Ben & Jerry's Factory - Image 1
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Ben & Jerry's Factory

4.5
·11k reviews·Waterbury, United States

Dive into the whimsical world of Ben & Jerry's! Enjoy a fun factory tour, a taste of iconic flavors, and a chuckle at the Flavor Graveyard.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Ben & Jerry's Factory - Image 1

Ben & Jerry's Factory

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into the whimsical world of Ben & Jerry's! Enjoy a fun factory tour, a taste of iconic flavors, and a chuckle at the Flavor Graveyard.

4.5
(11k reviews)

"A must for ice cream lovers! The tour was short but packed with fun facts, a peek at production, and of course, a delicious sample."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tour Tickets in Advance

Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well before your visit, especially for weekends or holidays.

🍦 Sample the Flavors

The tour includes a sample of a featured flavor. Don't miss it! Extra scoops are available for purchase.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Factory Tour

The Factory Tour

A fun, informative journey through Ben & Jerry's history, production, and quirky culture, ending with a delicious sample.

Flavor Graveyard

Flavor Graveyard

Outside the main building

Pay tribute to discontinued flavors with humorous headstones. A must-see for any Ben & Jerry's enthusiast!

Ice Cream Scoop Shop

Ice Cream Scoop Shop

Indulge in massive scoops of your favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors. Prepare for generous portions!

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Ben & Jerry's Factory Tours

Tickets for the Ben & Jerry's Factory tour sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Advance reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Even if tours are full, you can often still visit the grounds and the Flavor Graveyard.

Embrace the Quirky Charm

The Ben & Jerry's Factory experience is all about fun, creativity, and of course, ice cream! Expect a lighthearted atmosphere, unique flavor tributes, and a chance to learn about the brand's history and values.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Ben and Jerry Factory

🎟️ Book Tour Tickets in Advance

Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well before your visit, especially for weekends or holidays. Reddit

🍦 Sample the Flavors

The tour includes a sample of a featured flavor. Don't miss it! Extra scoops are available for purchase. Reddit

reddit.com

Planning a summer trip.

👻 Visit the Flavor Graveyard

This free, outdoor attraction is a quirky highlight. Perfect for photos and a chuckle! Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from overflow parking areas. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tour Tickets in Advance

Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well before your visit, especially for weekends or holidays. Reddit

🍦 Sample the Flavors

The tour includes a sample of a featured flavor. Don't miss it! Extra scoops are available for purchase. Reddit

👻 Visit the Flavor Graveyard

This free, outdoor attraction is a quirky highlight. Perfect for photos and a chuckle! Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from overflow parking areas. Reddit

🧸 Playground for Kids

There's a playground between the parking lot and the main building, great for little ones. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Ben & Jerry's Factory for its fun, quirky atmosphere and delicious ice cream. The tour is informative and includes a tasty sample, while the Flavor Graveyard offers a unique, humorous experience. Some note that the tour is brief, but the overall joy and generous ice cream portions make it a highly recommended stop.

"We had a fun time with the 15-min tour (6 dollars per person and you have to book in advance)! The decorations inside the shop are cute. We didn't buy in the store or the icecream shop, but it's good to know that they don't ask for tips in the shop. Very fun activity for families with kids or a school field trip."

Nika Cataldo

"We actually had a very good experience here. We didn’t have to pre-register for the (overpriced for what it was) tour and our tour only had 6 people on it so it was very personal. It didn’t hurt that our tour guide was clever and engaging. The next tour was much more full and their guide not so great.

The tour has been well-described in other reviews so I won’t go into it.

Gift shop = way overpriced. Way, way overpriced. You can buy ice cream there but it, too, is overpriced. Rather get it from a grocery store.

I enjoyed the clever signs in the flavor graveyard."

Brian Vinson

"The Ben and Jerry's factory tour was about 30 minutes: a video, an overview of the production line and the flavor lab (sampling of one newer flavor). The ice cream flavors graveyard has no lighting at all. It was a little tricky to find it in the dark (it's very dark by 5:00 pm in November), a little bit lighting will be helpful and safer for the visitors. It would be nice to see a showcase of all the available flavors in the market. Overall, it's a fun family activity."

Joan Siu

What People Like

Fun and quirky atmosphere
Delicious ice cream samples
Unique Flavor Graveyard

What People Dislike

Tour can be short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ben & Jerry's Factory is located in Waterbury, Vermont. It's easily accessible by car via I-89. Many visitors drive, and parking is available on-site, though it can fill up quickly during peak times. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to the factory are limited. Visitors typically rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. Check local Vermont transit schedules for potential bus routes that might get you close to Waterbury. Reddit

The primary visitor center and manufacturing plant for tours is located in Waterbury, Vermont. While Ben & Jerry's has global manufacturing, the Waterbury location is the one offering tours and the Flavor Graveyard. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the grounds of the Ben & Jerry's Factory even if you don't have tour tickets. The Flavor Graveyard is accessible for free, and you can purchase ice cream from the scoop shop. Reddit

From Burlington, the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury is about a 30-40 minute drive south via I-89. It's a popular day trip from Burlington. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Ben & Jerry's factory tour typically costs around $6 per adult and $1 per child. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, advance reservations for the Ben & Jerry's factory tour are highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer, holidays, weekends) as tickets often sell out. Reddit

