Kendrick Forest Products Tour - Wood Manufacturing - Edgewood, IA

Discover the Kendrick Forest Products Tour in Edgewood, Iowa

The Kendrick Forest Products Tour in Edgewood, IA, offers visitors a rare look into the complete wood manufacturing process — from tree to finished product. As Iowa’s largest sawmill, KFP transforms logs into lumber, flooring, and cabinetry, showcasing both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

The guided tour walks you through multiple production areas, including the sawmill, dry kilns, flooring line, and cabinet shop. Visitors see logs debarked, sawn, dried, and crafted into beautiful wood products. Guides explain sustainable forestry practices and how the company supports local timber resources.

With its combination of industrial scale and artisan detail, the Kendrick Forest Products Tour is a fascinating, family-friendly way to learn how raw wood becomes everyday products found in homes across America.

Why it’s special:
Unlike many single-focus factories, KFP is a vertically integrated operation — meaning you’ll see every step of wood transformation in one place. From rough-cut lumber to polished cabinetry, it’s a complete story of American woodworking. Add in its family-owned roots and emphasis on sustainability, and you have a uniquely authentic Iowa experience.

History/Story of Kendrick Forest Products

Kendrick Forest Products was founded in 1983 in Edgewood, Iowa, as a small sawmill serving local loggers. Over the years, it expanded into flooring, cabinetry, and millwork, becoming Iowa’s largest sawmill and one of the Midwest’s most respected wood manufacturers.

Still family-owned, the company has grown while maintaining its commitment to local communities and sustainable forestry. Today, KFP supplies wood products nationwide while keeping its headquarters in Edgewood, where visitors can see the operation firsthand.

What You’ll See & Do on the Kendrick Forest Products Tour

• Walk through the sawmill to watch logs transformed into lumber.

• See the dry kilns where wood is seasoned for durability.

• Visit the flooring and millwork line to see precision craftsmanship.

• Explore the cabinet shop, where custom kitchens and furniture are made.

• Learn about sustainable forestry practices and wood sourcing.

• Stop at the company store for wood crafts, flooring samples, and gifts.

Hands-On Elements: Touch raw and finished wood, explore product samples, and interact with guides.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in most visitor areas; restrictions apply in production zones.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Factory store with wood gifts, flooring samples, and décor

• Custom cabinetry and millwork showroom

Pricing of Kendrick Forest Products Tour

• Admission: Free for all visitors

• Group tours: Free (advance booking required)

Practical Info for Visiting the Kendrick Forest Products Tour

Duration: ~60–90 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour through multiple production areas
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered Monday–Friday at set times; closed weekends and holidays; reservations recommended
Audience: Families, students, woodworking enthusiasts, industry groups
Accessibility: Some areas may have uneven flooring; limited wheelchair access in sawmill sections
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Safety glasses provided in production areas

• Children must be supervised at all times
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Educational tours available with forestry and sustainability lessons

What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe shoes; casual attire suitable for an industrial environment
Facilities: Restrooms, company store, parking onsite
Closures & Downtime: Closed on weekends, holidays, and during maintenance

Location & Booking

Address: 601 S Washington St, Edgewood, IA 52042
Map: Google Maps link
Getting There: Free onsite parking; located in northeast Iowa, ~1 hour from Dubuque
Booking: Reservations required via Kendrick Forest Products
Cancellation & Refunds: Not applicable (free admission)
On-Site Extras: Company store, wood product showroom

Nearby

• Motor Mill Historic Site

• Backbone State Park

• Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville)

FAQs About Visiting the Kendrick Forest Products Tour

Do I actually get to see logs being cut?
Yes — the sawmill portion of the tour shows logs being debarked, cut, and processed into lumber.

Can I touch the wood products during the tour?
Yes, guides often pass around samples of raw lumber, flooring, or cabinetry for visitors to handle.

Is the tour noisy?
Yes, the sawmill and flooring lines can be loud. Hearing protection may be provided in some areas.

Are children welcome on the tour?
Yes, but children must be closely supervised due to heavy machinery. Kids often enjoy seeing logs turned into furniture.

Do I need to wear special clothing?
Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable clothing is recommended for walking through industrial areas.

Can I buy products directly from Kendrick Forest Products?
Yes, the company store offers wood gifts, flooring samples, and cabinetry options. Large-scale purchases can be arranged with staff.

What makes this tour unique compared to other factory tours?
Unlike single-product tours, this one covers the entire wood-making process from raw logs to finished cabinetry, all in one place.