The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum sits at 161 Museum Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania, about 13 miles from Inn of the Dove — roughly a 20 to 22 minute drive. Often called the Hershey car museum or Hershey antique auto museum by locals, it’s one of the more overlooked stops in the Hershey area, and a genuinely enjoyable one for anyone who appreciates cars, design, or a bit of automotive history.

This guide covers what’s actually inside the AACA Museum, how to plan a visit, and why couples exploring the Hershey area pair a museum stop with a private overnight stay at Inn of the Dove instead of a standard chain hotel near the highway.

What the AACA Museum Is — And Why It’s Worth a Stop

The AACA Museum displays more than 100 vehicles at any given time, spanning from horseless carriages of the late 1800s to muscle cars of the 1970s and beyond. Exhibits rotate regularly and cover more than just cars — buses, motorcycles, and other vehicles make appearances too, alongside displays on automotive design and manufacturing history. It’s a self-guided, browsing-style museum, so you can move through at your own pace.

What’s Inside

Expect a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits — horseless carriages, early production automobiles, muscle cars, and everything in between, along with occasional themed displays. Placards throughout the museum add context on manufacturing eras and design trends, so even a casual visitor picks up some genuine automotive history along the way.

What Makes the Difference After a Day at the Museum

There’s a real difference between checking into a standard highway hotel after a day out and returning to a private suite where a hot tub and fireplace are already waiting. Inn of the Dove is a small, adults-only property built specifically for couples — no families in the hallway, no lobby crowds, no early wakeup calls from the room next door.

No children are permitted on the grounds at any time, and no pets either. When you get back from a day exploring the Hershey area, the hotel is quiet, your suite is private, and the evening is entirely yours.

The Suite You Come Back To

Every suite at Inn of the Dove includes a private jetted hot tub, and most include a wood-burning or gas fireplace — a relaxing way to unwind after a day exploring the Hershey area. Two suites feature private heated indoor pools if you want to make more of a full evening of it. Each suite is individually themed, but all of them share the same core: complete privacy and genuinely quiet hallways.

For an AACA Museum day trip, these suites are a strong starting point:

All suites can be viewed on the Rooms & Suites page. If the pool suites are unavailable for your dates, the Honeymoon Suite, Rose Suite, and Hawaiian Paradise Suite are all strong alternatives — each with a fireplace and private hot tub of its own.

How an AACA Museum Day Actually Works

Here’s the practical version — how most couples plan a museum day around a stay at Inn of the Dove:

Add Something Special — Romance Packages

If you’re pairing your museum visit with an anniversary, birthday, or any other occasion, Inn of the Dove offers in-suite romance packages, typically arranged before arrival. If you’re already checked in and want to add something extra for the evening — chocolates, champagne, flowers — call the front desk at 717-540-5540 and we’ll do our best to put it together for you.

All packages are added to your reservation by calling the hotel directly at 717-540-5540 or noting your preference when booking online. Bathrobes are also available as an add-on at $19.99 per pair. Browse all options on the Packages page.

Practical Notes Before You Book

• Check-in: 3:00 p.m. / Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
• Cancellation policy: 48 hours for standard suites; 7 days for pool and theme suites.
• Parking: Free private parking for all guests throughout their stay.
• Front desk hours: Sunday–Thursday 9 a.m.–10 p.m. · Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–midnight.
• Museum hours: Generally daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. — confirm current hours and admission at the museum’s official site before you go.
• Best rate guarantee: Booking directly through the hotel or via the hotel’s booking portal always gives you the best available rate — up to 15% lower than third-party sites.

Other Nearby Hotels Near the AACA Museum Worth Knowing About

If you’re comparing where to stay near the AACA Museum and the greater Hershey area, here’s a quick look at some of the other lodging options nearby:

For couples looking for something different — a private suite, in-room hot tub, fireplace, and complete quiet after a day exploring Hershey — Inn of the Dove is the adults-only option worth the short extra drive. For more on what’s worth doing in the area, see our Things to Do Near Inn of the Dove hub page.