Long Grove Confectionery Co. — Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Discover the Long Grove Confectionery Co. Factory Tour in Illinois

Step into a sweet world of handcrafted chocolates at the Long Grove Confectionery Co. in Buffalo Grove. Known for its premium candies, buttery toffees, chocolate-dipped treats, and iconic Chocolate Fest creations, this beloved Illinois chocolatier offers a behind-the-scenes tour that highlights every step of the candy-making process.
Why it’s special: This is one of the few large-scale chocolate factories in the Midwest that still produces many items by hand. Visitors see artisans molding, decorating, enrobing, and packaging chocolates while learning how quality ingredients become the confections Long Grove has been famous for since 1975.

History/Story of Long Grove Confectionery Co.

Founded in the historic village of Long Grove, the company began as a small, artisan chocolate shop dedicated to European-style confectionery. As demand grew, the business moved production to a larger Buffalo Grove facility while maintaining its handmade approach. Today, Long Grove Confectionery supplies candies statewide and continues to celebrate its heritage with tours, seasonal products, and community traditions.

What You’ll See & Do

• Walk the production floor and watch chocolates being dipped, molded, and decorated

• See large enrobing machines cover nuts, pretzels, and fruits in silky chocolate

• Observe packaging lines preparing chocolates for stores across Illinois

• Learn about cocoa sourcing, tempering methods, and candy-making equipment

• Browse the onsite shop filled with fresh chocolates, brittles, truffles, and gift boxes

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements
While the tour is primarily observational, visitors can often handle sample cocoa beans, smell freshly tempered chocolate, and enjoy small tastings.

Photo/Video Policy
Photography may be restricted in certain production areas to maintain food-safety regulations.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Factory store with ready-to-buy chocolates and seasonal treats

• Gift boxes, novelty candies, and custom assortments

• Special holiday and event-themed confections

Practical Info
Factory tours are offered on select days—typically Monday through Friday—with start times between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Advance registration is required.

Pricing

Tour Price:

• General Admission: ~$5 per person

• Children under 3: Free

• Groups: Discounted rates available with advance booking

Your tour includes a guided walk through the production floor and chocolate samples.

Nearby

• Historic Downtown Long Grove — Shops, cafés, festivals, and charming streets

• Buffalo Grove Town Center — Shopping and dining options

• Ryerson Conservation Area — Trails and natural scenery

FAQs

1. Does the tour include samples?
Yes. Most tours include small chocolate tastings during or after the tour.

2. How long does the tour last?
Tours average 30–45 minutes depending on factory activity and group size.

3. Are children welcome?
Absolutely—this is a very family-friendly experience.

4. Can I shop without taking the tour?
Yes. The factory shop is open to the public during business hours.

5. Are tours available year-round?
Tours are offered most of the year but may pause during peak production seasons or holidays.