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Ben & Jerry's Factory, Burlington - Things to Do at Ben & Jerry's Factory

Things to Do at Ben & Jerry's Factory

Complete Guide to Ben & Jerry's Factory in Burlington

About Ben & Jerry's Factory

Walking up to the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Burlington, you're immediately hit with that sweet, creamy scent that somehow carries on the breeze from the parking lot. It's the kind of place where you'll see families with kids practically vibrating with excitement, and you can hear the hum and clatter of production machinery from the tour entrance. The whole experience feels like stepping into a giant, functioning ice cream parlor, where the air feels cool and sweet even before you get your sample. Burlington's Ben & Jerry's Factory is an institution, and the vibe is less corporate headquarters and more like visiting the Willy Wonka of dairy, with brightly colored murals and playful signs covering the walls. You'll find yourself in a space that celebrates both the serious business of making ice cream and the goofy, socially-conscious spirit the company is known for.

What to See & Do

The Guided Factory Tour

This is the main event, where you'll see the gleaming stainless-steel mixing vats up close and watch pints zip along conveyor belts. You'll hear the rhythmic chug of the filling machines and feel the noticeably cooler air in the production area. The guide's voice echoes slightly in the high-ceilinged room as they explain the process, and you can often catch the rich, deep smell of chocolate being melted for a batch.

The Flavor Graveyard

Out back, you'll find this unexpectedly poignant little memorial for retired flavors. You'll see humorous tombstone-style markers with epitaphs for creations like 'Wavy Gravy' and 'Holy Cannoli.' It's a quiet, grassy spot where you can hear bees buzzing in the clover, and it gives you a tangible sense of the company's long, experimental history right here in Burlington.

The Scoop Shop

Obviously, this is where the tour culminates. The air here is thick with the sugary smell of waffle cones being made. You'll see the brilliant, jewel-toned tubs of ice cream under glass, hear the satisfying scrape of the scoop against a fresh batch, and finally get to taste your sample - maybe something classic like Cherry Garcia, with its tangy cherry swirl and chunks of dark chocolate that feel cool and firm against your tongue.

The Mural and History Displays

While waiting for your tour, you can look at the walls covered in bright, cartoonish murals depicting the company's founders and their cow. You'll feel the textured paint under your fingertips if you get close, and read about the early days when they were just two guys with a correspondence course in ice cream making, trying to make a go of it in a renovated Burlington gas station.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tours typically run daily. But they do close for certain holidays and occasionally for maintenance. The first tour tends to start in the late morning and the last one goes out in the mid-afternoon.

Tickets & Pricing

Tickets for the tour are required. They are a mid-range family activity cost for Burlington, cheaper than a day at a major theme park but more than just getting a cone in town. Buying tickets ahead of your visit is a very good idea, for weekend slots, as tours do sell out.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are your best bet for a smaller crowd and a more relaxed pace. That said, the factory is a popular stop year-round; in the summer and during fall foliage season, you'll be surrounded by more visitors and the energy is definitely higher. Winter visits mean you'll be eating ice cream while seeing your breath outside, which some people find charming.

Suggested Duration

Plan for about an hour and a half total. The guided portion lasts roughly 30 minutes, but you'll want to account for time in the gift shop, getting your sample, and poking around the graveyard. If you're with kids or a big group, it could easily stretch to two hours.

Getting There

The Ben & Jerry's Factory is located a short drive from downtown Burlington. If you don't have a car, ride-sharing services are a straightforward option from the city center and the fare is typically budget-friendly for a small group splitting it. Public bus routes do service the general area, but you'll likely have a bit of a walk from the nearest stop. Parking on site is free, and you'll see the lot fill up with cars from all over the Northeast on a busy day.

Things to Do Nearby

Shelburne Farms
Just down the road, this historic, working farm estate has a completely different but wonderfully complementary Vermont experience. You can tour the barns, hear cows lowing, smell the earthy scent of the gardens, and taste their own farmhouse cheddar. It pairs well because it shows the agricultural roots that supply places like the Ben & Jerry's Factory.
The Burlington Waterfront
After all that sugar, a walk along Lake Champlain is a perfect next move. You'll feel the cool lake breeze, see sailboats bobbing, and hear the cry of gulls. The bike path here is fantastic, and it lets you work up an appetite for dinner back in the city.
Church Street Marketplace
Back in downtown Burlington, this pedestrian-only street is the heart of the city's dining and shopping. You'll hear street musicians, smell food from open cafe doors, and feel the energy of students and locals mingling. many of Burlington's best restaurants are located on or just off this brick-paved avenue.

Tips & Advice

Wear closed-toe shoes if you can. It's a real food production facility, and that's a requirement for the tour itself for safety reasons.
The gift shop sells 'seconds' pints - ice cream with cosmetic flaws - at a discount. It's a great way to try a flavor you missed or take a pint home for less.
If you're visiting the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Burlington with dietary restrictions, ask at the Scoop Shop counter. They usually have a non-dairy option available for the tasting sample.
Consider combining your visit with a stop at a local cider mill or cheesemaker in the Shelburne area to make a full afternoon of tasting Vermont's best products.

Tours & Activities at Ben & Jerry's Factory

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