The Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury is one of Vermont’s most iconic stops — a colorful, quirky, flavor‑filled experience that blends history, behind‑the‑scenes fun, and plenty of sweet samples. Whether you’re road‑tripping through New England or planning a family getaway, this tour delivers the perfect mix of storytelling, nostalgia, and ice‑cream‑powered joy.

In my family, ice cream is one of the major food groups. Our family parties include homemade ice cream using a family recipe. I’m never going to pass up ice cream, and if it’s part of a guided tour about how ice cream is made, then count me in.

This guide walks you through the factory’s history, how to get tickets, what you’ll see on the tour, and the can’t‑miss extras around the property.

Share your favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor in the comments. I love their Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Yummy!

A Scoop of History

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first ice cream shop in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978. Their creative flavors, community‑focused mission, and playful brand quickly gained national attention. As demand grew, they needed a larger space to produce their small‑batch ice cream — and Waterbury became home to their first full‑scale production facility.

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLE: Best things to do in Boston

The Waterbury factory opened in 1985 and has been welcoming visitors ever since. While most large‑scale production has moved to other facilities, Waterbury remains the brand’s most famous and most visited location, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at how Ben & Jerry’s became a global favorite.

Getting Tickets for the Factory Tour

Tickets for the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour are available online and often sell out during peak seasons. Booking ahead is the best way to secure your preferred time.

How to Get Tickets

• Visit the official Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour page
• Choose your date and time (Hours vary by season. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last tour starting at 7 p.m.)
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in
• Tours typically last 30 minutes

Walk‑up tickets may be available on slower days, but summer and fall visitors should plan ahead.

What to Expect on the Factory Tour

The tour is designed to be fun, informative, and family‑friendly — a quick but memorable look at how ice cream goes from idea to pint.

Highlights of the Tour

• Introductory Film — A short video shares the company’s history, mission, and flavor‑development process.
• Production Room Viewing — You’ll head to a mezzanine overlooking the factory floor. Depending on the day, you may see mixing, churning, or pint‑packing in action.
• Flavor Lab Insights — Learn how new flavors are created, tested, and approved.
• Free Sample — Every tour ends with a scoop of a featured flavor — often something seasonal or experimental. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to snag two samples.

Kids love watching the machinery at work, and adults enjoy the mix of nostalgia and behind‑the‑scenes detail.

Photo Opps, Scoop Shop, and the Gift Shop

The Waterbury campus is full of colorful, quirky photo spots that match Ben & Jerry’s playful personality.

• The Cowmobile Statue — A tribute to the original Ben & Jerry’s promotional vehicle.
• Brightly Painted Walls & Signs — Perfect for family photos or social‑ready snapshots.
• Outdoor Benches & Sculptures — Fun, whimsical designs that make great backdrops.

After the tour, head into the retail area. You can grab a helping of your favorite ice cream flavor or snag a souvenir in the gift shop — a colorful space packed with branded merchandise and Vermont‑made goodies.

• T‑shirts, hoodies, and hats
• Pint‑sized souvenirs
• Tie‑dye apparel
• Local snacks and treats
• Exclusive Ben & Jerry’s merchandise

It’s a great place to grab gifts for family or fun additions to your home freezer.

The Flavor Graveyard

One of the most beloved parts of the Waterbury campus is the Flavor Graveyard, a hillside memorial dedicated to retired Ben & Jerry’s flavors. Each “headstone” includes the flavor name, lifespan, and a humorous epitaph.

Some fan favorites you’ll find memorialized:

• Wavy Gravy
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Urban Jumble
• Schweddy Balls

It’s whimsical, clever, and surprisingly nostalgic — a must‑visit stop before you leave the property.

The Details

Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury, VT 05676

Cost: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+, and $1 for Children, age 2-12, plus service fee.
Infants do not need a ticket for the Factory Experience.

Hours: Summer and fall are the busy season. Hours are generally 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last tour starting at 7 p.m. Check the website for off-season hours.

Website: https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours

Phone: (802) 337-1201

Pin This: