Overview
- Hersheypark announced Tuesday that Tidal Force will permanently cease operation after Sept. 7, 2026, giving visitors a defined final weekend to ride it.
- Tidal Force opened in 1994 and the park has not offered a reason for the closure or named a replacement for the ride.
- On April 3, 2026, multiple fights involving large groups of youths broke out at the park and required an outside law-enforcement response.
- Derry Township police said a months-long probe identified 55 people to be charged with offenses that range from misdemeanors to felonies, including riot and aggravated assault; 52 are juveniles and three adults were named.
- Authorities say the investigation involved Derry Township police, county units, juvenile probation, school officials and Hersheypark staff, and the park has publicly confirmed it cooperated while not announcing specific security or policy changes.