Some people plan vacations around fancy restaurants. Others want historical landmarks, museums, beautiful scenery, or a peaceful afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Me? I want to know if there’s a factory nearby. I’m not even kidding.
You can take the girl out of Kentucky and move her to the Colorado mountains, but apparently you cannot take away her fascination with watching people make things. I’ve always loved factory tours. It doesn’t matter where I’m traveling. If there’s a factory offering tours, I’m going to find it.
And I don’t particularly care what they’re making, either. Chocolate? Absolutely. Shoes? Sign me up. Snowboards? Why not? A giant warehouse full of conveyor belts and machinery? Well, now you’ve got my attention. There’s something fascinating about watching everyday products come to life. I want to know where the materials come from, how the machinery works, and how somebody figured out how to make the darn thing in the first place.
But here’s the other thing about me. I absolutely love buying locally made products, especially when I’ve actually watched somebody make them. There’s something special about bringing home an item when you know where it came from and the people who put their time and talent into creating it.
Maybe it’s handmade chocolate, a wooden puzzle, locally made soap, or something I didn’t even know I needed until I watched somebody make it. Do I necessarily need another handmade item? Probably not. Am I going to convince myself that it’s a meaningful souvenir that supports a local business? You better believe it. And I’m not losing a minute of sleep over that purchase.
I’d much rather bring home something made by a local craftsperson than another mass-produced souvenir that looks exactly like the one I saw in six other gift shops. Besides, when I’ve watched something being made, it becomes more than another thing sitting on a shelf. It’s a reminder of a place I’ve explored and the people who made it. And if that meaningful little souvenir happens to be covered in chocolate, well, I certainly won’t complain.
Now, Colorado is famous for its mountains. We’ve got skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and enough outdoor activities to keep a family exhausted until the children leave for college. But sometimes I want an adventure that doesn’t involve climbing a mountain, sweating through my shirt, or wondering whether my legs will function the next morning.
Thankfully, Colorado has some surprisingly fascinating factories. From candy and cheese to bicycles, puzzles, snowboards, and even the United States Mint, there are plenty of ways to see how things are made. Grab the family, your best friend, or whoever is willing to get in the car without asking how much longer until we get there. We’re going to see how stuff gets made.
Before we begin: Some stops offer traditional working factory tours; others are smaller guided manufacturing experiences, farm tours, or hands-on demonstrations. I’ve explained those differences. Prices, age limits, and production schedules change, so check the official websites before traveling.
Candy and Chocolate Factory Tours in Colorado
Let’s start with chocolate and candy because, frankly, I don’t see a single good reason not to.
1. Hammond’s Candies Factory | Denver
If you’ve ever wondered how striped candy canes, colorful lollipops, and old-fashioned holiday sweets are made, Hammond’s Candies is a wonderful place to start. Founded in 1920, Hammond’s has been making traditional candy for generations.
During the free factory tour, visitors learn the company’s history and get a behind-the-scenes look at candy production through viewing areas and large video screens. And did I mention it’s free? FREE, y’all. In a world where taking a family of six out for lunch can practically require a second mortgage, I appreciate an activity that doesn’t charge admission.
What I’d Bring Home: Handmade candy canes, ribbon candy, and other sweets from the factory store. I’d check the discounted ‘Oops’ candy, too. Personally, I don’t discriminate against imperfect chocolate.
Before You Go: Free; approximately 30 minutes. Advance reservations required, generally at least 24 hours ahead. 5735 Washington Street, Denver.
Official tour information and reservations
2. Bibamba Artisan Chocolate | Edgewater
Chocolate doesn’t just magically appear wrapped in shiny packaging, although that would certainly make my life easier. At Bibamba, you can learn how cacao is transformed into artisan chocolate at a working bean-to-bar operation.
This family-owned company has connections to cacao farming in Cameroon. On its guided experience, visitors learn about the process and taste chocolates, including freshly refined chocolate. Educational and delicious. That’s the type of multitasking I fully support. I especially appreciate meeting the people and hearing the stories behind the product.
What I’d Bring Home: Locally crafted chocolate bars or an assortment from the adjoining shop. I’d tell myself they’re gifts, but whether they’d survive the drive home is another question.
