I was looking for something fun to do near Hershey, Pennsylvania, and guess what I found? The Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia! It’s like a dream come true for ice cream lovers.
You can explore how ice cream and iced tea are made, play games, and learn cool stuff. The best part? Unlimited free ice cream and iced tea samples! Can you believe it? It’s a place where the whole family can have a blast.
I can’t wait to tell you more about this awesome place.
Well, then it’s time to discover this wonderful location!
Where is the Turkey Hill Experience?
The Turkey Hill Experience is a fun place to visit in Pennsylvania! It’s located in Columbia, a town in Lancaster County. If you’ve ever been to Hershey, Pennsylvania, you’ll find the Turkey Hill Experience about a 40-minute drive away. It’s a really pretty trip with lots of nice countryside to look at.
What is the Turkey Hill Experience?
How can I define it? It’s like an awesome, hands-on ice cream adventure – but even better! You’ll also learn about iced teas and lemonades. It’s not a real ice cream factory, but it feels like one. Some cool displays and activities teach you everything about making ice cream, from the farm to your freezer. You can even learn about the history of ice cream!
Do not worry about a place to park because there is a lot of free space here to park your car. Right at the gate, you are met with a huge sculpture of a cow, it looks so funny yet serious, and I guarantee you’ll pay for the perfect photo-op.
Now, there is something that must not be forgotten, and that is that Turkey Hill is committed to preserving the environment of Lancaster County. Rather than construct an entire new structure, they decided to renovate a old structure situated in the borough of Columbia. The building in question was formerly the home to Ashley & Bailey Silk Mill, and the building had sat vacant for more than 25 years. It is also significant to mark that by utilizing this building, Turkey Hill is contributing to its preservation in the county.
What Can You Do at Turkey Hill Experience?
When you arrive at Turkey Hill Experience, you’re greeted by a fun gift store and a desk to check in or buy tickets. It’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance. This helps you pick your lab times and plan your visit better.
You can visit without buying the extra taste labs, but there’s a general admission charge and an additional fee for the Taste Lab and Tea Discovery. These labs happen at specific times and have limited space. You can also just shop at the store without going to the actual Experience.
Once you’re checked in, you can explore the Turkey Hill Experience until your lab time. You can also return to the exhibits after your lab session. Head upstairs to find fun displays and exhibits. You get a map when you arrive, so use it to make sure you don’t miss anything. There are hands-on exhibits, and you can learn about Turkey Hill’s history and their iced teas and lemonades. You can even try cow milking or sit in an old-fashioned milk truck. There’s a mini ball pit for kids under six and a twirling slide.
One of the highlights is the Mix and Match display, where you can stamp a card with different scents from the flavor machine. There’s also a pretend freezer and movies to watch. You can create your own virtual flavor and record a commercial. You can save your experiences using a code on your ticket, so you can view them later at home.
Unlimited Free Samples
One of the best parts is the free samples. You can try any available flavors as many times as you want. Their newest flavors are also available to sample. They make over 100 different flavors, but not all are available for sampling. There’s a nice variety, though. You can also sample their iced teas and lemonades. The watermelon lemonade is especially yummy, and you can buy a small bottle in the gift shop.
Turkey Hill Taste Lab
The Taste Lab is a must if you visit Turkey Hill Experience. The extra fee is small and completes the whole experience. They recommend arriving 45-60 minutes before your lab time to enjoy the exhibits upstairs first. The lab session lasts about 35 minutes, and you can easily spend an hour exploring before your lab time.
Inside the lab, you start by washing your hands. Then you sit at long counters on stools. The lab technician walks you through creating your own ice cream flavor with swirls and mix-ins. You start with a vanilla base and can add a variety of flavors. It’s not just about dumping flavors into an ice cream cup; you’re learning to be mixologists. Choose mix-ins that work well together, not just everything.
Tips for a Smooth Lab Session:
- Be aware of the tall stools when booking, especially if you have back problems.
- The lab is wheelchair accessible and provides step pedals for the sinks.
- Photography is welcome, but audio and video recording are not allowed.
- Young children (under 3) may struggle to sit still for the 35-minute session.
- The generous ice cream portion might call for a light lunch before or after. Leftovers are welcome!
- Due to allergy concerns, the lab is not allergy-friendly.
- You can’t keep the cool red tasting spatula, but the gift shop offers them for purchase. Plastic spoons are available for taking your ice cream creation on the go.
Turkey Hill Tea Discovery
it offers an intriguing exploration of tea’s origins, aromas, and varieties. Learn, taste, and experience tea from around the globe! It lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to sample a variety of Turkey Hill teas. This information comes from the brochure – feel free to share your experience in the comments below!
The Gift Shop Bonanza
The Turkey Hill Gift Shop is a treasure trove for any ice cream enthusiast. Find everything from t-shirts, stuffed animals, and mugs to bowls, pencils, and magnets! Don’t forget to grab yourself a bottle of their delicious lemonade. You can even shop for these items online.
Turkey Hill Experience Ticket Prices
How much does it cost to enter the Turkey Hill Experience? The price depends on your age and the package you choose.
Children two years old and younger enter for free. However, they must pay extra to visit the Taste Lab and Tea Discovery. The military offers a free single admission to the person who served. They must show a valid ID when they visit.
Here are the ticket prices:
Single Experience
This includes the main experience.
- Adults (13-61 years old): $14.25
- Seniors (62+ years old): $13.25
- Juniors (3-12 years old): $13.25
- Children (0-2 years old): Free
- Military: Free
Double Experience
This includes the main experience and the Taste Lab. You need to make a reservation and pay an extra fee. Seating is limited.
- Adults (13-61 years old): $23.75
- Seniors (62+ years old): $22.75
- Juniors (3-12 years old): $22.75
- Children (0-2 years old): $9.50
- Military: $9.50
Triple Experience
This includes the main experience, the Taste Lab, and the Tea Discovery.
- Adults (13-61 years old): $29.00
- Seniors (62+ years old): $28.00
- Juniors (3-12 years old): $28.00
How Much Time Should You Allot?
While you can spend a whole day indulging in all things Turkey Hill, most visitors enjoy the general Experience in 60-90 minutes. Add 45 minutes for the Taste Lab and another 30 minutes for Tea Discovery (if you choose to participate). Remember, the Lancaster area offers plenty of attractions! Explore the nearby areas and plan your visit accordingly.
Last Words
The Turkey Hill Experience is the perfect spot for a fun family outing. Enjoy exciting exhibits, make your own ice cream flavors, and sample tasty treats. It’s a sweet way to learn about ice cream and have a great time. Don’t miss out—plan your visit today and make some delicious memories!
FAQs About Turkey Hill Experience
Where Can You Eat at Turkey Hill Experience?
There’s no place to dine for lunch or dinner, but there’s plenty of ice cream, iced tea, and lemonade. There’s a small Pizza Hut in the same building, but it’s counter service only. You can order a pizza to take out.
When Can You Visit Turkey Hill Experience?
Turkey Hill Experience is open year-round. Check their website for exact dates and times. It’s a great day trip if you’re visiting Lancaster or Hershey. It’s also close to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Harrisburg. Some readers have said it can get crowded, but that wasn’t the case for us, even with a field trip there. Plan your trip accordingly and arrive early, especially in the summer when everyone wants ice cream.
What Age Is Turkey Hill Experience Good For?
Kids of all ages can enjoy Turkey Hill Experience. I think everyone would enjoy it, even adults without kids. Children under three might have trouble sitting through the 35-minute walk-through of the Lab experiences, but you have to judge based on your own child’s abilities.
