No matter what your politics, everyone can agree that hard work and ingenuity make America great. American manufacturing is going stronger than ever these days, so why not grab the kids and hit the road for a late summer road trip through some of America’s best factory tours. Our friends at New Equipment Digest paved the way and recommended these fun-filled tours...
Jelly Belly, Fairfield, California
Sample dozens of different flavors while you tour the factory that makes 37 million pounds per year of everyone’s favorite jelly bean.
Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Dearborn, Michigan
Get under the hood of America’s most iconic truck, the Ford F-150, and discover modern manufacturing’s most progressive concepts.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery, St. Louis, Missouri
Enjoy the glorious Biergarten and get face time with the ginormous Clydesdales at Anheuser-Busch’s oldest and largest brewery.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, Florida
Explore the site where humanity’s most ambitious expedition took flight. The center is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo program.
Tabasco, Averly Island, Louisiana
Some like it hot at the site of the Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce Factory, started five generations ago by the Mcllhenny Family. According to the website, Avery Island is a “mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens.”
Good Enough Silver Mine, Tombstone, Arizona
Take a historical walking tour 100 feet below the surface of Tombstone silver mine, made famous by the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Stern Pinball, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Who knew that minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport lies the world’s oldest and largest designer of pinball machines? Brush up on your arcade game mechanics, design and assembly.
Wilson Football, Ada, Ohio
NFL pigskins are still handmade here in Ada—just a few hours away from where professional football was born a century ago in Canton.
Black Hills Gold, Rapid City, South Dakota
It took 360 goldminers 14 years to carve a rough granite mountain into a national treasure known as Mount Rushmore. Today, the tradition carries on through every piece of Black Hills Gold jewelry and diamonds. See how these gems are made.
Entsorga, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Located deep in coal country, this innovative treatment plant turns garbage into an alternative source of fuel.