10 Pennsylvania Factory Tours That Make Surprisingly Fun Day Trips In 2027

You can stand 40 feet above a factory floor and watch real coins get made, for free.

I still can’t get over that one. Nobody hands you a sample, sadly, but the view is wild.

That’s just one stop on this list. Another lets you watch 1,800 cows get milked on a slowly spinning carousel.

A third teaches you to twist a pretzel beside brick ovens built in 1861.

Pennsylvania is packed with places that open their doors and let you peek behind the curtain.

Many are free or close to it, and some take under an hour. Plenty end with samples, which I consider the best kind of history lesson.

I love that these trips feel like a backstage pass to stuff you already use.

Chips, guitars, chocolate, eggs, even the coins jingling in your pocket. So which one gets your Saturday first?

1. Herr’s Snack Factory Tour

Few tours end with a chip so fresh it came straight off the cooker.

At this Nottingham snack plant, that’s one of the highlights, and honestly, it might ruin bagged chips for you.

A guided walk takes you along the production areas. Depending on the manufacturing schedule, you’ll see how potato chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, cheese curls, and other snacks are made.

Chipper, the company mascot, helps bring the story to life. Videos along the route explain how different snacks are produced, making the experience entertaining for kids and adults alike.

Timing matters here more than you might expect. Factory tours currently run Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Production schedules can change without notice, and sections that aren’t operating are explained through video.

You’ll also need to purchase tickets in advance, so plan ahead. Groups are limited to 15 people, which means a last-minute pop-in probably won’t work out.

The tour also shares a bit about Herr’s story as a family-owned business. It’s a nice reminder that a snack aisle giant started with real people behind it.

Afterward, browse the gift shop for snacks you may never have spotted in stores. It’s a good place to pick up something crunchy for the ride home.

Before planning your 2027 visit, check the official schedule for updated hours, prices, and available tour dates.

Address: 271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, PA 19362

2. Martin Guitar Factory Tour

Guitars have been made in Nazareth since 1839, which means this town has been strumming longer than many states have been states.

C.F. Martin & Co. started in New York City in 1833, then moved to Pennsylvania six years later.

The family-owned company is one of the world’s leading makers of acoustic guitars. On the tour, you follow the process from wood selection all the way to finishing.

Skilled artisans handcraft instruments right in front of you. It’s oddly calming to watch someone shape a guitar with that much patience.

Plan for about an hour on the tour. Public tours currently run Monday through Friday, and tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Don’t rush out once it ends, though. The Martin Museum traces the company’s long history, and it’s a treat for music fans and history buffs alike.

Then comes the fun part for anyone with itchy fingers. The Pickin’ Parlor lets you try out guitars, so yes, you can finally play that one song you know.

The 1833 Shop rounds out the visit with Martin gear and gifts. Bring a guitar-loving friend, and you’ll be their hero for the day.

Address: 510 Sycamore Street, Nazareth, PA 18064

3. United States Mint, Philadelphia

Money really is made here, and you can explore the process without spending a cent. The United States Mint in Philadelphia offers free, self-guided tours.

The best seat is an observation deck 40 feet above the factory floor.

From up there, you can see the machinery used to produce coins. Actual coin production varies by schedule, so the presses may not be running during your visit.

Plan on about 45 minutes. Regular tour hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the entrance closes at 4:15, so don’t cut it close.

History fans get plenty, too. You’ll find the first coining press used to strike the nation’s first coins in 1792.

Seven glass mosaics by Tiffany of New York are also on display. They celebrated the 1901 opening of the Third Mint building.

Then there’s Peter the Mint Eagle, a real bald eagle who made the First United States Mint his home. Honestly, that’s a better mascot story than most sports teams can claim.

This spot is called the “mother mint” because of its historic role in American coin production.

Summer visitors get a bonus, since Saturday tours are currently offered from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

The gift shop sells coin sets and commemorative coins. Both the tour and store are wheelchair accessible, and the Mint is closed on federal holidays.

Address: 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106

4. Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory Tour

Chocolate-making is even more tempting when you can watch the process from above.

At Sarris Candies in Canonsburg, a guided factory tour gives visitors a closer look at how the company’s signature sweets come together.

The story started small. Frank Sarris began making chocolates in his basement in 1960, and a retail store followed in 1963.

The company’s new production facility opened in 2024.

Today, visitors can tour that modern chocolate factory and learn about the traditions behind the family-owned business.

