Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour - Waterbury, VT

Discover the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour in Vermont

At the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, VT, visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at how Vermont’s favorite brand transforms milk and cream into scoopable delight. The tour begins with a short “MOO-vie” that walks through the company’s beginnings, values, and production philosophy. Then visitors are led to a mezzanine overlooking the production floor, offering a panoramic view of assembly lines, chunk mixing, and packaging practices. While production schedules vary and no guarantee is made that machinery will always be running, the tour still reveals the machinery and methods used in ice cream making.

After the factory portion, guests are treated to a Flavor Room tasting, where one euphoric flavor is sampled. The experience concludes with time in the Scoop Shop (30–40 flavors), the Gift Shop, and outside grounds featuring the Flavor Graveyard, a playful tribute to retired flavors. With sweeping mountain views as a backdrop, it’s a fun, educational, and delicious Vermont stop for all ages.

Why it’s special:
Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury factory is the only Ben & Jerry’s factory open to the public. It combines ice cream production with storytelling about social mission, ingredient sourcing, and environmental values. You’ll not only see the process but taste it, with vegan and nondairy options often included in the sampling. The Flavor Graveyard, outdoor grounds, and local Vermont mountain scenery make it a uniquely Vermont experience.

History/Story of Ben & Jerry’s

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield launched their first scoop shop in Burlington, VT, on May 5, 1978. The brand grew steadily, and by 1985 they opened the factory in Waterbury, which became their main production site. Guided tours began in 1986. Today, the factory still crafts tens to hundreds of thousands of pints daily, while preserving its original layout for visitors to connect with the brand’s history and values.

What You’ll See & Do on the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

• Watch a short introduction “MOO-vie” about the company’s history and mission.

• View ice cream production from the glass-walled mezzanine overlooking factory operations.

• Learn about ingredient sourcing, chunk mixing, and flavor development.

• Receive a sample of one flavor (non-dairy/vegan options available).

• Explore the Flavor Room for tasting and seasonal features.

• Visit the Scoop Shop with 30–40 flavor choices.

• Shop in the Gift Shop for branded merchandise, pints, and souvenirs.

• Walk the Flavor Graveyard, a whimsical display of retired flavors.

• Enjoy the outdoor grounds, picnic area, and mountain views.

Hands-On Elements: Sampling, interactive exhibits, flavor feedback discussions.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is allowed in retail and visitor areas. During the mezzanine portion overlooking the factory, media recording is restricted.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Scoop Shop with full flavor menu

• Factory-exclusive pints and merch

• Flavor Graveyard installations

Pricing of Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

• Adults: $6.00

• Seniors (65+): $5.00

• Children (2–12): $1.00

• Children under 2: Free

• Note: Tour tickets are limited and released two weeks in advance

Practical Info for Visiting Ben & Jerry’s

Duration: ~30 minutes guided portion; total visit often 1–1.5 hours
Format: Guided walking tour + mezzanine, tasting, and visitor areas
Schedule & Seasonality:

• Open daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Last tour departs at 6:00 PM

• Closed on major holidays

• Tours may pause during production changes

Audience: Families, ice cream fans, school groups, travelers
Accessibility: The facility is ADA accessible; elevator access to mezzanine
Safety & Restrictions:

• No glass, large bags, or pets (except service animals) inside the production area

• Guests must remain on designated routes

Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Groups of 21+ should email in advance (two weeks notice recommended)

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers, camera for retail areas
Facilities: Restrooms, Scoop Shop, Gift Shop, parking, picnic grounds
Closures & Downtime: Tours may be limited when production is offline; walk-ins subject to availability

Location & Booking

Getting There: On I-89 Exit 10, drive north on VT-100; factory is about one mile up on left
Booking: Advance tickets available online (strongly recommended); walk-in tickets may be limited
Cancellation & Refunds: Policies vary—check with Ben & Jerry’s at time of booking
On-Site Extras: Scoop Shop, Gift Shop, Flavor Graveyard, outdoor grounds

Nearby

• Stowe, VT attractions

• Vermont mountain scenic drives

• Local dairy farms and VT countryside

FAQs About Visiting Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Do I always see ice cream in production?
Not always. Production schedules vary. If machines are idle, you’ll still see production setup and learn the process via explanation and video.

How early do I need to arrive for tickets?
Tickets usually sell out early. They are released two weeks in advance, so book ahead. Walk-in availability is very limited.

Is the tour good for kids?
Yes! Kids enjoy the movie, sampling, the Flavor Graveyard, and fun cow jokes.

Can I sample vegan or dairy-free flavors?
Yes, non-dairy/vegan options are often available during tasting.

How long is the guided tour?
The guided portion is about 30 minutes; add extra for shopping, sampling, and exploring.

Are there group discounts?
Groups of 21+ should email in advance to request arrangements.

Can we buy ice cream and merchandise on site?
Absolutely. The Scoop Shop and Gift Shop sell full pints, souvenirs, and merchandise daily.