Are you ready to discover the process of making your favorite products? One of the factory tours in Ohio is a great, behind-the-scenes activity! From foods you enjoy, to products you love, to operations that help a city run, you have a variety of factories to choose from. We’ve put together a list of fun factory tours throughout the area.
American Whistle Corp Tour
“Whoo,” calling all whistle lovers! The American Whistle Corp is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. Ever wonder how the little ball gets inside the whistle? You can find that out, and so much more on a tour of The American Whistle Corp.
The tour is welcome and tailored to all ages, so bring the entire family! The 45-minute tour is scheduled in advance online Monday through Thursday. Learn more under the “What to Expect” section for additional details.
The American Whistle Corporation
6540 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Columbus
Columbus Washboard Company Factory Tours
Come take a tour of a washboard factory and take a step back in history! Columbus Washboard Company Factory is the only washboard factory remaining in the United States. You will see the plant, as well as the process of making the washboards. Interestingly, the company still uses many of the original tools today in the manufacturing process.
The washboard tour will take around 35 minutes. It is designed for both children and adults. Please book ahead for your tour. Visit the website for costs, hours, and additional information.
Columbus Washboard Company Factory Tours
4 E. Main St., Logan, OH 43138
Website
Mitchell’s Ice Cream Tour
The Mitchell brothers created Mitchell’s Ice Cream with the hope of creating memories over ice cream. Today, you can not only enjoy the fresh homemade ice cream, but you can see the process firsthand at their Ohio City location. Stop by and peek through their window to watch as they handcraft each batch of ice cream in their kitchen.
Check out the website for a full menu of flavors during your visit, and their seasonal offerings. You can also look at their cakes and pies. You can reserve the Ohio City location for private events as well! This would make a fun location for a child’s birthday party!
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
1867 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Cleveland
Original Mattress Factory Tour
At the Original Mattress Factory, each mattress is handmade and built to last! That’s why they invite you to go behind the scenes to see the process of making a mattress. You’ll be able to see each layer from the springs, to the cotton, to the foam.
Original Mattress Factory
4930 State Rd., Cleveland, OH 44134
Website
MVP Dairy Tour
Want to learn about dairy farming? The best way is to come see the entire operation!! MVP Dairy is a non-profit education center that offers tours to the public. With two levels of interactive games and displays, you will learn about the process of milk’s journey. You can also get a close-up look at their milking carousel with real cows. Appointments are encouraged, so make sure to call and book your tour in advance.
MVP Dairy
7124 US-33, Celina, OH 45822
Website
Al’s Delicious Popcorn Tour
At Al’s Delicious Popcorn, they consider you one of the neighbors, and they invite their neighbors in! They have had generations of families tour their locations, and enjoy making memories with you. On the tour, you will learn the history of popcorn and their business. Then you are invited into their kitchen (hair net and all) to learn firsthand from their Popcorn Chefs. They do it all by hand! You end the tour with a popcorn tasting. Yum!
Plan for 30 minutes to an hour for the tour, the larger the group the longer it will take.
Al’s Delicious Popcorn
Locations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Cincinnati
Chocolate Factory Tours
Harry London/Fannie May Fine Chocolates
Are you ready for a mouthwatering, behind-the-scenes look at chocolate? Harry London/Fannie May Fine Chocolates offers a peek into the process of their gourmet chocolates. You will get a lesson in Fannie May history, as well as a chance to taste test their creations. Tours are free and you need to call to book in advance. Make sure to book early because tours fill up quickly, especially during the summer.
Harry London/Fannie May Fine Chocolates
5353 Lauby Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
Website | Our Review
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Canton
Malley’s Chocolates (virtual tour)
Each piece of chocolate is hand-picked off the line to ensure it is of the highest quality! If you grew up around Cleveland, you probably took a field trip or two to tour the factory. Unfortunately, Malley’s no longer offers in-person tours, but you can take a first-hand look at how each piece of chocolate is made in one of their virtual tours. If you are a fan of their melt-in-your-mouth Buckeyes, you’ll definitely want to watch the video of how they are made in their 60,000-square-foot facility.
