Explore York - Factory Tour Capital of the World!

There are lots of factory tours in York City and the surrounding area. Experience true American craftsmanship. York County offers everything from a working dairy farm to crafting violins and everything in between.  One of the best factory tours is the 45-minute real-life tour at the Harley Davidson Motor Company. Visit the Factory Tour Capital of the World website for a complete list of factory tours. Some of my favorites are:

York City Pretzel Company is York’s first craft pretzel bakery. Learn the history of the pretzel and see their on-site baker demonstrate the rolling and twisting techniques. Tours are by appointment. Location: 39 W. Market Street, York, 717-467-3556.

Sunrise Soap Company offers natural body care products including soaps, shampoos, butter, scrubs, lotions and lip balm in their open-air kitchen. All soaps are made in small batches and hand-cut and hand-wrapped. A mini-tour is available for walk-ins or you can call and schedule a longer tour. Location: 29 N. Beaver Street, York, 717-843-SOAP.

Perrydell Farms is a working family-owned dairy farm. See how cows are milked and fed, and how milk is bottled on a free self-guided tour. After the tour, enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone. Location: 90 Indian Rock Dam Road, York, 717-741-3485.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company offers a behind-the-scenes tour to watch the making of a legend. The tour begins with a short video and then continues onto the factory floor. You’ll see the manufacturing of key components for the Softail, CVO & Trike motorcycles. The tour is free and is available Monday thru Friday and on select Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (June 20, July 18 & August 15). Location: 1425 Eden Road, York, 717-852-6590.

Bluett Bros. Violins demonstrates the process of how a violin is crafted, the wood selected, carving and tap toning to the finished product. Location: 122 Hill Street, York, 717-854-9064.