York, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding area, offers factory tours of potato chip, pretzel and candy factories. Adults and teens visiting York can experience the Harley-Davidson Motor Company factory tour. York, in central Pennsylvania, is close to Hershey, with its chocolate factory tour and amusement park. Factory tours are usually free and great for budget travelers.
See where Snyder's of Hanover pretzels are produced. The guided walking tour is for ages 5 and up. The tour shows the robotics machines used, the raw materials and the ovens where pretzels are baked. One-hour tours of the plant, in York County, conclude with a bag of pretzels.
Snyder's of Hanover
1350 York St.
Hanover, PA 17331
800-233-7125
snydersofhanover.com
Utz Snacks offers a Potato Chip Trip with a glass observation gallery overlooking the factory floor. The tour shows the entire half-hour process, from potato to chip. Go at your own pace, with interactive buttons and screens that further explain the process. The tour has no age restrictions, and at the end, you get a bag of chips.
Utz Snacks
900 High Street
Hanover, PA 17331
800-367-7629
utzsnacks.com
At Wolfgang Candy Company, the 45-minute tour shows different chocolate and other candy made weekly. Learn about the history of the Wolfgang family. See the production of a range of products, from raisin clusters to coconut cups to chocolate cookies. Visit the old-fashioned ice cream parlor on premises. There are no age restrictions, but kids under age 6 are required to be closely supervised by an adult.
Wolfgang Candy Company
50 E. 4th Avenue
York, PA 17404
800-248-4273
wolfgangcandy.com
The Hershey's Chocolate World tour is infused with the aroma of chocolate. In addition to the free guided tour through a simulated factory, you can learn how to package Hershey's Kisses (and buy a package), take a 3-D adventure and ride the narrated Trolley works (fees apply). The free tour shows Kisses being made and vats of chocolate, while the 3-D show brings Hershey's characters to life. The trolley tour gives a history of Hershey. There are no age restrictions.
Hershey's Chocolate World Visitor's Center
251 Park Boulevard
Hershey, PA 17033
717-534-4900
hersheys.com
Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a free factory tour for ages 12 and up. See the manufacturing and assembly areas, painting and chrome plating. The tour also shows a motorcycle roll test before crating. A short movie explores the history of the plant. You also can sit on different bikes.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Vehicle Operations
1425 Eden Road
York, PA 17404
877-883-1450
harley-davidson.com
