Informative AND fun factory tours in Iowa

Check out these informative and fun behind-the-scenes factory tours across the state of Iowa. 

There are factories all across the state of Iowa that provide fascinating behind-the-scenes tours to learn more about the important work they do. Of course, you might expect to see some farm equipment being made (you can actually tour two different factories and a working farm!), but you can also see how a motorhome is manufactured. Other factory tours allow you the chance to see more traditional craftsmanship, including weaving, sculpting and furniture making. Check out these nine opportunities to take a guided tour at a unique business to learn more about the products created right here in Iowa. 

1. Amana Woolen Mills

Where: Amana

Cost: Free

Tour Length: Self-guided

Suggested Ages: All ages

The Amana Woolen Mills have been in operation for some 160 years, surviving floods, high winds, and fires. It is Iowa’s only remaining textile mill, which includes an eight-acre complex. When a large portion of the original factory was closed for mill operations, it was converted into a luxury hotel, the Hotel Millwright. Guests are encouraged to stop in the lobby to see the working portion of the mill where the looms are still hard at work.

Bits of historical memorabilia are located throughout the hotel, so you can learn even more. While there’s no official tour, you do not have to be a guest of the hotel to visit and learn more. Of course, the Warped and Woven Mill Mercantile is also located nearby and is a great spot to pick up one of the beautiful cotton or wool blankets. While in Amana, you can also stop by the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop, where they have a viewing window to watch as clocks and furniture are hand-crafted.

The portion of the mill where the looms are still hard at work. (Amana Woolen Mills/Facebook)

2. Hansen’s Dairy

Where: Hudson

Cost: Age 5 and older cost $20. Age 4 and younger are free. Reservations required.

Tour Length: 2 hours

Suggested Ages: All ages welcome

How to book: https://hansendairy.com/tours/

This family farm in northeast Iowa (near Waterloo and Cedar Falls) is not only a working farm but one dedicated to helping others learn more about what it takes to operate a farm and creamery. The Hansen family has been on this farm for more than 150 years, so they definitely know their stuff. Dairy production (of milk, cheese curds, butter, heavy cream, and ice cream) has happened on the farm since 2004.

Taking part in their guided tour will show you the process of getting milk from the cows, turning them into various products, and sending them right to your table. It also includes a trolley ride, a walking tour to see the animals, and the chance to feed a calf, milk a cow and pet the farm’s mascot, a kangaroo. Plus, you’ll finish with an ice cream sample. It’s a truly legen-dairy experience! Just call or check online to make advanced reservations. This tour is available at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, from April 1 through October 31. 

3. Isabel Bloom Studio

Where: Davenport  

Cost: Free

Tour Length: 45 minutes

Suggested Ages: All ages

How to book: https://www.ibloom.com/tours

A visit to this art studio in the Quad Cities will show you how one well-known brand of giftable sculptures comes to life. The process, using concrete casting techniques unique to the brand, was made famous by artist Isabel Bloom. Bloom started making her weathered sculptures back in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, artisans carry on her legacy using the same techniques and processes.

Tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and by appointment for larger groups. While tours are free, they do appreciate reservations being made in advance. During the tour, you can also see some of Bloom’s original art and photos (she was a friend of famed Iowa artist Grant Wood). You might even get to offer feedback on new designs. Of course, you can pick up your very own Isabel Bloom sculpture to take home while browsing the showroom. 

An artist working on a pottery sculpture. (Isabel Bloom Studios)

4. John Deere Engine Works

Where: Waterloo, Ottumwa, Ankeny, Davenport, and Dubuque

Cost: Free

Tour Length: Varies from 1 to 2.5 hours

Suggested Ages: 13+ (ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult)

How to book: https://johndeeretours.deere.com/

John Deere, with its signature green and yellow, is arguably one of the most recognized brands in the world. And many of those tractors, combines, and other farm implements are manufactured right here in Iowa. Lucky for Iowans, and other interested visitors, you can take a tour at several different John Deere locations around the state. Tours are available at John Deere plants in Waterloo, Ottumwa, Ankeny, Davenport, and Dubuque.

Reservations must be made in advance so check the company’s website to learn more about the specifics of the tours and see when tours are offered. Shoes with closed toe and heel are required and long pants are recommended on each tour. Some of the tour locations also have a gift shop. If you are interested in really digging into the history of John Deere, plan to stop at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo, which offers free admission to see a collection of Deere equipment at the site of the very first Deere tractor factory. 