Malley’s Chocolates
Website
Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
Channel your inner Willy Wonka with a tour of the 152,000 square-foot, Anthony-Thomas Candy Company candy factory! You won’t take a glass elevator, but you will have the chance to walk comfortably along their glass-enclosed suspended “Cat-Walk,” where you will view nine lines of 30,000 pounds of chocolate production per shift. Plus, they make sure you get a free sample.
The tour ends in their 2,500-square-foot retail shop, where you can purchase more candy from your visit. You can register on their website, as well as find out hours, admissions, and more details about their tours.
Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
1777 Arlingate Ln, Columbus, OH 43228
Website
Maverick Chocolate Factory Tour
If you’ve ever wondered about the entire bean-to-bar process of making chocolate, the Maverick Chocolate Factory Tour is for you. You will literally use all of your senses as you experience the entire process of chocolate making. You will learn about the history of the Picton family and how chocolate is made and then you’ll have a chance to enjoy free samples.
The tour runs from 30 to 45 minutes. You must wear closed-toed shoes, and a hat or hair net will be provided for your visit. Babies are allowed, but strollers are not permitted in the factory area.
Maverick Chocolate Factory Tour
2651 Edmondson Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Website
Coblentz Chocolate Company
At Coblentz Chocolate Company you can take a peek behind-the-scenes of chocolate making. Their recently remodeled showroom includes a viewing gallery. You get to watch their delicious creations being made!
Their headquarters is like stepping back into an old-fashioned candy store. You can purchase chocolates in the shop or online via their website.
Coblentz Chocolate Company
4917 Walnut St., Walnut Creek, OH 44687
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Amish Country
Young’s Jersey Dairy Cheese & Ice Cream Tours
At Young’s Jersey Dairy, you can spend a day at the farm and experience their cheese and ice cream production firsthand. One of their dairy experts will walk you through the process, while you can watch through the windows at their ice cream and cheese production facility. Each tour ticket also includes your choice of a cheese item and a pint of Young’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Tickets are required for those 5 years old and up and you can sign up for a tour via their website.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Yellow Springs
Rookwood
For more than 140 years Rookwood has been transforming “earthen materials into works of art.” On a Rookwood tour, you’ll have a unique opportunity to step inside the studio for a history of the art. Their historian, George, takes you through their 88,000-square-foot facility. You can also use your $10 ticket as a credit for a $50 or more purchase in their showroom after the tour.
Rookwood
OTR Flagship Store, 1920 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
Airstream Factory Tours
Have you ever wondered how an Airstream is built? On one of the Airstream Factory Tours, you’ll get to see how they are made and explore the completed product. You’re invited to take a tour of the travel trailer or touring coach factory, or you can view both. While you’re touring the manufacturers are hard at work around you.
The tour of each factory takes about one hour. Close-toe shoes are required and the tours are only offered during weekdays so make sure to plan accordingly.
Airstream Factory Tours
1001 W. Pike St., Jackson Center, OH 45334
Website
Rumpke Landfill & Recycling Tour
Do you know what happens to your trash and recycling after you throw it away? A Rumpke Landfill & Recycling Tour allows you to see both the landfill side of the process as well as the recycling side. They offer two separate tours. The landfill tour is done from the safety of one of their buses, and the recycling tour is a walking tour. Tours are free and last approximately one hour.
Rumpke Landfill & Recycling Tour
Locations for tours include Columbus, Cincinnati, Colerain Township, and Brown County
Website
Clifton Mill Tours
One of the “largest water-powered grist mills still in existence,” is right here in Ohio at Clifton Mill. Dating back to 1802, there is a deep history and unique story to this mill. Today you can visit and tour the property, including the inner workings of the mill. Tours are available on weekdays during spring and summer.
