Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury) | Stowe

The Ben & Jerry's Factory is a production facility located in Waterbury, Vermont, USA, offering tours of its ice cream manufacturing process.

Visual Characteristics

The factory complex consists of several industrial-style buildings constructed primarily from concrete and metal. The main production building is a large, rectangular structure with a light gray exterior and a dark gray roof. Prominent signage displays the Ben & Jerry's logo. The surrounding grounds include paved access roads and parking areas.

Location & Access Logistics

The factory is situated at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT 05676. It is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of Stowe village center. Access is via Interstate 89, taking Exit 10 towards Waterbury. Follow VT Route 100 South for approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile). Ample parking is available on-site, including designated areas for tour buses. Public transport options are limited; the Green Mountain Transit bus route 242 serves Waterbury but does not directly stop at the factory.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Ben & Jerry's Factory was established in 1985. The facility was built to expand production capacity for the company, which was founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. The original purpose was to manufacture Ben & Jerry's ice cream for wider distribution.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the guided factory tour, which details the ice cream production process from ingredient sourcing to final packaging. The tour concludes with a tasting of a featured ice cream flavor. Visitors can also explore the gift shop and the "Flavor Graveyard," an outdoor memorial to retired ice cream flavors.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor queueing zones. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. On-site food vendors are not present, but a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop is located within the visitor center offering ice cream for purchase.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is during daylight hours, with midday offering direct sunlight. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, when weather conditions are most favorable for travel. Tours operate year-round, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays).

Facts & Legends

The "Flavor Graveyard" is a unique feature where retired Ben & Jerry's flavors are memorialized with headstones. Each headstone lists the flavor name and the year it was discontinued. One notable "burial" is for "Phish Food," a flavor that was temporarily retired but later brought back due to popular demand, leading to a humorous "resurrection" in the graveyard.

Nearby Landmarks

• Stowe Mountain Resort (12km North)
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill (2km North)
• Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum (3km North)
• Waterbury Reservoir (4km West)
• ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (25km Southwest)