Public factory tours run Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Each guided experience lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 20 guests per session.

You’ll follow the chocolate-making process from an elevated mezzanine overlooking the production area. It’s a chance to see the machinery and craftsmanship behind the treats sold in stores.

Advance reservations are required, so don’t expect to wander in for an unplanned tour. Private group tours can also be arranged for larger parties.

Afterward, chocolate lovers can visit the factory store. For an old-fashioned ice cream experience, head to the company’s separate flagship candy store and parlor at 511 Adams Avenue.

That parlor serves homemade ice cream, specialty sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats. Chocolate-covered pretzels, nuts, creams, and assorted candies make the shop equally tempting.

Close to Pittsburgh, this is an appealing sweet stop in western Pennsylvania. Bring a cooler if it’s hot out, because melted chocolate is a sad souvenir.

Factory tour address: 135 Meadow Lane, Canonsburg, PA 15317

Candy store and ice cream parlor: 511 Adams Avenue, Canonsburg, PA 15317

5. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

Your first pretzel twist will probably look like a knot of shoelaces, and that’s perfectly fine.

At Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, guests get a turn with simple flour and water dough.

The interactive tour runs about 25 minutes. It’s short, hands-on, and great for kids who can’t stand still for long tours.

History is baked right into the walls. Julius Sturgis opened America’s first commercial pretzel bakery here in 1861.

The stone building itself dates to 1784. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so your pretzel lesson happens inside a landmark.

You’ll see the original brick ovens Sturgis built. Bakers still hand-twist soft pretzels nearby, and they make it look far easier than it is.

Tours are offered on days when the bakery is open, but reservations are strongly recommended for all visitors.

Walk-ins may be accommodated when space allows, though booking online is the safest way to secure your preferred time.

The tour includes a pretzel-twisting lesson using practice dough, which isn’t baked or eaten afterward. Guests receive a complimentary sample of the bakery’s Little Ones hard pretzels.

The retail store sells fresh-baked soft pretzels and chocolate-covered pretzels. You’ll also find hard pretzels baked by Sturgis descendants at Tom Sturgis Pretzels.

The Sturgis family is known as the oldest pretzel baking family in the country. The building is wheelchair accessible, and Main Street in Lititz is right outside for a stroll.

Address: 219 E. Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543

6. Byers’ Choice Visitor Center

Christmas feels right at home in Chalfont. Byers’ Choice Visitor Center celebrates the holiday season with festive displays, handcrafted figurines, and free admission for individuals and families.

The story began in the 1970s with Joyce Byers. She crafted Caroler figures at her kitchen table, and the family-owned business grew from there.

From an observation deck, you can watch artisans handcraft Caroler figurines.

Tuesday through Thursday is generally the best time to catch production, since artisans aren’t available for viewing Friday through Sunday.

The Christmas Museum covers holiday traditions and collectibles. Then there’s the Olde English Street Scene, a life-size Dickensian village straight out of a storybook.

The Creche Collection holds over 200 nativities from around the world. One highlight is an 18th-century Italian presepio.

A short film in the St. James Theatre shares the company’s history. Formal gardens offer a pleasant stroll when the weather cooperates.

The visitor center operates seasonally. It is generally open Tuesday through Saturday during January and April through October, with expanded hours in November and December.

February and March are reserved for seasonal cleaning and closure. The Gift Emporium sells Carolers, ornaments, fancy foods, jewelry, and specialty gifts.

Visitors can explore the displays at their own pace, making this an easy outing for families and holiday enthusiasts.

The visitor center and factory opened in 1994. In July, it’s a fun way to sneak in some holiday cheer without anyone judging your playlist.

Address: 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA 18914

7. Moka Origins Chocolate Factory Tour

Chocolate and coffee under one roof is teamwork worth cheering for.

Moka Origins in Honesdale roasts coffee and makes bean-to-bar chocolate.

Free factory tours run every Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No reservations are needed, so you can just show up.

The tour lasts about 45 minutes. You’ll learn about chocolate sourcing, production techniques, and the company’s commitment to sustainable farming.

Artisans stone-grind cacao and temper chocolate. It’s a rare chance to see how a bean becomes a bar.

The finale is the best part, naturally, and nobody complains about homework like this. The free tour includes samples of the company’s chocolate creations.

For visitors who want a deeper experience, Moka also offers paid private tours with curated chocolate tastings and guided coffee cupping.

