Go behind the scenes with 7 unique tours and demonstrations

From marbles and milk to beer and motorcycles, the Kansas City metro offers a wide range of factory tours and demonstrations for visitors to watch and learn about how their favorite products are made.


Tempt your taste buds

Founded in Kansas City in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Co. has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Featuring hoppy mainstays like the Boulevard Pale Ale and Unfiltered Wheat—plus newcomers such as the Single-Wide I.P.A. and the easy-drinking Pilsner—it’s no wonder that the scene-stealer of the free factory tour happens to be the complimentary samples. Along the way, you’ll learn about the beermaker’s humble beginnings and witness its state-of-the-art brewing and bottling processes. During the summer, tours are offered seven days a week. (2501 Southwest Blvd., 816-474-7095) • blvdbeer.com

Journey “behind the bean”

KC’s caffeine scene wouldn’t be the same without bean baron Danny O’Neil. In 1993, he started The Roasterie inside the basement of his Brookside home. The specialty coffeemaker has since become a local staple, serving more than a million customers each year. Learn about the origins of coffee, as well as the roasting, cupping and blending of the bean on a free tour of the company’s factory. For a great souvenir, pick up a pack of The Roasterie’s signature Kansas City Blend. • theroasterie.com

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Kansas City’s richest, creamiest fudge and mouth-watering chocolates are made fresh by hand before your very eyes at Chip’s Chocolate Factory in Crown Center. Free demonstrations are given to the public throughout the day and include a free sample. Be sure to try the Kansas City Fudge—a velvety, handmade confection available in 30 different flavors. • chipschocolatefactory.com

Get the lowdown on dairy

Shatto Milk Company, a family-owned operation about 60 miles north of Kansas City in Osborn, offers interactive farm tours year-round. In addition to sampling many of Shatto’s tasty dairy products, visitors can also learn how milk is bottled, milk a cow and pet baby calves (some lucky visitors may even get to bottle-feed one). Tours of the 400-acre farm are available. • shattomilk.com

Hallmark Visitor Center

See how your greetings are made

Located at the company’s headquarters in Crown Center, the Hallmark Visitors Center delves into the 100-year history of the world’s largest greeting card maker. Discover the wonders of Hallmark creativity during this free tour; interact with artisans, watch the printing of cards, create your own bow or even enjoy a virtual visit with popular Hallmark characters such as Maxine, hoops and yoyo. • hallmarkvisitorscenter.com

Find your marbles

Once the site of a potato-washing facility, the wonder emporium that is Moon Marble Company now houses timeless toys and every marble imaginable. From mibs and peewees to shooters and boulders, this place has it all. In addition to “knuckling down,” make time for the company’s free marble-making demonstrations to learn about marble history, the process of glass working and other fascinating marble facts. • moonmarble.com

Tours and Sightseeing in KC