Originally published 8/29/18. Updated 8/12/19.
Gather round, folks. We’re going to take a little journey around Ohio that involves guided tours and eating food.
Sounds pretty good, right? There are tons of factories around Ohio making all manner of goods. From Airstream trailers to washboards, if you’re into how things are made, Ohio is a dream. But it’s not all mechanics. Luckily, for all of us, there are factories that produce yummy treats, and most of them offer tours that involve tasting those treats.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, look no further. Here are the best food factory tours in Ohio.
Anthony Thomas Factory
Location: 1777 Arlingate Ln, Columbus, OH 43228
Tour Hours: Open House Tours are open to the public, no appointment required. You can stop in June-August on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or September-May on Tuesday & Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Children under 2 are free. Ages 3 to 18 are $1.00 per person. Ages 19 and over are $2.00 per person. Admission fee may be used towards a purchase.
Velvet Ice Cream
Location: 11324 Mt. Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080
Tour Hours:Tours are available on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding major holidays) from May 1 through October 31.
Details: During the free 30-minute walking tour, Velvet Ice Cream tour guides will show you how the century-old company got its start, as well as all the steps that go into the perfect, creamy ice cream.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet
Location: 6005 Co Hwy 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
Tour Hours: Heini’s is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment required.
Details: So full disclosure, this one is less about touring and more about eating, but we’re not complaining. Guests can sample 70+ types of cheese, watch videos about how that cheese is made, and then purchase the ones they fall in love with at the gift shop.
The KitchenAid Experience
Location: 1701 KitchenAid Way, Greenville, OH 45331
Tour Hours: Factory tours available from Tuesday – Friday at 12:30pm, reservations required only for groups of 8 or more. Cooking demonstrations available at the Retail Center, Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Details: Whether you just want to see what all goes into making the world’s most amazing mixer, or you want to know what to do with it when you buy it, the KitchenAid experience has you covered. At the factory, you can learn the mechanics behind the madness, while demonstrations at the nearby Retail Center will have your mouth watering.
Spangler Candy Company
Location: 400 N Portland St, Bryan, OH 43506
Tour Hours: Hours vary by week, but you can check them out here.
Details: Are suckers food? I would have argued yes as a kid. You eat them, they’re delicious, what more qualifications could it need? The trolley tours at Spangler Candy Company are amazing. Trolley Tours are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $4 for children ages 6 through 17, and free for children five years old and younger when accompanied by a paying adult or senior. Ride along as you learn about what goes into making these sweet treats, plus, you’ll get to load up on sugar before you leave. 12 million dum dums a day!
Young’s Jersey Dairy
Location: 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Tour Hours: Hours vary at Young’s depending on the experience you’re planning. Click here for details so you can plan your trip accordingly!.
Details: Young’s Dairy is so much more than just a farm. From family fun activities like putt-putt and petting zoos to behind-the-scenes looks at how ice cream becomes frozen and delicious, you can spend the whole day at the farm and still not see everything! Admission prices vary depending on the activities you participate in, so be sure to check their website above.
