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By April Dray
|Published June 15, 2017
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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Here in Ohio, we make more things than you likely realize.
If you’re looking for unique day trip ideas for the summer, consider touring one of Ohio’s fascinating factories. From ice cream production to automobile manufacturing, there are so many national products being made right here in Ohio. Here are 10 fantastic factory tours you can only take in Ohio:
There’s no place quite like the Ye Olde Mill in Utica—where you can see how Velvet Ice Cream is made, take a free tour of the mill and try delicious flavors of ice cream you won’t find anywhere else. It is located at 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080.
Most people don't know that all the footballs for NFL games and other leagues are actually made in small town Ohio in an unassuming building along Liberty Street. Be sure to schedule your tour of this fascinating factory in advance. You'll find it at 217 Liberty St., Ada, OH 45810.
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Ohio is home to a delicious chocolate factory and shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth and make all your chocolate-covered dreams come true. Tours are open to the public for just $2 a person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is located at 1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228.
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You'll find the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the entire country right here in Ohio. Each factory tour lasts about 45 minutes and guests get to leave with a newly made "American Classic" whistle. Be sure to call ahead to check for availability and reserve a tour. American Whistle Corporation is located at 6540 Huntley Rd.,Columbus, OH 43229.
Tucked away in northwest Ohio in the small town of Bryan, you’ll find the Spangler Candy Company. It’s a privately-owned candy store, museum and factory you can tour via trolley on select days of the week. (On average, the factory produces 12 million Dum Dums per day!) You'll find it at 400 N Portland St., Bryan, OH 43506.
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The Riverboat Cruise In Ohio You Never Knew ExistedThe North Pole Train Ride In Ohio That Will Take You On An Unforgettable AdventureBoard This Beautiful Holiday Trolley In Ohio For An Unforgettable AdventureObserve firsthand how Airstream Travel Trailers are made with a free and fascinating tour of the Airstream Factory Service Center. Tours are held every Monday - Friday, beginning at 2 p.m. in the lobby. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. You'll find Airstream Factory Service Center at 419 W Pike St, Jackson Center, OH 45334.
A cheese lover's dream come true, this charming store and factory sits in the heart of Ohio Amish Country. You'll learn all about the history of cheesemaking and enjoy free samples of cheese among more than 50 varieties of cheeses. Heini's Cheese Chalet is located at 6005 Co Hwy 77, Millersburg, OH 44654.
See where every KitchenAid(R) Stand Mixer in the world is assembled during this unique factory tour. Tours are free and last approximately 1 hour. Be sure to call ahead for availability and tour reservations. You'll find it at 423 S Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331.
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The Heritage Center and Auto Plant Tour at the Honda Heritage Center takes you on a journey to not only see the history of Honda, but the manufacturing in action as well. Tours are available on select Tuesdays and Thursdays, last about 2.5 hours and are free. Reservations are required, so be sure to call ahead. Honda Heritage Center is located at 24025 Honda Pkwy, Marysville, OH 43040.
Did you know the last remaining washboard manufacturer in America is right here in Ohio? Take a 30-minute tour to see antique machinery and presses that have produced washboards for more than 100 years. Columbus Washboard Company is located at 14 Gallagher Ave., Logan, OH 43138.
Have you taken any of these tours before? If so, please share your photos and experiences with us!
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