10 fun factory tours in Pennsylvania

Get a first-hand look at how guitars, coins, potato chips and more are made right here in Pennsylvania on these factory tours.

From food and alcohol, to guitars and coins, Pennsylvania produces some pretty amazing products. All across the commonwealth, these busy  factories offer tours so you can see first-hand how some of these items are created. Plus, these factories offer a great opportunity to find some unique made-in-Pennsylvania keepsakes.

Here are nine fun factory tours you simply must go on:

US Mint, Philadelphia 

The US Mint offers free in-person tours, which cover the history and present state of coin manufacturing. You will learn about the craftsmanship required throughout the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins.

C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., Nazareth

The Martin Factory tour is a guided, one-hour tour where you will experience first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into every one of these stringed instruments. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Herr’s Snack Factory, Nottingham

Through a personal guide and accompanying videos, you will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make the yummy treats at the Herr’s Snack Factory.

Snyder’s of Hanover, Hanover

Pretzel lovers of all ages will enjoy this free guided tour of the pretzel bakery’s raw material warehouse, finished goods warehouse (where you will see robotics at work), and the state-of-the-art packing room. The tour ends in the oven room.

Utz, Hanover

The Utz Potato Chip Trip is a self-guided tour in a special glass enclosed observation gallery that looks down on the production process from beginning to end. With the aid of a push-to-talk audio program, you’ll learn how Utz potato chips are made. 

Wigle Whiskey, Pittsburgh

Through a guided tour, you’ll learn what it takes to produce Wigle Whiskey’s award-winning rye and bourbon whisky and gin. As an added bonus, you’ll learn about Pittsburgh’s place in the Whiskey Rebellion.

Moka Origins, Honesdale

Learn the ins and outs of the artisanal chocolate and coffee making process while enjoying samples of the product throughout the Moka Origins’ bean-to-bar chocolate factory and coffee roastery tour.

CJ Spirits, Kane

See the distilling process in action at CJ Spirits, where they use Allegheny Mountain spring water and local grains to produce their signature vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey.

Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia

Beer lovers can tour the 70,000-square-foot brewery in Philadelphia for a behind-the-scenes look at how Yards Brewing Company makes its ales and lagers.

Yuengling, Pottsville

America’s oldest brewery offers daily tours that are open to all ages, though you do need to be 21 to sample beers. Tours usually last an hour.