Posted in Michigan Attractions, Explore March 12, 2021 by

8 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Michigan

Michigan is a state that prides itself on production. From our long history with the auto industry to all sorts of delicious food items, there’s an endless array of products that call the Great Lakes State home. If you’re looking to learn more about some of our best factories and production sites, check out these eight factory tours in Michigan.

1. Morley Candy Makers - The Home of Sanders Candy, Clinton Township
management/TripAdvisor
Our list of factory tours in Michigan begins with a sweet one: Morley Candy Makers in Clinton Township. Admission is free, and you’ll spend approximately an hour checking out production equipment, sampling chocolate, and watching a video about the fascinating process. Check their website here to keep updated on further developments!

Address: 23770 Hall Road, Clinton Township, MI, 48036
2. The Parade Company, Detroit
Yelp/Mickie W.
(Editor's Note: The Parade Company has currently suspended its Studio Tours for health and safety reasons due to COVID-19. They plan on resuming tours in the near future.)

Here in Michigan, watching America’s Thanksgiving Parade is a holiday tradition. Have you ever wondered what goes into producing the parade’s towering floats and other creations? Well, you’re in luck: book a tour with the Parade Company to go behind-the-scenes and learn about the process of preparing art for the annual celebration. From paper-mache heads to over-the-top costumes, there’s no telling what you’ll see. Click here for more information.

Address: 9500 Mt Elliott Street, Detroit, MI, 48211
3. Jiffy Mix Plant, Chelsea (201 W. North Street, Chelsea)
TripAdvisor/MarmeladeGypsy
(Editor's Note: The Jiffy Mix Plant has currently suspended its tours due to COVID-19. They plan on resuming tours in the near future. In the meantime, you can enjoy a virtual tour on their website.)

Did you know that Jiffy Mix, one of the nation’s most well-known corn muffin mixes, is produced right here in Michigan? Venture to Chelsea for a free one-hour tour of the Jiffy Plant, which includes a guided walk-through, video presentations, and a product sample or two. Tours are available on weekdays, and you can learn more about setting up a visit by clicking here.

Address: 201 W North Street, Chelsea, MI, 48118
4. Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Holland
Yelp/David M.
Perhaps you’ve visited Tulip Time in Holland, but have you ever wondered how all those wooden shoes are produced? You’re in luck! Check out Veldheer’s for an up-close and personal look at a functional wooden shoe factory. Your self-guided tour will also allow you experience the making of Delftware, a traditional Dutch pottery style. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not have a pair of your very own wooden shoes handcrafted right on site? Click here for details.

Address: 12755 Quincy Street, Holland, MI, 49424
5. Hoegh Caskets, Gladstone
Hoegh Caskets/Facebook
This might be the most unique thing to do in Michigan. Hoegh Caskets is fascinating factory that produces pet caskets for laying your furry friends to rest. Hoegh has been around since 1966, and visitors will have the chance to see the company’s process firsthand. Call ahead to arrange a tour. If you’d like to learn more, check out their website here.

Address: 311 Delta Avenue, Gladstone, MI, 49837
6. Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Dearborn
TripAdvisor/Jhutch19
Perhaps the most iconic of all the factory tours in Michigan, stop by the Henry Ford for a fascinating look at Michigan’s automotive production process in one of the best tours in Michigan. You’ll learn about the past, present, and future of some of Ford’s most iconic products, with a particular emphasis on the Ford F-150 truck. The tour is self-guided, and this firsthand look at our automobile production prowess will make you proud to be a Michigander. For more information about purchasing tickets, click here.

Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, 48124
7. Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills
Yelp/Yates Cider Mill
Since 1893, this traditional cider mill has been providing delicious products to satisfied customers throughout the region. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into producing Yates’ delicious cider, you’ll have a chance to see the pressing process for yourself during this exciting tour. Tours are only available during September and October, but it’s never too early to start planning! Click here to find out more.

Address: 1950 E Avon Road, Rochester Hills, MI, 48307
8. Jilbert Dairy Farm, Marquette
Facebook/Jilbert Dairy
If you’re in the mood for fantastic ice cream and other dairy treats, look no further than Jilbert Dairy. When you visit, you’ll have the chance to check out production processes up-close and personal, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the freshest products imaginable. While it’s not a traditional guided tour, a trip to Jilbert’s is one of the most delightful places to visit in Michigan. To find out more about this wonderful farm, click here.

Address: 200 Meeske Avenue, Marquette, MI, 49855

Did we leave any other must-see factory tours in Michigan off our list? If you have a suggestion, please feel free to leave it in the comment section below. If you’ve checked out any of these awesome spots, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences!

And if taking these factory tours in Michigan ignited your wanderlust, be sure to check out these 14 unique day trips around the state!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 23770 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036, USA
Address: 9500 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48211, USA
Address: 201 W North St, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
Address: 12755 Quincy St, Holland, MI 49424, USA
Address: 311 Delta Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Address: 1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA
Address: 200 Meeske Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Factory Tours In Michigan

March 14, 2021
Melissa Mahoney

What are the most unique things to do in Michigan?

For such a unique state, there’s no shortage of unique things to do. Visit the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum in Detroit to marvel at the beads and textiles and the gorgeous colorful mosaic sculptures in the garden all while learning about African culture. It’s an extraordinary place to spend some time. Another fascinating place to visit is Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum with its vintage coin-operated machines and video games. This nostalgic museum is interactive so you are allowed to play games, take pictures in the photo booth, and much more. It’s a fun place for the whole family! If you want a unique place to visit out in nature, head to The Ledges at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge to view its unusual rock ledges. 

What are some of the best tours in Michigan I can take?

There are some incredible tours you can take throughout Michigan. Greenland’s Adventure Mine in the Upper Peninsula was an active copper mine from 1850-1920 with five shafts traveling to the depths of 1,000 feet. Now it’s a fascinating place to take a tour and explore the mine shafts. Another tour you may find interesting is the Lansing State Capitol Tour. Not only can you learn a bit about how the state’s government operates, but you will also be impressed by the architecture of the building. It’s quite a sight!

What other factory tours can I take in Michigan?

Motor City has some tour options, especially for any car enthusiast out there. How about a tour of the birthplace of the Ford Model T? The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, although no longer operating as one, is now a museum where visitors can learn about Ford Motor Company’s Origins and the famous Model T. The Shinola Watch factory in Detroit conducts factory tours where you can learn the process of how they assemble their watches. You can learn more about the company and its watches on the website.