Fun Factory Tours in the Northern USA : Tasty Adventure!
Factory tours are a fantastic way to dive into the heart of American craftsmanship, history, and—let’s be honest—delicious treats! Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic candies, iconic beverages, or outdoor gear, the Northern USA has plenty of fascinating factory experiences to explore.
In this guide to Factory tours in the Northern USA, I’ll share my personal experiences visiting some of the most iconic (and unexpected) factory-style attractions in the Northern USA—from Hershey’s Chocolate World to PEZ dispensers and Ben & Jerry’s creamy scoops. Scroll to the end for a comparison table to help plan your trip!
Don’t expect a traditional factory tour here – Hershey’s Chocolate World is a full-blown theme park experience! The great news for families is that you can enter and enjoy the basic chocolate tour ride completely free, which gives you a wonderful introduction to the chocolate-making process in an entertaining way. This tour ride was fun for us even though we are adults.
As for the fun options, there are many additional paid experiences and attractions available – from 4D chocolate mystery shows to create-your-own candy bar experiences.These extra options are fantastic and definitely suitable for children.
The gift shop is a chocolate lover’s paradise with exclusive Hershey’s branded merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. Even with just the free tour , I highly recommend this destination for families with children – it’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment that will create lasting memories.
Ben & Jerry's Factory - Waterbury, Vermont
Even on a cold, rainy, and windy day (which definitely wasn’t ideal ice cream weather!), Ben & Jerry’s Factory was packed with visitors. The facility isn’t huge, but the building and interior are decorated in such a cute, whimsical way that children absolutely love staying and exploring.
The tour gives you insight into their unique ice cream-making process and company culture. Of course, you must try their ice cream – it’s incredibly creamy and sweet, just as delicious as you’d expect from this beloved Vermont brand. The experience is worth it regardless of the weather!
PEZ Visitor Center - Orange, Connecticut
As a kid, I used to collect PEZ dispensers, so visiting the PEZ Visitor Center was such a nostalgic treat. The interior was super cute and full of surprises. There were rows and rows of creative dispensers and lots of interactive displays. I even bought a PEZ-themed T-shirt that I still wear today. If you grew up with PEZ or have kids, this is a must-see!
The Birthplace of Pepsi Cola - New Bern, North Carolina
After visiting the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, we got curious—where was Pepsi born? That led us to New Bern, North Carolina. This little shop was packed with Pepsi-themed merchandise, including vintage signs and collectibles. I bought an adorable Pepsi bear as a souvenir. There was even a small café inside, so we sat down to enjoy a Pepsi Cola at its birthplace. Such a fun and quirky stop!
Heinz History Center - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This stop surprised me! The Heinz History Center is located inside a building that blends in with the area, so it was a bit tricky to find from the outside. But once we entered, we were greeted by charming ketchup exhibits and shelves of Heinz-branded souvenirs. I loved the cute packaging displays—this is a great stop for food history fans or anyone who loves quirky Americana.
Freeport's Outdoor Gear Paradise - L.L. Bean Flagship & Premium Outlet District, Maine
I initially thought this would be just a regular factory store, but L.L. Bean’s flagship location is something completely different – it’s like stepping into an outdoor lifestyle theme park! The interior design is absolutely incredible, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond typical retail.
You can spend hours exploring their extensive collection of outdoor gear and clothing, all displayed in creative, engaging ways. The store showcases L.L. Bean’s commitment to outdoor recreation and quality craftsmanship, making it a destination in itself rather than just a shopping stop.
What makes Freeport even more special for outdoor enthusiasts is that it’s become a true outdoor gear destination. In addition to the flagship store, there’s an L.L. Bean outlet nearby with great deals on quality outdoor equipment. But the real treasure for outdoor gear lovers is the concentration of other premium outlet stores in the area – you’ll find Patagonia outlet and North Face shops very close to L.L. Bean.
I highly recommend visiting these outlet stores if you’re into outdoor activities. We found some fantastic outdoor jackets at the Patagonia outlet at excellent prices. It’s like having a one-stop outdoor gear shopping paradise all in one charming Maine town!
Factory Tour Quick Reference Guide
Click the facility name then you can go to the official HP.
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Facility
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Factory Tour
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Address
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Theme park experience
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101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey PA
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Yes
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1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury, VT
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Self-guided
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35 Prindle Hill Rd, Orange, CT
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Self-guided
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256 Middle St, New Bern, NC
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Self-guided
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1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA
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Shop
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95 Main Street
Freeport, ME
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Final Thoughts
Factory tours in the Northern USA are all about fun, nostalgia, and discovery. From creamy ice cream and collectible candy containers to historic soda brands and American-made outdoor gear, every stop brought something unique to the journey. I especially enjoyed reliving childhood memories at places like PEZ and Pepsi—and discovering just how fun a factory-themed store can be at Hershey’s and L.L. Bean.
If you’re planning a trip through the Northern states, be sure to add a few of these spots to your list. And if you’ve visited any of these places, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
