Ben & Jerry's: Making the World Better One Scoop at a Time
Visit the Original Ben & Jerry's ice cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont for Tours and Tastings
In 1978, two friends with big dreams, a $5 correspondence course from Penn State, and $12,000 in startup funds opened an ice cream shop in a converted gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield couldn't have imagined their humble scoop shop would become a global brand known for both premium ice cream and progressive activism. Today, their original factory in Waterbury produces over 350,000 pints daily while welcoming visitors who want to see the ice cream-making process in action.
A Legacy Built on Generosity
The company's commitment to community began early. One year after opening, Ben and Jerry celebrated their anniversary by giving away free ice cream to everyone who walked in. That gesture of gratitude became an annual tradition. Free Cone Day now takes place at Ben & Jerry's locations worldwide, keeping the spirit of sharing that defined the company from the start.
The gas station where it all started closed when production outgrew the space. The current factory, built in 1985, has deliberately retained an intimate character—a small scoop shop, compact retail space, and tour route that feels personal despite the massive production happening behind the scenes.
The Factory Experience
Visitors should plan ahead for the Ben & Jerry's Waterbury factory. The facility operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM with the last tour departing at 6:00 PM. Because capacity is limited, purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended—walk-in availability depends on daily staffing levels and some days sell out completely. Groups of 21 or more should email at least two weeks in advance to inquire about reservations.
The complete experience takes 60 to 75 minutes. Since the factory sits atop a hill, visitors need to budget a few extra minutes for the walk from parking to the entrance. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 65 and older, and $1 for children ages 2 through 12, plus service fees. Infants attend free."
The 30-minute guided portion begins with a short film, affectionately called a "MOO-vie," explaining the company's values and culture. Visitors then walk to a glassed-in mezzanine overlooking the production floor, where guides explain the pint-making process. Everyone receives a sample of the signature chunks that make Ben & Jerry's flavors distinctive, with nondairy and vegan options available. The tour ends in the Flavor Room with a full ice cream tasting and a few cow jokes.
Production schedules change based on manufacturing needs, so seeing active pint-making is not guaranteed. When production is paused, guides narrate a video filmed on the factory floor to show the process. Visitors might see clean equipment between batches, observe cleaning procedures between flavor changes, or watch maintenance crews at work.
Beyond the Tour
The grounds offer several ways to extend your visit beyond the guided experience. The full-service scoop shop serves classic favorites and limited-edition flavors, with more ice cream available for purchase before or after tours. The retail shop stocks Ben & Jerry's merchandise for those wanting to take home more than memories.
Outside, families enjoy a playground while adults appreciate the mountain views around the property. The seasonal Flavor Graveyard sits in the upper parking area past the playground, featuring granite headstones and clever epitaphs for discontinued flavors. These "Dearly De-pinted" varieties receive proper tribute, reminding visitors that even beloved ice creams sometimes reach their final scoop.
Visitors can enjoy their ice cream outdoors while taking in Vermont's natural beauty. Those short on time can skip the tour and simply visit the scoop shop, retail area, and grounds.
The facility accommodates various dietary needs, offering nondairy, gluten-free, and nut-free options in both the scoop shop and tour samples. Staff also work to accommodate other allergies.
Values That Go Deeper
Three core principles guide Ben & Jerry's decisions: advancing human rights and dignity, supporting justice for marginalized communities, and creating positive environmental impact. What sets the company apart goes beyond creative flavors and generous chunks—it's the belief that business success brings responsibility to address society's biggest challenges.
In 2005, Ben & Jerry's became the world's first ice cream maker to use Fair Trade Certified ingredients, expanding this commitment to all possible ingredients by 2011 in Europe and 2014 in the United States. Fair Trade guarantees fair prices for small-scale farmers producing the company's sugar, cocoa, vanilla, coffee, and bananas. Ben & Jerry's also supports the Producer Development Initiative, which helps these farmers through programs focused on better incomes, climate issues, and building stronger cooperatives.
The company advocates for refugee support, LGBTQ+ equality, democracy protection, and climate action. The 2014 transition to non-GMO ingredients for all plant-based components reflects environmental commitments and consumer values.
The Ben & Jerry's Factory is located in Waterbury, Vermont. For current hours, ticket availability, and tour information, visit https://www.benjerry.com.