Visitors on a tour of the John Deere factory. (John Deere Tours)

5. Kendrick Forest Products

Where: Edgewood

Cost: $5

Tour Length: 2 hours

Suggested Ages: Ages 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)

How to book: https://www.kfpiowa.com/take-a-tour/

Iowa’s largest sawmill is located in Edgewood. Kendrick Forest Products has been operating since 1983 and has grown into five thriving family businesses. On this tour, you’ll see how logs are transformed into lumber. It’s a state-of-the-art no-waste facility, so you’ll learn about how they utilize all by-products of the process including the sawdust. You’ll also see the custom cabinet shop and the custom sign business they created.

The final stop on the tour is The Markket, the company’s retail store where you might just find something to take home. Tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. or by appointment. They are not offered year-round, so call ahead of time if you’re interested. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also required. 

Children looking at a photo on Kendrick’s tour. (Kendrick Forest Products)

6. Kinze Innovation Center

Where: Williamsburg

Cost: Free 

Tour Length: Self-guided

Suggested Ages: All ages

How to book: https://www.kinze.com/about/innovation-center/

As you drive through the heart of eastern Iowa, you may have noticed the unique, towering farm equipment sculpture right off Interstate 80. It’s a hallmark of the Kinze Manufacturing Plant in Williamsburg. But that’s not where the creativity stops. Not only do they offer tours at this manufacturing facility, but they have created an Innovation Center where visitors of all ages can learn more about an industry that’s a vital part of the state’s history and economy.

The Kinze Innovation Center is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations for guided tours must be made in advance by calling Kinze Manufacturing. Kids will have fun seeing all the massive farm equipment while curious adults can learn more about the history and innovations specific to Kinze. You’ll see images of the first grain cart that all other grain carts worldwide have been modeled after, plus the famed “Big Blue” twin engine tractor. 

An aerial view of Kinze Innovation Center. (Kinze Manufacturing)

7. RVP~1875

Where: Jefferson

Cost: Free 

Suggested Ages: All ages 

How to book: https://www.rvp1875.com/the-rvp-experience/tours/

Handcrafted furniture is something you see less and less of these days. But for nearly three decades, master furniture maker Robby Pedersen has been creating historically accurate furniture using only the tools, techniques, and finishes that were used in 1875. And he’s made more than 1,300 pieces!

Pedersen offers tours, demonstrations, and classes in his Jefferson workshop to show groups (large and small) how furniture was made in the 1800s and why preserving this trade is valuable. RVP~1875 is the world’s leading historical furniture shop and is home to one of the largest working sets of 19th-century woodworking tools anywhere. The shop is open January through March on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through December it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Handcrafting wood with a traditional tool at RVP~1875. (RVP~1875/Facebook)

8. Templeton Rye Distillery & Visitor Center

Where: Templeton

Cost: Tours are $10 per guest over 21 years, and complimentary to military personnel and guests under 21 years old.

Tour Length: 1.5 hours

Suggested Ages: 21+ encouraged but all ages welcome

How to book: https://templetondistillery.com/visit/

Templeton Rye Whiskey, or as some people call it “the good stuff,” has been around for more than 100 years, making a name for itself by living on through Prohibition. All production of its popular liquors has happened in-house since its new facility opened in the small western Iowa town of Templeton in 2018.

Tours are available for the distillery and museum. You’ll learn about the history of the famed whiskey and see the state-of-the-art production facility where Templeton Whiskey is bottled. The tour ends in the tasting room where folks 21 and older will sample the world-class, premium whiskies. Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, tours happen at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Cheers! 

The state-of-the-art production facility where Templeton Whiskey is bottled. (Templeton Distillery/Facebook)

9. Winnebago Industries

Where: Forest City

Cost: Free 

Tour Length: 2 hours

Suggested Ages: All ages are welcome

How to book: https://www.winnebago.com/discover/factory-tours

You can see an RV come to life on your tour of Winnebago Industries in Forest City. Not only is it one of the most recognizable brands when it comes to on-the-road adventures, but the Forest City manufacturing plant is state-of-the-art and one of the most technologically advanced in the industry. This unique Iowa attraction allows you to see the transformation from a raw chassis to a finished RV.

You can tour both the Class A & C Motorhome Complex and the Camper Van Factory. Of course, not all areas of the factory will be in operation at all times, so they do require advanced reservations by phone before taking the tour. You can also pop by the Winnebago Outdoor Store for a souvenir after the tour. The Visitor Center is open year-round with regular factory tours from April through October, and tours are more limited from November through March. Kids under 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, given all the heavy manufacturing equipment on the tour. And don’t forget closed-toe shoes! 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.