Connecticut factories to visit and tour
Connecticut has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.
In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!
These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?
Here are some of the top factory tours in Connecticut and contact information and tips about visiting them.
Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Connecticut
- Fascia’s Chocolates - chocolate factory
44 Chase River Rd, Waterbury, CT 06704. Phone: (203) 753-0515. They have a variety of tours and events, such as Make-Your-Own chocolate bar, learn the history of chocolate with tastings and demonstrations and a behind-the-scenes look into the factory via remote controlled camera. Keep in mind, these experiences do sell out quickly. See their online calendar to book. Duration is typically 1 Hour, with oo walking required. Handicap & all-age friendly. -
PEZ Visitor Center - candy factory
35 Prindle Hill Rd, Orange, CT 06477. Phone: 203-298-0201. Email: info@pezcandyinc.com. Open: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Cost, last checked was $5 for adults, $4 for ages 3 to 12, free for younger kids. With each paid admission you receive $2 credit which may be used like cash and applied to any same day purchase. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Visitor Center. All visits are self-guided and tickets are sold in the lobby at the time of arrival. Come see and experience the PEZ brand in person. Over 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things PEZ! See the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world, PEZ motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers, the world's largest PEZ dispenser, viewing area into our production area, PEZ trivia game, retail area, interactive historical time line and much more. Learn about the brand that has been inspiring and innovating since 1927!
Connecticut Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas
- Coltsville National Historical Park:,
historical colt 45 factory
When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure. Soon, demand for Colt's revolver would change his fortunes and the Colt empire was born. Following Colt's untimely death in 1862, his wife, Elizabeth Colt, would lead the company to its legendary status, and influence Hartford for over 40 years.
- Weir Farm National Historical Park:,
- home of famous artist Alden Wier
Ridgefield and Wilton, CT.
Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists. Set amidst more than 60 acres of painterly woods, fields, and waterways, you’ll soon see why Weir described his home as the "Great Good Place." Weir’s farm is a national legacy to American Impressionism, the creative spirit, and historic preservation.
Connecticut State historic sites and parks
These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement
- Beckley Furnace State Park, North Canaan
- Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill
- Farmington Canal Greenway State Park, Cheshire/Hamden
- Old Furnace State Park, Killingly
- Windsor Locks Canal State Park, Windsor Locks
Seasons, bugs, topography and climate
Although Connecticut is a small state, it still has 2 climates: northern Connecticut has cold winters with moderate snowfall and hot, humid summers. Far southern and coastal Connecticut has cool winters with a mix of rain and infrequent snow, and the long hot and humid summers typical of the middle and lower East Coast.
Camping in Connecticut
If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this website ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.
Reservations for all state campgrounds are available online at Reserve America or by calling toll free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
Parks with Camping Areas:
Black Rock | Devil's Hopyard | Hammonasset Beach | Hopeville Pond
Housatonic Meadows | Kettletown | Lake Waramaug | Macedonia Brook
Mashamoquet Brook | Rocky Neck | Salt Rock | Wolf Den
Forests with Camping Areas:
American Legion State Forest | Pachaug State Forest
Horse Camping Areas:
Natchaug State Forest | Pachaug State Forest
Rustic Cabin Rentals:Housatonic Meadows | Kettletown | Black Rock | Lake Waramaug | Hammonasset Beach | Rocky Neck | American Legion State Forest | Hopeville Pond
Other camping:
Youth Group Camping River Camping Backpack Camping
There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Connecticut.
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