Before You Go: Edgewater Public Market. Tour approximately 45 minutes; listed at $35 per person. Book ahead.
Official tour information and reservations
3. Lift Chocolates | Lafayette
Lift Chocolates is another chance to peek inside the world of artisan chocolatiering. Group visitors can learn about chocolate-making techniques, see the equipment and process, and sample finished chocolates. Certain experiences even allow participants to help make pieces.
Imagine telling your family that you spent the afternoon expanding your knowledge of food production when you were actually surrounded by chocolate. Technically, both statements are true, and I’ll stand by them.
What I’d Bring Home: Handmade chocolates or a carefully selected box of assorted treats. Supporting local businesses is important, and somebody has to make sure all that chocolate finds a good home.
Before You Go: Lafayette. Short tours listed at about $12 per person and 45–60 minutes. Group arrangements usually required, typically with a minimum of ten people.
Official tour information and reservations
4. Dotty Wampus Magical Chocolate Factory | Cortez
Now this one sounds like somebody took a chocolate factory, added magic, and decided ordinary wasn’t nearly entertaining enough. Near Mesa Verde National Park, Dotty Wampus combines chocolate tastings, unusual mechanical displays, storytelling, and surprises.
This isn’t a typical industrial production-line tour; it’s an immersive little chocolate-factory experience. Some people dream of ancient ruins and castles. Apparently, I’d also be perfectly happy in a wonderfully strange cottage full of chocolate and mechanical birds.
What I’d Bring Home: Ask what handmade chocolates are available to take home. After learning that much about chocolate, it would seem downright disrespectful not to consider some.
Before You Go: Cortez. Approximately one hour; advertised at $45 per person. Seasonal, with the next season advertised for November and December 2026. Reserve ahead.
Official tour information and reservations
Food, Tea, and Dairy Production Tours
I firmly believe food production is fascinating. I also believe sampling the finished product is an important part of scientific research. I’m fairly certain somebody somewhere agrees with me.
5. Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory | Boulder
If you’ve ever bought Sleepytime Tea, you’ve probably seen that adorable bear on the box who looks like he hasn’t experienced a stressful day in his entire life. Must be nice. Celestial Seasonings offers guided factory tours to explain how its tea blends are created and packaged.
One memorable stop is the Mint Room, where the peppermint and spearmint aromas are famously intense. Visitors can also sample tea in the Tour Center. I like seeing a genuine operation at work, although I’ll probably end up in the gift shop afterward. Let’s not pretend otherwise.
What I’d Bring Home: A selection of teas from the Tea Shop, especially blends I haven’t tried before. There’s something satisfying about buying a product after learning how it’s made.
Before You Go: Boulder. $6 per person plus booking fees; about 45 minutes; ages five and older. Tours Tuesday–Saturday, online reservation and waiver required.
Official tour information and reservations
6. MouCo Cheese Company | Fort Collins
I love cheese. There, I’ve said it. And there are people who love it enough to dedicate their careers to making it, which I fully support. MouCo makes artisan soft-ripened cheese in Fort Collins and offers tours of its working cheesery.
Visitors can learn the process, see where cheese is made, and participate in a tasting. Anyone can buy cheese in a grocery store. It’s a completely different experience to meet the people making it and understand how much skill goes into each step.
What I’d Bring Home: MouCo cheese, naturally. A cheese factory that hopes I leave with cheese? Well, twist my arm.
Before You Go: Fort Collins. Tours generally arranged by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings; around 90 minutes, generally free, groups up to 18.
Official tour information and reservations
7. Buck & Bloom Cheese Company | Buena Vista
If you like cheese, farm animals, and learning where food comes from, Buck & Bloom offers a guided farm-and-creamery experience. Visitors can meet goats, learn about cheesemaking, visit the milking area, see the creamery, and explore an underground cheese-aging cave.
An underground cheese cave. I’m sorry, but why does that sound like something that belongs in a fantasy novel? Some people dream of discovering buried treasure. Apparently, I’m perfectly happy finding a cave full of cheese. This is a working-farm experience rather than a giant industrial factory tour.
What I’d Bring Home: Locally made cheese from the farm’s store, then maybe a few crackers for a ridiculously good cheese board.
Before You Go: Buena Vista. Guided farm tours require reservations; check the current calendar for prices and dates.
