Things to Do at Ben & Jerry's Factory

Complete Guide to Ben & Jerry's Factory in Burlington

About Ben & Jerry's Factory

Ben And Jerrys Factory offers visitors hands-on workshops available weekends with admission typically $12. Arrive early (before 9:30 AM) to avoid tour groups and enjoy better photography lighting. Cool stone walls retain the morning chill while afternoon sunlight streams through stained glass, painting colored shadows on the floor. Recent renovations have modernized visitor amenities while preserving the authentic character that makes this location unique.

What to See & Do

Production Floor Viewing

Watch ice cream being made through large windows, though production schedules vary - you might see mixing, packaging, or cleaning operations depending on timing

Flavor Graveyard

A surprisingly popular outdoor memorial to discontinued Ben & Jerry's flavors, complete with humorous headstones and epitaphs that capture the company's quirky sense of humor

Scoop Shop

Try exclusive factory-only flavors alongside classics, with generous samples that let you discover new favorites before committing to a full scoop

Interactive Exhibits

Learn about the company's history, social mission, and ice cream science through hands-on displays that are actually engaging rather than just educational

Gift Shop

Browse Ben & Jerry's merchandise and take home factory-exclusive items, plus fresh pints that might include flavors not available in regular stores

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 10am-6pm, but hours vary seasonally and production schedules affect what you'll see - check their website before visiting

Tickets & Pricing

Adults around $5, kids under 12 free, seniors get discounts - tickets include the tour and samples, very reasonable for what you get

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings often have active production, while summer weekends can get quite crowded - shoulder seasons offer the best balance

Suggested Duration

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour for the full tour, plus extra time if you want to linger in the scoop shop or explore the grounds

Getting There

The factory is actually in Waterbury, about 10 miles north of Burlington via Route 100 - it's a scenic drive through Vermont countryside that takes about 20 minutes. You'll find it right off the main road with plenty of parking, though summer weekends can fill up quickly. If you're staying in Burlington without a car, some tour companies offer transportation, or you could potentially take local bus service, though having your own wheels gives you more flexibility to explore the area.

Things to Do Nearby

Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Watch cider being made and sample fresh cider donuts - it's become a popular pairing with the Ben & Jerry's visit

Cabot Cheese Visitor Center
Another Vermont food institution offering tours and tastings, letting you complete the local dairy experience

Stowe Village
Charming Vermont town about 15 minutes away with shops, restaurants, and that quintessential New England village atmosphere

Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center
Round out your Vermont food tour with coffee tastings and learning about another iconic local brand

Tips & Advice

Check the production schedule online before visiting - seeing actual ice cream being made is much more interesting than watching equipment being cleaned

Come hungry for samples but not too full for ice cream - the scoop shop flavors are often worth trying even after the tour tastings

The Flavor Graveyard is outdoors, so dress appropriately for weather if you want to explore it properly

Consider combining this with other Vermont food experiences in the area - it's easy to make a whole day of local tastings