Hotel Near ZooAmerica Wildlife Park PA — For Couples
13 miles from ZooAmerica in Hershey. Adults-only suites with private hot tubs and fireplaces. Over 200 animals, 75+ species, 11 acres — and a private suite waiting when you get back. No children. No pets.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is 13 miles from Inn of the Dove — about 17 minutes by car. Located within the Hersheypark complex in Hershey, PA, ZooAmerica is a dedicated North American wildlife zoo covering 11 acres across five distinct regional habitat zones. It’s open year-round with its own separate entrance on Park Ave, making it one of the most accessible wildlife experiences near Harrisburg regardless of season.
For couples who want a calm, unhurried morning in nature before returning to a private suite, ZooAmerica is an easy and genuinely rewarding choice. This page covers what to expect inside the zoo, the best time to visit, how to combine it with the rest of Hershey, and what makes Inn of the Dove the right base for a Hershey-area getaway.
What ZooAmerica Is — And Why It Works for Couples
ZooAmerica is not a standard zoo. It focuses entirely on wildlife native to North America, organised into five habitat zones that each replicate the natural environment of the animals living within them. There are no exotic imports or theatrical shows — just 200+ animals in thoughtfully designed spaces, with interpretive exhibits explaining the ecology of each region.
For couples, the appeal is the pace. ZooAmerica doesn’t rush you. You move through at your own speed, stop when something catches your eye, and leave when you’re ready. It’s the kind of morning that settles you rather than exhausts you — and at 17 minutes from the hotel, you’re back in time for a long afternoon doing exactly nothing in a private suite.
The Five Habitat Zones
Southeastern Swamps
Alligators, water moccasins, and other reptiles and amphibians native to the American South. The alligator exhibit is one of the most viewed stops in the zoo.
The Wetlands
Bald eagles, great horned owls, river otters, and waterfowl. The bald eagle and owl enclosures are highlights — both species are impressive at close range.
Big Sky Country
Bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope from the American West and Great Plains. The bison enclosure is the most spacious exhibit in the zoo.
The Prairie
Coyotes, prairie dogs, and other open-country species. Prairie dogs in particular are highly active and entertaining — always worth time at this exhibit.
Eastern Woodlands
Black bears, white-tailed deer, red foxes, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes native to the eastern forests. The black bear and bobcat exhibits are typically the most popular.
Best Viewing Tips
Animals are most active in the first hour after opening and in the late afternoon. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Winter visits offer uncrowded paths and alert, active animals in cool temperatures.
Winter visits: ZooAmerica is open year-round and winter is one of the best times to go. Crowds are minimal, animals are more active in cool temperatures, and the absence of summer heat makes the walk genuinely comfortable. Black bears, bison, and foxes are particularly active during winter months.
The Suite You Come Back To
ZooAmerica is a natural fit for a late-morning visit — arrive at 10 a.m., take your time through all five zones, and be back at Inn of the Dove by early afternoon with the rest of the day ahead of you. Every suite is set up for exactly that kind of afternoon: private, quiet, and no reason to leave.
Black and Gold Romantic Suite
Dove Swimming Pool Suite
Rose Jacuzzi Suite
Beach Swimming Pool Suite
All suites are on the Rooms & Suites page. If the pool suites are taken, the Sweetheart Romantic Suite and Honeymoon Suite are both excellent alternatives.
Winter & Off-Season Stays Book Easily
ZooAmerica is one of the only Hershey attractions worth visiting in January or February. Suite availability at Inn of the Dove is strongest off-peak — and rates are often better. A winter weekend at the zoo plus an afternoon in a private hot tub is a genuinely underrated combination.
How a ZooAmerica Day Looks
Arrive the Night Before
Check-in is 3:00 p.m. The most relaxed ZooAmerica visit starts with a night at the hotel first — arrive in the evening, use the suite, and head to Hershey fresh the next morning. Free private parking throughout your stay.
10:00 AM — Drive to ZooAmerica
Take US-322 East from Harrisburg — 13 miles, about 17 minutes. Enter via the Park Ave entrance (open year-round, separate from Hersheypark). Arriving at opening time means uncrowded paths and the most active animals.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — ZooAmerica
Walk all five habitat zones at your own pace. Eastern Woodlands (black bears, bobcats) and The Wetlands (bald eagles, river otters) tend to hold people the longest. The prairie dog exhibit in The Prairie is worth extra time. Budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours total.
Optional — Chocolate World Next Door
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a 5-minute walk from ZooAmerica. The free Great Chocolate Tour takes 15 minutes, or add the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience (~$20/person, book in advance). A natural add-on if you want a second activity before heading back.
Early Afternoon — Return to the Suite
17 minutes back to Inn of the Dove. Hot tub, fireplace, the rest of the afternoon and evening entirely yours. Checkout is 11:00 a.m. the next morning; late checkout available on request.