Official tour information and reservations
8. Morning Fresh Dairy Farm | Bellvue
Ever wondered how much work goes into producing a gallon of milk? Because I generally just open the refrigerator, discover we’re out, and wonder how four children managed to drink everything again. Morning Fresh Dairy lets visitors learn about a working dairy operation.
Standard farm tours focus on cows, calves, milking, and the path milk takes to the table, with opportunities to sample milk and yogurt. Certain seasonal specialty experiences include the processing and bottling plant, so be sure to book the right option if factory machinery is what you’re hoping to see.
What I’d Bring Home: Locally produced milk or dairy treats from the Howling Cow Café. If I’m driving a long distance, I’m bringing a cooler. Warm milk is not the souvenir anybody wants.
Before You Go: Bellvue near Fort Collins. Standard tour listed at $6 per person; 60–90 minutes. Processing-plant access depends on the tour booked.
Official tour information and reservations
Colorado Factories Making Things You Wouldn’t Expect
Now we’re getting into some of my favorite kinds of tours: products we’ve used our entire lives without once considering how they’re made. Shoes, skis, snowboards, puzzles. And this is where buying from a local maker gets especially fun.
9. Never Summer Snowboards | Denver
Living in Colorado, we see snowboards everywhere. What we don’t always see is how they’re actually made. Never Summer Industries manufactures boards in Denver and offers free tours where visitors can learn about the materials, layering, construction, and craftsmanship involved.
There’s something satisfying about knowing the equipment people ride down our mountains can be made right here in Colorado. Of course, I’d personally like a snowboard that comes with balance, coordination, and a guarantee that I won’t embarrass myself. Apparently, that’s not an available feature.
What I’d Bring Home: If you’re shopping for a board, a Colorado-manufactured snowboard would be quite a souvenir. Otherwise, I’d browse the accessories and apparel.
Before You Go: Denver, 3838 Eudora Way. Factory tours are free; reserve a time online.
Official tour information and reservations
10. Meier Skis | Denver
Meier Skis makes handcrafted skis using Colorado-grown wood. Their Denver Craft Skiery gives visitors a chance to watch skis being manufactured through windows overlooking the production area, while guided tours offer a closer look.
I love the idea of seeing something made from local materials, then knowing it might be used in our own mountains. Handmade skis are a more meaningful souvenir than another refrigerator magnet, although judging by my refrigerator, I clearly have nothing against magnets.
What I’d Bring Home: A pair of locally made skis, if you’re in the market. For a smaller souvenir, look through the accessories and merchandise, and check which items are made locally.
Before You Go: Denver, South Broadway. Factory viewing and guided behind-the-scenes tours are different experiences. Check available guided tour dates and pricing.
Official tour information and reservations
11. Moots Cycles | Steamboat Springs
Watching someone manufacture a bicycle sounds considerably more interesting to me than watching a professional cycling race. Moots makes titanium bicycle frames in Steamboat Springs and invites visitors to learn about precision welding, finishing, and the building process.
I love tours that reveal how much skill it takes to make something we tend to take for granted. It’s a chance to appreciate people who can assemble incredibly sophisticated equipment without staring at the instructions and arguing with their spouse.
What I’d Bring Home: A Moots bike would be the ultimate locally manufactured purchase, although it’s a bigger investment than an impulse souvenir. Check for smaller accessories or merchandise.
Before You Go: Steamboat Springs. Tours generally Monday and Friday at 10 a.m.; about one hour. Reservations and closed-toe shoes required.
Official tour information and reservations
12. SOM Footwear | Montrose
Shoes. Now there’s something most of us own entirely too many of, although I personally refuse to acknowledge what qualifies as too many. SOM Footwear manufactures shoes in Montrose and welcomes visitors to see its operation.
The company cuts, sews, assembles, and finishes its shoes in one facility. I love being able to watch a product being made and then buy it directly from the people making it. Shoes purchased after a factory tour are research, obviously.
What I’d Bring Home: A pair of Colorado-made shoes. Ask about the factory outlet and fitting options while you’re there.
Before You Go: Montrose. Public visiting is typically Monday–Thursday; contact the company before making a special trip to arrange a tour.
