Everyday Neighbors: Celebrate American Industry

Everyday Neighbors: Celebrate American Industry

Family factory tours give ‘Made in USA’ meaning.

By Letitia L. Star

You carry it with you everywhere. And you know that it doesn’t grow on trees. But have you ever wondered how our government actually makes money? (Other than taxes, of course!)

You can see millions being manufactured in minutes during the free tour of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. It’s fascinating to watch high-speed presses at work churning out a breakneck speed of 8,000 sheets of paper currency per hour.

This tour is only one of more than 400 factory tours and museums available across America. On your next vacation, take advantage of guided factory tours and museums open to the public. You’ll get a tantalizing peek into the manufacture of objects that are part of American life. During guided tours, you’ll experience firsthand American industry at work. At museums, you’ll learn a bit of history behind the companies and inventions that shape our everyday lives.

Most factory tours and museums are free or low-cost. Some offer children’s rides or activities, picnicking, special events and much more.

Here’s a scenic sampling of several major factory tours located in different regions in the United States. With all industrial tours, be sure to call ahead.

Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury, Vt.

If you’re an ice cream fan, head for the Ben & Jerry’s factory nestled in the bucolic Green Mountains just north of Waterbury, Vt. During the guided factory tour, you’ll get the “inside scoop” on the ice cream production process from “cow to cone.”

During the summer, there are many outdoor activities and picnicking spots with spectacular views. Bring a comfy chair at dusk on Saturday evenings for the Outdoor Movie Festival held July 7 through Aug. 25.

For more information about tours, movie listings and other special events, call (802) 882-1240, or visit www.BenJerry.com/scoop_shops/factory_tour.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas

Next time you’re in Washington, D.C., don’t miss the chance to observe the multistep process used to make paper money that fascinates thousands of visitors every year. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn about U.S. currency production and history. Also not to be missed is the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which first opened to the public in 2004.

During peak season, March through August, free tickets are required. Keep in mind that both facilities are closed to the public if the Department of Homeland Security has elevated the security level to Code Orange.

For updated information about hours and closures, contact the Washington, D.C., Tour Office toll-free at (866) 874-2330 or (202) 874-2330 (local); or the Western Currency Facility toll-free at (866) 865-1194 or (817) 231-4000 (local), or visit www.MoneyFactory.gov/locations.

Hallmark, Kansas City, Mo.

Have you ever enjoyed Hallmark greeting cards or ornaments? Been moved by the Hallmark Hall of Fame television series that’s won numerous Emmy awards? Shed a tear watching Hallmark’s TV commercials?

If so, you’ll want to visit the Hallmark Visitors Center, where you’ll get a unique glimpse into Hallmark’s creative world, including insights into the company’s humble beginnings nine decades ago. Special exhibits feature antique greeting cards as well as current cutting-edge techniques pioneered by Hallmark artists. While there isn’t a factory tour, you can chat with a skilled press operator while he produces real Hallmark cards.

For more information, call (816) 274-3613, email visitorscenter@hallmark.com, or visit the Web site at www.HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com.

Jelly Belly, Fairfield, Calif., and Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

You’ll be greeted by the delectable aromas of chocolate, apricot, cinnamon or pineapple at the Jelly Belly candy-making factory in Fairfield, Calif., just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. The facility makes 150 confections, including the company’s legendary jelly beans. Billed as a “sugary delight,” a 40-minute guided tour is followed by a sampling bar. You also can order jelly bean-shaped pizza and hamburgers at the Jelly Belly Cafe.

More sweet sensations await you at the Jelly Belly Center in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., located between Milwaukee and Chicago. Climb aboard the Jelly Bean Express train for a fun-filled tour inside the warehouse and distribution center to learn about the manufacture of candy corn, jelly beans, taffy, gummies and more. You’ll be entertained by a dancing chorus of characters and tempted by savory samples of 100 candies in the company store.
For more information, call Fairfield toll-free at (800) 953-5592 or Pleasant Prairie toll-free at (866) 868-7522, or visit the Web site at www.JellyBelly.com/Cultures/en-US/NewsEvents/Stores.  ≈ALT≈


Letitia L. Star is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in travel, Americana, history and family fun.

Further Factory Fun

  • Find 483 factory tours by company name, state or category at Factory Tours USA, www.FactoryToursUSA.com.
  • Watch master glassblowers at work during the Hot Glass Show at the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, N.Y. Don’t miss the Botanical Wonders exhibit – featuring glass flowers – May 18-Nov. 25, 2007. Contact: (800) 732-6845; www.CMOG.org.
  • Explore Microsoft’s vision and history, as well as exciting technologies and the latest products at the Microsoft Visitor Center, Redmond, Wash. Contact: (425) 703-6214; www.Microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/visitorcenter/default.mspx.
  • The New World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, opening May 24, will feature a gallery dedicated to Coke and pop culture. Contact: (404) 676-5151 or visit www.TheCoca-ColaCompany.com/heritage/worldcocacola.html.
  • See how pistachios are grown and produced during a farm tour of the Eagle Ranch Pistachio Groves in Alamogordo, N.M. Contact: (800) 432-0999 (toll-free) or (505) 434-0035 (local), or visit www.EagleRanchPistachios.com/about_us.htm.
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