You can purchase Ben & Jerry's factory tour tickets directly from their official website. It's the most reliable way to secure your spot. Reddit

The factory hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's essential to check the official Ben & Jerry's website for the most up-to-date operating hours for tours, the scoop shop, and the Flavor Graveyard. Reddit

Promo codes for the Ben & Jerry's factory tour are not commonly advertised. It's best to book directly through their site and look out for any special offers they might announce. Reddit

🎫 🍦 Onsite Experience

The Ben & Jerry's factory tour is a fun, relatively short experience that covers the company's history, their commitment to social activism, and a peek at the production process. It concludes with a sample of one of their flavors. Reddit

Besides the tour, you can visit the free Flavor Graveyard, enjoy huge scoops of ice cream from the scoop shop, and browse the gift shop. There's also a playground for kids. Reddit

No, the Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard is a separate, free attraction located outside the main tour area. You can visit it anytime during the factory's operating hours. Reddit

Yes, Ben & Jerry's offers allergen-free alternatives for samples during the tour and has a variety of vegan ice cream flavors available for purchase at the scoop shop. Reddit

The factory tour typically features a sample of one of their popular flavors. The scoop shop offers a wide rotating selection of classic and seasonal Ben & Jerry's flavors, including many unique creations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the Ben & Jerry's factory tour, but it's always good to check for any specific signage or guide instructions. The Flavor Graveyard and the exterior of the factory are great photo spots. Reddit

Iconic photo spots include the giant ice cream tub outside, the humorous headstones in the Flavor Graveyard, and any of the colorful murals or signage around the property. Reddit

Yes, there is a Ben & Jerry's factory gift shop where you can purchase merchandise, ice cream pints, and souvenirs related to the brand. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ben & Jerry's Factory is a fantastic destination for families. The factory tour is engaging and includes a sample, which is always a hit with kids. The Flavor Graveyard provides a fun, quirky element that children often find amusing. Reddit

Beyond the tour, the presence of a playground between the parking lot and the main building is a huge plus for parents needing to let kids run around. The scoop shop offers enormous ice cream portions, perfect for sharing. Remember to book tour tickets well in advance, as they are essential for the full experience. Reddit

🍦 Ice Cream Aficionados

For true ice cream lovers, the Ben & Jerry's Factory is a pilgrimage site. You'll get to learn about the creation of your favorite Ben & Jerry's factory flavors and even sample one during the tour. The scoop shop is where you can truly indulge, with massive scoops of a wide variety of flavors, including limited editions. Reddit

Don't miss the Flavor Graveyard to appreciate the history of some of their most creative (and sometimes retired) concoctions. It's a chance to connect with the brand's innovative spirit and perhaps discover a new favorite flavor or reminisce about an old one. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Ben & Jerry's Factory offers great value, especially for budget-conscious travelers. The Flavor Graveyard is completely free to visit and offers plenty of photo opportunities. Reddit The factory tour itself has a nominal fee, which includes a sample of ice cream, making it an affordable way to experience the brand. Reddit

While the scoop shop can add up if you're buying multiple large cones, you can always share a single, generously sized scoop. Consider packing your own snacks and water to save on additional purchases, and focus on enjoying the free attractions and the educational tour. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ben & Jerry's Experience: More Than Just Ice Cream

The Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury, Vermont, offers a unique blend of fun, education, and delicious indulgence. It's not just about tasting ice cream; it's about experiencing the brand's quirky personality and commitment to social change. Visitors often rave about the joyful atmosphere and the staff's genuine enthusiasm. The tour itself provides a glimpse into how their famous flavors are made, highlighting their dedication to quality ingredients and creative innovation. Reddit

Beyond the production line, the Flavor Graveyard is a standout attraction. Here, discontinued flavors are memorialized with humorous headstones, a testament to Ben & Jerry's playful spirit. It's a free-to-access area that offers great photo opportunities and a chance to reflect on some of the more adventurous flavor experiments. The scoop shop is another major draw, serving up generous portions of their iconic ice cream, with options for various dietary needs. Reddit

For families, the presence of a playground between the parking lot and the main building is a thoughtful touch, ensuring younger visitors can burn off some energy. The overall experience is designed to be engaging for all ages, making the Ben & Jerry's Factory a popular stop for anyone visiting Vermont. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips

Securing Ben & Jerry's factory tour tickets in advance is crucial, especially if you're planning a visit during peak tourist seasons like summer or holiday weekends. As one Reddit user noted, tickets can sell out quickly, so booking online through their official website is highly recommended. Reddit Even if tours are fully booked, you can still enjoy the grounds, the Flavor Graveyard, and the scoop shop. Arriving early is also advised, as parking can become limited. Reddit

The Ben & Jerry's factory tour cost is generally affordable, making it an accessible activity for most travelers. While the tour itself is relatively short, it's packed with interesting facts and, of course, a delicious sample. For those with dietary restrictions, Ben & Jerry's is known for offering allergen-free alternatives for samples and a good selection of vegan flavors at their scoop shop. Reddit

When considering the best time to visit Ben & Jerry's factory, weekday mornings often offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. Late afternoons can also be a good option as tour groups start to thin out. Regardless of when you visit, the friendly staff and the overall cheerful ambiance contribute to a memorable experience. Reddit

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