The company began as a sustainable farming project in Cameroon in 2014, founded by Jeff Abella and Ishan Tigunait.

Its mission includes supporting farming communities through sustainable trade and economic opportunities.

The cafe serves specialty coffee, chocolate drinks, frozen hot chocolate, truffles, and bonbons.

The gift shop stocks chocolate bars, coffee beans, mugs, and ethically sourced goods.

Moka sits on the Himalayan Institute campus, with 400 acres and hiking trails. Walk off those samples first, then decide if you need more chocolate.

The factory store and cafe are currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private tours and tastings can be arranged by email.

Address: 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale, PA 18431

8. Kreider Farms Tour

Cows riding a carousel? Not quite, but close enough to make your kids giggle.

The rotating milking carousel at Kreider Farms handles approximately 1,800 cows, with each cow milked three times daily.

The guided bus tour lasts about 90 minutes. Buses are enclosed and climate-controlled, which is a gift on a hot day.

You’ll drive through the “Cow Palace” barn and the “Moo-ternity” barn. Yes, the names are as fun as they sound.

The farm also has a large egg-production operation, although visitors cannot enter the poultry facilities because of biosecurity restrictions.

The tour focuses on the dairy farm, its barns, and the milking process.

Next up is the 100-foot Silo Observation Tower. Climb it for views of Lancaster County, but climbers must be at least 42 inches tall.

Kreider Farms was established in 1935 and remains a family-owned operation spanning multiple generations.

Its dairy is American Humane Certified, a distinction held by only a small number of dairies nationwide.

The tour ends with a free sample of fresh milk or chocolate milk. Choose wisely, though the chocolate option seems like a strong move.

Tours currently run Monday through Saturday, typically May through October, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations and prepayment are required, so plan ahead.

The Welcome Center gift shop sells farm-fresh dairy products and ice cream. It’s a sweet last stop in the heart of Pennsylvania farm country.

Address: 1463 Lancaster Road, Manheim, PA 17545

9. Asher’s Chocolate Factory Tour

Since 1892, Asher’s has been making chocolate, which gives it serious bragging rights.

It’s recognized as the oldest family-owned and operated candy manufacturer in the United States.

The Souderton factory offers free, self-guided tours that are open to the public. They run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A multimedia tour guides you through a video journey along a viewing corridor. Below, you’ll see chocolates being made in the active production facility.

Free samples are offered, which feels like the right reward for good listening. Don’t be shy about enjoying yours.

Afterward, step into the retail store, described as an old-fashioned Victorian candy store. You’ll find a wide range of chocolate treats to take home.

The tour facilities are handicap accessible. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead to arrange a visit.

Because the tour is self-guided, you can move at your own speed. That’s handy for families with little ones, or for anyone who wants to linger and watch the candy line a little longer.

Souderton sits in Montgomery County, an easy drive from Philadelphia. Pair it with Byers’ Choice in nearby Chalfont for a double-dose day trip.

Address: 80 Wambold Road, Souderton, PA 18964

10. Highland Chocolates Factory Tour

Sweet treats come with an even sweeter backstory in Wellsboro.

Highland Chocolates is a nonprofit chocolate factory that provides employment and vocational training opportunities for adults with disabilities.

The public factory tour is free. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and see how the company’s handcrafted sweets come together.

The factory is especially known for its pretzel bark, along with molded chocolates, fudge, sweet snack mixes, and other confections.

Free tours are generally offered Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. They begin between 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., resume at 12:30 p.m., and finish taking new visitors at 1:45 p.m.

To join a tour, enter the factory store and ask a retail associate.

Groups must have fewer than 15 people for the regular free tour, while larger groups need paid reservations arranged in advance.

Visitors are asked to wear provided gloves and hair nets during the factory experience.

The company recommends arriving before 1 p.m. for the best chance of seeing confection production in action.

The factory and retail store are normally open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A separate downtown shop at 82 Main Street is open on Saturdays, but regular public factory tours aren’t offered that day.

The gift shop sells a variety of handmade chocolates. Buying a box supports the mission of creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Wellsboro sits along Route 6 in north central Pennsylvania. It makes a handy break on a scenic drive through Tioga County.

Leave room in the car for a stash, because chocolate gifts disappear fast. Then again, nobody said you have to share them.

Address: 11724 Route 6, Wellsboro, PA 16901