Clifton Mill
75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316
Website
Cheese Factory Tours
Guggisberg Cheese Factory Tour
Take a trip through the scenic Doughty Valley for a Guggisberg Cheese Factory Tour. The same valley you’ll drive through produces the fresh milk that makes the cheese you will taste. You can watch them make the cheese, as well as enjoy their more than 60 varieties of cheese.
The location also includes a retail store. You can purchase “authentic Cuckoo Clocks, beer steins, local goods, cutlery and so much more.” Take a look at the website for tour details.
Guggisberg Cheese Factory Tour
5060 State Route 557, Millersburg, OH 44654
Website
Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour
At Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour you can not only see your favorite cheeses being made, you can taste the different varieties. Pearl Valley Cheese has more than 30 options to choose from. They also have weekly specials!
Take a look at the website for the best times to visit to see the cheese being made. You can also bring your pets to exercise in their pet-friendly field in front of the shop. They are closed on holidays.
Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour
54760 Township Rd. 90, Fresno, OH 43824
Website
Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour
Want to see how cheese is made? Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour provides self-guided tours that allow you to see the process. Call ahead to get each week’s cheese-making schedule so you can plan your trip accordingly. Their website includes an interesting PDF on the history of cheese making.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour
6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
Website
Honda Heritage Center Tour
If you love cars and the history of cars then the Honda Heritage Center Tour is for you! Take a self-guided stroll through the museum at your own pace. You should allow 45-90 minutes for your tour. Walk-ins are welcome and the visit is free of charge. There is plenty of free parking on-site as well.
Honda Heritage Center
24025 Honda Pkwy., Marysville, OH 43040
Website
Spangler Candy Company Tour
The Spangler Candy Company tours are currently closed. However, they have a new store coming in 2023. The location will include interactive displays, a retail store, and a factory tour up on the big screen.
Spangler Candy Company
131 South Main St., Bryan, OH 43506
Website
You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Toledo
P. Graham Dunn Production Tour – Store Closed October 2024
When you take a trip to the P. Graham Dunn factory store, not only can you enjoy the products of the store but you can also get a peek into the process of their woodworking. The store has windows that overlook the factory. Watch the production process from start to finish!
P. Graham Dunn
630 Henry St., Dalton, OH 44618
Website
Schwebel’s Bakery (photo tour)
Are you interested in how bread is made? If you visit the Schwebel’s Bakery website, they have a photo tour of their entire bread-making process. They invite you to see how “Schwebel’s time-tested, old-world recipes meet state-of-the-art equipment!”
You can almost smell the fresh bread while taking an online photo tour of the bakery. The website also has a Family Fun page featuring funny videos and downloadable coloring pages for kids.
Schwebel’s Bakery
Website
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. is Ohio’s original craft brewery. You can take in a little bit of their history while getting a lesson in the beer-making process…all with a beer in hand! You begin the tour with a sample in the Beer Symposium and then you get to experience the production facility for a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process.
The entire tour takes about 60 minutes from start to finish. Your ticket includes the tour as well as four 5 oz. beer samples and a souvenir pint. Be sure to check out the website for tour details and rules.
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Website
The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours – Tours Canceled!
If you have a baseball fan on your hands, then The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours are for you! Unfortunately, the factory tours are currently closed due to minimal staffing. However, they plan to restart them in the future. Check back on the website for details about tours. Their showroom is currently open and they can do bat fittings as well.
The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours
7801 Corporate Blvd., Ste. E, Plain City, OH 43064
Website
KitchenAid Tours – Currently Closed for Tours!
A visit to historic Greenville comes with many charms, including the KitchenAid Experience® Retail Center. This location used to offer tours to the public. However, it is currently closed for tours. Greenville is home to the KitchenAid Stand Mixer, well known throughout the area.
KitchenAid
1701 KitchenAid Way, Greenville, OH 45331
Website
More Fun Things to do in Ohio
- Things to do in Ohio – The ultimate list of fun places to go and things to do
- Things to Do This Weekend – Top picks for your weekend adventures
Leave a Reply