Gonna miss this one!😢” they wrote.
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