Factory tours are an affordable way to spend a day, and they’re available all over the country. A quick online search will often reveal factories near you that welcome visitors.
Most tours are free, though some may charge a small fee. Almost all end in a gift shop, which is no accident. Companies offer tours to build trust and brand loyalty. It’s marketing—but it doesn’t feel like marketing.
We’ve visited quite a few factory tours not far from our hometown in Pennsylvania, and these are some of our favorites.
Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, PA
Almost everyone has heard of Hershey’s chocolate. However, many people don’t realize that Hershey stopped offering real factory tours in 1973 due to overwhelming interest and safety concerns.
The very next day, Hershey’s Chocolate World opened.
What to Expect at Chocolate World
Although this is not the actual factory, visitors experience a simulated factory tour. Guests ride in a cart that moves at a steady pace while the chocolate-making process is explained.
And yes—there’s chocolate.
At the end of the ride, each guest receives a free candy bar.
More Things to Do at Hershey’s Chocolate World
If one candy bar isn’t enough, you’re in luck. Chocolate World features:
- A massive gift shop with every type of Hershey candy
- A food hall with lunch options, milkshakes, and desserts
- Activities like building your own candy bar
- Interactive shows and seasonal events
- Character meet-and-greets throughout the year
Chocolate World is located just outside Hersheypark, the amusement park founded by Milton Hershey. Originally created for employees to relax, the park is now open to the public and features 70+ rides, including 14 roller coasters and a water park.
Harley-Davidson Factory – York, PA
The Harley-Davidson factory in York, Pennsylvania offers tours through a real, working factory.
Because of this, visitors must attend a safety briefing and wear required safety gear.
Inside the Harley-Davidson Factory
One of the most fascinating parts of this tour is watching robots transport motorcycles through the assembly process. You’ll even see traffic lights inside the factory, located where visitor paths cross robot routes.
Don’t worry—the robots obey traffic laws.
They stop at red lights and automatically head to charging stations when their batteries run low. Not all bikes follow the same path; each one takes a route based on what it needs during assembly.
There is a gift shop at the end of the tour, but unfortunately, no free motorcycles. However, Harley-Davidson does offer test ride events several times a year.
Herr’s Snack Factory – Nottingham, PA
Herr’s Snacks offers guided tours where visitors look into the factory through large viewing windows rather than walking the production floor.
A tour guide explains each step of the process as you watch the snacks being made.
The Best Part of the Herr’s Tour
At the end of the tour, our guide grabbed freshly made potato chips straight off the production line and shared them with the group. Hands down, they were the best-tasting chips I’ve ever had.
Before entering the gift shop, visitors also receive a free sample bag of snacks.
Yuengling Brewery – Pottsville, PA
Founded in 1829, Yuengling is known as America’s oldest brewery and is still family-owned today.
The Pottsville location is the original brewery, although it now produces only a small portion of Yuengling’s total output.
Touring Yuengling Brewery
A guided tour walks you through the beer-making process, including production areas and underground storage spaces that feel more like caves than cellars.
During the tour, you’ll learn that it takes about 30 days to make a batch of beer.
One fun historical fact: on the day Prohibition ended in 1933, Yuengling shipped a truckload of beer straight to the White House. You can do the math.
At the end of the tour, visitors 21 and over can enjoy two free beers from a selection in the tasting room.
Turkey Hill Experience – Columbia, PA
The Turkey Hill Experience is not a factory tour, but rather a hands-on, interactive attraction.
This experience is very kid-friendly and allows visitors to:
- Learn about Turkey Hill’s history
- Create your own ice cream flavor
- Enjoy unlimited free samples of Turkey Hill ice cream and drinks
It’s a fun stop, especially for families.
Tips Before You Go on a Factory Tour
Before planning your visit, be sure to check the company’s website. Keep these things in mind:
- Special clothing may be required (long pants, closed-toe shoes)
- Tours may not be offered every day
- Working factories often do not offer weekend or holiday tours
- Advance reservations may be required
- Some tours have age restrictions
- Not all tours are wheelchair accessible