Candy Factory Tours in Chicago

The Chicago area is home to some of the sweetest confectioneries in the country, and by taking one of the guided tours available, Chicago tourists can learn many of the behind-the-scenes secrets that go into making some of America's most beloved sweets. From stealing a few "Kisses" at the Hershey's Factory to sampling designer chocolates at the Long Grove Confectionery, no candy lover will be left wanting after their next trip to the Windy City.

Located along Chicago's Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue), The Hershey's Chicago store and bakery offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind products and baked goods. Both the Hershey store and bakery are open to tour groups small and large, and they encourage all visitors to sign up to be a Hershey's factory worker for a day and pay a visit to the "Hershey-izer," the singing Hershey baker.

The Long Grove Confectionery Company is located just north of Chicago in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. During tours of the confectionery, visitors will learn how cacao is grown and processed into chocolate, as well as watch as chocolate is produced and packaged for distribution. After completing the tour, visitors are encouraged to view the giant chocolate sculptures on-site and purchase chocolate at a discounted rate.

Located on Chicago's North Side, the Jelly Belly Candy Store offers a sneak peak at just how Jelly Belly artists come up with their famous flavors. From conceptualizing flavors like "Popcorn" and "Toasted Marshmallow" to stocking store shelves, the step-by-step process of jelly bean creation and distribution is explained to guests first-hand while touring their elaborate Morrow Avenue facilities. Jelly Bean lovers of all ages will enjoy taking home a bag of flavors that never hit store shelves, which are lovingly referred to by Jelly Belly artists as their little "Jelly Belly Mistakes."

Led by confectionery expert Valerie Beck, these 2 to 2 1/2-hour tours guide you along the streets of downtown Chicago to learn about some of the city's most famous names in candy, including Tootsie Rolls, Wrigley's Gum and Lemonheads. Offered daily, Wednesday to Sunday, each day's tour focuses on a different location in the city, including chocolate destinations in the South Loop, Lakeview, Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast.

The Chicago Chocolate Tour always stops at favorite local bakeries, cafes and chocolate shops, so tour guests can enjoy a few free samples of some delicious treats.