Romance Packages — Add Something Special
If you’re pairing a ZooAmerica visit with an anniversary, birthday, or Valentine’s Day, in-suite romance packages can be arranged before your arrival. Call 717-540-5540 or note your preference when booking.
Bathrobes available as an add-on at $19.99 per pair. See all options on the Packages page.
What Else Is Near ZooAmerica in Hershey
Hersheypark
AdjacentHershey’s Chocolate World
5 min walkHershey Gardens
5 min driveThe Hershey Story Museum
5 min driveGiant Center
5 min driveHotel Hershey Spa
3 min drivePractical Notes Before You Book
- ZooAmerica hours: Typically 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., extended in summer. Check the ZooAmerica website for current seasonal hours before your visit.
- Admission: ~$12–$15 per adult (standalone entrance on Park Ave). Free via internal bridge with Hersheypark admission during park season.
- Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m. Late checkout available on request, subject to availability.
- Parking at the hotel: Free private parking included for all guests throughout their stay.
- Best rate guarantee: Booking direct with the hotel always beats third-party rates — up to 15% lower.
- Front desk hours: Sunday–Thursday 9 a.m.–10 p.m. · Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–midnight.
Questions About ZooAmerica & Your Stay
Common questions about the zoo, animals, visiting tips, and what to expect at Inn of the Dove. Anything else — give us a call.
Reach Us Directly
- Approximately 13 miles — about 17 to 20 minutes by car via US-322 East. ZooAmerica is at 201 Park Ave, Hershey, within the Hersheypark complex but with its own year-round entrance. You can drive there, spend a relaxed morning at the zoo, and be back at the suite well before early afternoon.
- ZooAmerica focuses entirely on North American wildlife — over 200 animals across 75+ species. Highlights include black bears, bald eagles, alligators, great horned owls, bobcats, coyotes, bison, river otters, white-tailed deer, red foxes, prairie dogs, and timber rattlesnakes. Organised into five regional habitats: Southeastern Swamps, The Wetlands, Big Sky Country, The Prairie, and Eastern Woodlands.
- Yes — ZooAmerica is open year-round through its standalone entrance on Park Ave, independently of Hersheypark’s seasonal schedule. General hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., extended in summer. Winter visits are uncrowded and animals are often more active in cooler temperatures. Always check the ZooAmerica website for current hours before your visit.
- Adult tickets via the standalone Park Ave entrance are approximately $12 to $15 per person. If you’re visiting during Hersheypark’s operating season, ZooAmerica is accessible via an internal bridge and is included with Hersheypark admission. For a couple visiting independently, budget around $25 to $30 for admission total.
- Yes — strictly adults only. Inn of the Dove is exclusively for couples. No children are permitted on the property at any time, whether as guests or visitors. No pets either. All guests must present valid photo ID at check-in. There are no exceptions to this policy.
- Every suite except the Double King Suite includes a private jetted hot tub. Most suites also include a wood-burning fireplace. Two suites feature private heated indoor pools in addition to a hot tub. All amenities are exclusively for the two of you — nothing is shared with other guests.
- Yes — they’re all right next to each other. ZooAmerica plus Chocolate World makes an excellent year-round full morning. During Hersheypark’s season (May–Dec), you can combine all three in one day: ZooAmerica at opening, Chocolate World at midday, Hersheypark in the afternoon. The internal bridge from Hersheypark to ZooAmerica means no separate admission if you already have park tickets.
- Yes — free private parking is included with every stay. Park at the hotel when you arrive, drive 17 minutes to ZooAmerica, and return whenever you’re done. No fees, no time limits.
- Three packages: Lots of Love ($129 — rose petals, fresh roses, candles, bubble bath, teddy bear), Candle Light ($79 — roses, chocolates, flowers, teddy bear, candles, champagne), and Romance ($79 — rose petal pathway, roses, chocolates, candles, teddy bear). All arranged in your suite before check-in. Add bathrobes for $19.99 per pair. Call 717-540-5540 or note your preference at booking.
- Within 5 minutes of ZooAmerica: Hersheypark (adjacent, 70+ rides, May–Dec), Hershey’s Chocolate World (free chocolate tour, candy bar making, year-round), Hershey Gardens (23 acres of botanical gardens), The Hershey Story Museum (interactive history museum on Chocolate Ave), Hotel Hershey spa (day passes available to outside guests), and Giant Center (concerts and Hershey Bears games year-round).
200+ Animals in the Morning. Private Hot Tub by Afternoon.
Drive to Hershey. Walk five wildlife habitats at your own pace. Drive back in 17 minutes. Private hot tub, fireplace, total quiet. Adults only — no children, no pets, no shared spaces. Book direct for the best rate.