Official tour information and reservations
13. Liberty Puzzles | Boulder
Liberty Puzzles makes intricate wooden jigsaw puzzles, including pieces cut into wonderfully unexpected shapes. A short factory tour shows how these beautiful objects are produced and gives you a chance to appreciate the precision involved.
I’m not saying I would necessarily be good at finishing one of these puzzles. I’m saying I’d love watching somebody make one. Those are two entirely different things, and I’d appreciate it if nobody confused them. I also love that these are the kind of locally made gifts families can keep for years.
What I’d Bring Home: A locally made wooden puzzle, particularly one with Colorado artwork. The factory has a shop, and the separate Pearl Street shop is another option.
Before You Go: Factory location: 2526 49th Street, Boulder (not the Pearl Street storefront). Free, 15–20 minutes, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; small walk-in groups, no reservation required.
Official tour information and reservations
14. SunCrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works | Palisade
Alpacas and yarn production? Well, that sounds like a perfectly respectable way to spend an afternoon. SunCrest operates a fiber mill where visitors can learn how fleece becomes yarn and other textile products.
Seeing the story behind a product, from the animal to the finished fiber, is exactly what I enjoy about local manufacturing. And getting to meet an alpaca along the way certainly doesn’t hurt. This is a small-scale mill experience, not a massive textile factory.
What I’d Bring Home: Locally processed alpaca yarn or fiber products. Something soft and warm would be useful during the six months I spend complaining about how cold Colorado gets.
Before You Go: Palisade. Check for current mill tours, separate alpaca experiences, reservations, and prices.
Official tour information and reservations
15. Juniper Books | Boulder
As someone who loves books, Juniper Books gets my attention. The company designs custom book jackets and artfully arranged book collections at its Boulder operation. Guided showroom visits are offered, and certain private behind-the-scenes visits may be arranged.
This isn’t a roaring industrial production floor, so I wouldn’t confuse it with a traditional factory tour. But I love businesses that turn everyday objects into something beautiful. Some of those books are dressed considerably better than I am on an average Tuesday.
What I’d Bring Home: A beautiful book set or custom-jacketed edition of a favorite novel. There’s always room for another book in the house, even when the bookshelves strongly disagree.
Before You Go: Boulder, Lee Hill Drive. Guided showroom visits are offered during posted hours; inquire separately about behind-the-scenes access.
Official tour information and reservations
Metal, Machinery, and Actual Money
Now we’re getting into the places with serious equipment. The kind where you look at a machine and wonder what would happen if you pushed the wrong button. Nobody is letting you push random buttons, which is probably best for everyone involved.
16. Art Castings of Colorado | Loveland
Ever looked at a bronze sculpture and wondered how on earth somebody made it? Art Castings of Colorado invites visitors into a working foundry to learn about lost-wax casting, molds, molten metal, and the steps required to turn an artist’s design into bronze.
There’s far more involved than pouring hot metal into a shape and hoping for the best, which is probably exactly what I would do. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’m not a bronze sculptor.
What I’d Bring Home: I’d visit local Loveland galleries afterward and look for Colorado-made bronze artwork. Don’t assume the foundry itself has a walk-in souvenir shop.
Before You Go: Loveland. Tours generally Thursday at 9:30 a.m., $5 per person, reservations required. Ask about eligibility for younger children before booking.
Official tour information and reservations
17. Bronze Services of Loveland | Loveland
Apparently, Loveland has enough bronze manufacturing going on to deserve more than one spot on this list. Bronze Services of Loveland offers another close-up look at the process of creating bronze artwork.
Visitors can learn about lost-wax casting and see pieces in different stages at an active foundry. I love seeing the intersection of art and industrial manufacturing. It’s amazing what skilled people can make when they actually know what they’re doing.
What I’d Bring Home: Look for a locally made sculpture at a nearby gallery. After seeing the work that goes into casting bronze, I’d appreciate the finished art even more.
Before You Go: Loveland. Tuesday morning tours by reservation, generally $5 per person, limited to eight people. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Official tour information and reservations
18. United States Mint | Denver
Have you ever wondered where all those coins come from? Besides the bottom of your purse, your car cupholders, and your children’s pockets? The Denver Mint offers a chance to learn about coin manufacturing at a working federal facility.
