If you hear factory-tour and think “educational outing,” you’re both wrong and right. Yes, my daughter and I are practically chocolate experts after a recent factory tour at Creo Chocolate, but we also ate obscene amounts of artisan chocolate. I like to think of a factory tour as the best of both worlds, an outing that satisfies both your brain and your belly.
Here are a few local and road-trip-worthy factory tours near Portland, OR, to add to your bucket list.
Creo Chocolate
Get the Willy Wonka experience of designing your own chocolate bar (you even get to name it!), while learning where chocolate comes from and how it’s made at Creo. Oh, and there are samples. Lots of them.
Creo makes truly incredible chocolate. If you’re a family of foodies, this is the tour for you. Creo sources the best ingredients ethically, and they’ve won over 100 awards (and counting) for their chocolates, truffles, confections, and panned goods.
Paid tours are $40, which feels really fair given the quality of the tour and the amount of samples. Tours are best for children ages 8+, and you can bring your baby in a sling. The tour lasts 1.5 hours (but we were there for two). Sign up in advance. (Also, the bathroom floor is covered in pennies.) 122 NE Broadway, Portland
Tillamook Cheese Factory
I have not been to the Tillamook Cheese Factory yet, because the one time I tried there was no parking despite the enormous size of their parking lot. This place is popular, y’all. I’ve been told that no trip to Tillamook is complete without a stop at the cheese factory, and I suppose that must be true.
Free, self-guided tours are available daily, and include so. many. cheese. samples. You can see get a birds-eye view of the cheesemaking and packaging rooms through the viewing room, which means no hair nets are required. You’ll also learn about dairy farming while you’re there. Don’t forget to take a photo in the Yum Bus, and find all six hidden versions of Tilly the cow for a prize. You can eat in the restaurant and/or buy a scoop at the ice cream counter.
Prefer to be guided by a professional? The Premium Tour + Tasting lasts 35 minutes, and only costs $15. Tickets must be purchased for ages 4+. If you really want to splurge, try the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience, and find out if you’re a supertaster. The ice cream experience costs $45 for ages 4+. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. 4175 Highway 101, Tillamook.
Ranger Chocolate
If you’re looking for the perfect rainy day activity, look no further than a Ranger Chocolate’s Build Your Own Bar activity and tour. Participants build FOUR chocolate bars topped with any of their creative, made-in-house goodies, and the event includes a “behind the bar” Q&A with drum tastings (when available).
The class and tour are for ages 9+, but if you have younger children you may be able to book a private session for them; email info@rangerchocolate.co to inquire. The tours last 1.5 hours and costs $75 for the tour and class. The tours are typically scheduled around holidays, so you’ll need to plan far in advance. 118 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland
The Fruit Company
On my first trip to Portland I was the lucky recipient of one of The Fruit Company‘s divine gift baskets, and it really confirmed for me that moving here was the right choice. I only just learned that they offer both a Gift Basket Factory Tour and an Orchard Tour. I’ve ridden a railbike through their orchard, and the area is beautiful with stunning mountain views — I’m game for any excuse to visit again.
On the one-hour, all ages Orchard Tour you’ll ride on a covered tram, learn about how farming practices have changed over time, and — best of all — sample the fruit.
The 45-minute Factory Tour is also appropriate for all ages and covers the history of the historic building that houses The Fruit Company Gift Shop. You’ll get to see the equipment up close (perfect for budding engineers!) and watch the basket making process from beginning to end. At the end you will customize your own gift and receive a treat.
The cost of either tour is $29 for adults, $19 for children ages 2-12, and free for ages under two. 2850 Van Horn Dr., Hood River
Franz Bakery
On the first Thursday of every month of the school year, groups of up to 20 people are welcome to see how a working bakery operates. You will learn a bit about Franz Bakery, and then take your tour. Samples included!
Schedule your FREE tour by contacting franz.tours@usbakery.com. The tour is for ages 7+, and in 2024, the tours will begin in November (you can reserve beginning August 20). 340 NE 11th St., Portland
Harry & David
I have purchased many a Harry & David gift basket for my dad who lives out of state, but I’ve never tried the Moose Munch for myself. If you’d like to see the famous popcorn and other delicious treats being made, Harry & David offers guided tours, during which you will learn about the company’s history and watch as the culinary team makes baklava, cheese cake, truffles, and—of course—Moose Munch. You can also watch the team assemble those yummy gourmet gift towers. You will see big machines at work, and also walk on a wide, sturdy catwalk (beware those with a fear of heights). The tour includes a bakery treat and a chocolate.
Tickets for the one-hour tours are $5 per person, and they run Monday-Thursday, at 9:15 am and 10:30 am. Call 877-322-8000 to reserve your spot, or buy your tickets in person (there may be a wait). 1314 Center Dr. Suite A, Medford OR
Pacific Hazelnut
Tours temporarily postponed during renovations
Celebrate our state nut with a tour of Pacific Hazelnut Farms. Take a guided 20-40 minute tour, ask all your pressing filbert questions, and enjoy some samples of many of the farm’s products (not just hazelnuts!).
Tours are temporarily suspended during factory renovations, as of this writing. Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 503-678-2755. Cost is $3. Children must be over 8 years old to participate. 14673 Ottaway Rd NE, Aurora
Want to find even more family-friendly things to do? We’ve got ideas.
- This Weekend in PDX - January 13, 2025
- We Found a (Much!) Easier Alternative to the Trail of Ten Falls - January 9, 2025
- Play Farmer for a Day (or more!) Just 20 Minutes From Portland - December 27, 2024