Once you really know how something is made, you tend to have a great appreciation for it. These Vermont factory tours offer inside peeks into some of our favorite Vermont products and boy are you going to love them! These tours are great for visitors, friends, a day trip, rainy days, outings with the kids.... you get the picture. They're great for everyone!

1. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream - Route 100, Waterbury

Ben & Jerry's factory tour is one of the most famous tours in Vermont. It brought in over 275,000 visitors last year alone! Be sure to make a stop into the flavor graveyard to pay your respects.

2. Maple Landmark - 1297 Exchange Street, Middlebury

You can walk around the work floor and see these eco-friendly toys being made. It's like watching the elfs working away in Santa's workshop! Check them out online here for more information.

3. Bennington Potters - 324 County Street, Bennington

Free factory tours at Bennington Potters! They have been making beautiful and functional pottery for almost 70 years! Wow! Note: their stores are currently closed, so make sure to check online to see when they plan on reopening in store operations.

4. Cold Hollow Cider Mill - Waterbury Center

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Stop by the Cold Hollow Cider Mill where they can enjoy some apple cider donuts and other fresh baked goods, watch a live bee hive, see cider pressed the old fashioned way and more. It's a tasty destination for sure!

5. Crowley Cheese - Healdville Road, Healdville

See cheese made the same way it was when Crowley Cheese opened in 1882. You won't find any machines here - everything is done by human hands the old fashioned way! We couldn't ask for better Vermont cheese factory tours!

6. Harpoon Brewery - 336 Ruth Carney Drive, Windsor

Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm you can tour the factory and enjoy samples at this in-depth and free tour. If you are there another time you can always check out how the magic happens through the viewing window. Note: currently they are not offering tours, but check in periodically to see when they will resume. Follow this link for more information about operations and events.

7. Johnson Woolen Mills - 51 Lower Main East, Johnson

Three "Cheers" for Johnson Woolen Mills! Widely known for their quality clothing for over 160 years. You can tour their factory for free Monday through Friday and see how this durable brand is made. Make sure to check online here before going to see current business operations and times.

8. Rock of Ages - 558 Graniteville Road, Graniteville (in Barre)

You'll have a rocking time at Rock of Ages! Take the narrated shuttle 600 feet down the granite quarry, as well as exhibits, gift shop and even a granite bowling lane.

9. Simon Pearce - 1760 Quechee Main Street, Quechee

You can watch these master craftsmen and craftswomen make some of the finest pottery and blown glass at Simon Pierce. Stay and eat a fantastic meal at the restaurant while you're there for the full experience.

10. Vermont Teddy Bear - 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne

The 30 minute tour of this fun and colorful factory is sure to make you smile. You'll learn about the history, company, process and you can even watch a bear come to life.

Did we miss any other great factory tours in Vermont? Sadly some tours are no longer happening. Which Vermont factory tours have you done in the past that are no longer available? We love reading your feedback and comments. Drop a message below.

Ben & Jerry's may be the most popular tour in Vermont, and you can learn more about it here.