We use money constantly, yet most of us rarely think about its production. This is one of the most interesting tours on the list. And I know what you’re wondering. No, you do not get to fill your purse with free samples. Rude, really.
What I’d Bring Home: I’d browse the Mint Gift Shop for a commemorative coin or souvenir, but remember that a gift-shop coin isn’t necessarily manufactured at the Denver facility.
Before You Go: Denver. Free; approximately one hour; ages seven and older. Online reservations required, released up to 30 days ahead. Tours Monday–Thursday. Coin production may not be running during your visit.
Official tour information and reservations
19. Amazon Fulfillment Center | Thornton
How does Amazon manage to locate and ship so many orders so quickly? I can barely find the matching lid to a food storage container in my own kitchen. Amazon’s Thornton fulfillment center offers tours where visitors learn about robotics, conveyors, and the systems involved in processing packages.
Technically, this is a distribution center and not a factory, since products aren’t being manufactured here. But if you love seeing large-scale operations work behind the scenes, I think it deserves a place on the list.
What I’d Bring Home: Probably nothing manufactured on-site, and that’s fine. This one is for the machinery and behind-the-scenes experience rather than souvenir shopping.
Before You Go: Thornton. Free tours, approximately 60–90 minutes, reservations required. Minimum age six; expect substantial walking.
Official tour information and reservations
Brewery Tours: Because This Is Colorado, After All
It would be a little ridiculous to write about Colorado manufacturing without mentioning breweries. You don’t have to drink beer to find all that production equipment fascinating, although I realize some people consider that a missed opportunity.
20. Coors Brewery | Golden
Coors has been part of Golden since the 1800s, and its enormous brewery offers visitors a look at the process of making beer. The scale of the equipment is a big part of the appeal for anyone interested in how products are made.
You can appreciate the manufacturing process without making alcohol the focus of your visit. And if you’re visiting as a family, check the rules carefully before booking so nobody is surprised at the door.
What I’d Bring Home: I’d browse the gift shop, but I’d ask where any souvenir was made. A brewery T-shirt isn’t automatically a Colorado-manufactured product just because you bought it in Golden.
Before You Go: Golden. Reservations required; listed admission $22.50 for ages 21+ and $17.50 for ages 3–20, before fees. Minors must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older; alcohol samples are adults only.
Official tour information and reservations
21. New Belgium Brewing | Fort Collins
New Belgium offers two very different ways to visit. A shorter, family-friendly tour introduces guests to the brewery and includes a trip down its famous slide. The longer production tour focuses more on the equipment and manufacturing process.
If I’m there to see how something is made, you can guess which one has my attention. Yes, I want to know what that giant machine does. And yes, I’ll probably ask follow-up questions.
What I’d Bring Home: I’d browse the merchandise and ask which beverages are brewed at the Fort Collins facility if buying something made there matters to me.
Before You Go: Fort Collins. Family tour: free, about 45 minutes, all ages, tickets claimed in person on the day. Production tour: $15, 90 minutes, ages 12+, reservations strongly encouraged, fully closed shoes required. Beer samples only for adults 21+.
Official tour information and reservations
Bonus Colorado Experiences That Aren’t Quite Factory Tours
I’m a firm believer in calling things what they are. If a place offers an actual factory tour, wonderful. If it’s a workshop, a demonstration, or a store where you can see something being made, that’s interesting too. But don’t advertise a factory tour and then point me toward a gift shop. I came to see some machinery, not just purchase a decorative coffee mug.
Little Man Ice Cream Factory | Denver
Little Man’s Factory combines an ice cream production kitchen with a whimsical dessert shop. Check directly for special classes or behind-the-scenes opportunities rather than assuming tours are always available. The ice cream alone makes it a fun stop.
The Inventing Room Dessert Shop | Denver
Imagine a science experiment and a dessert shop getting together and creating something completely ridiculous. This place is known for imaginative sweets and food-science demonstrations. It’s a culinary experience, not a conventional factory tour, but one worth considering for a fun family outing.
Stanley Chocolate Factory | Estes Park
Visitors ages five and older can book a hands-on chocolate-making experience and create their own candy bars. That’s a workshop rather than a behind-the-scenes factory tour. I’d just hope my candy bar survived the trip home without being eaten.
Enstrom Candies | Grand Junction
Known for its almond toffee, Enstrom has a downtown factory store with windows through which visitors may see production when it’s running. It’s not a regularly scheduled guided tour, but a worthwhile stop if you’re already nearby and appreciate locally made sweets.
Honeyville | Durango
Honeyville’s factory store has a live observation beehive and views of bottling when production is underway. This is a self-guided shop experience rather than a formal tour. I would absolutely make time for the honey samples and locally produced treats.
Spinster Sisters Soap Company | Golden
I’d love to tour a soap factory. Spinster Sisters makes soaps, shampoo bars, and body-care products in Golden, but its regular public tours are currently on hold. The company may consider special group requests. For now, check its store hours and buy directly from a local maker without assuming you’ll see production.
Why I Love Buying Products Directly From Local Makers
I have to explain something because there are probably people reading this wondering why on earth I’d plan a vacation around touring factories. First, I genuinely find manufacturing fascinating. But I also love supporting businesses that make things locally.
There’s a big difference between walking into a store and buying something because it’s pretty and bringing something home after watching the people who made it. You start to appreciate the time, work, and skill behind a product. Somebody designed it, sourced the materials, learned the machinery, or spent years perfecting the craft. When you purchase something directly from that business, you’re supporting those people.
Maybe it’s candy from a factory where I saw sweets being pulled, a wooden puzzle from Boulder, shoes from Montrose, or cheese from a local creamery. Those purchases come with a story. And yes, I may occasionally use the phrase ‘supporting local businesses’ to justify a purchase that wasn’t strictly necessary. But at least I’m being honest about it.
One thing worth remembering is that not everything sold in a factory gift shop was made at that factory. If that’s important to you, ask where the particular item was manufactured. I love a good souvenir as much as anybody, but I especially love one that really comes from the place I’m visiting.
Tips for Planning a Factory Tour in Colorado
Make reservations when they’re required. Some factories have limited schedules or small group sizes. Showing up unannounced with six people may not end the way you envisioned.
Check the age restrictions. Working factories contain machinery, sharp objects, hot equipment, and other hazards. Not every tour is suitable for little children.
Wear appropriate shoes. Many industrial tours require closed-toe footwear. A bronze foundry probably isn’t the ideal place to debut your newest strappy sandals.
Ask whether production will be running. Some tours happen while machinery is paused. They can still be informative, but it’s worth knowing whether you’ll actually see something being made.
Check for a factory store. If you like locally made purchases, find out whether the company sells its own products onsite and whether the item you choose was made there.
Respect the photography rules. Some factories restrict photos or videos for safety, security, or trade-secret reasons.
Confirm hours before leaving. For heaven’s sake, check the official website before driving halfway across Colorado. We’ve all made that mistake at least once.
Why Factory Tours Are One of My Favorite Things to Do While Traveling
I love the mountains. I love Colorado’s little towns, beautiful scenery, and all the outdoor adventures we have here. But there’s something special about going behind the scenes to see how something gets made.
Maybe it’s because I’ve always been curious about how things work. Maybe it’s because I appreciate the craftsmanship involved in making something from scratch. Or maybe I’m just easily entertained by giant machines and conveyor belts. I’m perfectly comfortable admitting all three possibilities.
Factory tours give you a different perspective on the places you visit. You meet people who make things, discover industries you might never have known existed, and learn something you probably wouldn’t have thought to research on your own. I especially love that many of these experiences can be enjoyed as a family. Kids get to see that everyday products don’t just magically appear on store shelves.
And when you can actually buy something made by the people you’ve just met, that’s even better. It’s not another souvenir with no connection to the trip. It’s a story you get to bring home.
So the next time you’re planning a Colorado road trip or looking for something different to do, check whether there’s a factory nearby offering tours. You might be surprised at what you find. And if you know of another Colorado factory that welcomes visitors, please share it in the comments. I’m always looking for another one to explore.
Especially if I can watch something being made and bring a little piece of it home. And if there are free chocolate samples involved? Well, honey, that’s just good Southern hospitality.
Magnolias, Mountains & Maps | Southern roots. Mountain living. A whole lot of curiosity. And absolutely no shame in planning a road trip around a factory tour.
Tour information reviewed October 2026. Check official websites for the latest hours, age requirements, prices, and booking availability.
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