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American Whistle Corporation

Tours at American Whistle Corporation cost approx. $10/person.

• Open by appointment
• Location: ( Map It ) 6540 Huntley Rd. in Columbus, Ohio
• Phone: 800-876-2918 to schedule a tour
• Web: click here

American Whistle Corporation tours in Columbus:  Have you ever wondered how the ball gets inside a whistle?  Take a personally guided tour of the only whistle factory in the United States where metal whistles are made.  For approximately one hour, you will see a thriving, small, American manufacturing plant and be entertained with interesting information about whistles and fascinating machinery – some state-of-the-art, some dating back to the company’s beginning.  Best of all – everyone leaves with a shiny new “American Classic” whistle!

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Attraction:

Columbus, Ohio : Tour a Whistle Factory

It's a small factory, but you don't need a large building to make whistles. One-hour tour takes you through every step; you may even operate the sonic bonding machine.

American Whistle Corp.

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This is American manufacturing at its best. It is a working factory and they are taking time out of their day to lead you around for an hour. My 10 year old grandson had a blast. Pay the $2 to make the plastic whistle, and customize the whistle they give you for taking the tour.

It's a nifty one-hour tour around the American Whistle Corporation factory, as a guide demonstrates how metal pea-whistles are made, from start to finish. Stamp-punch machines have been adorned with googly eyes for effect as they chomp out bits of metal; a long-time employee racks up piles of lanyard-threaded whistles faster than an automated system could; and each visitor can try out the sonic bonding machine.

Tours are booked online and cost $6 per person, but the cost includes a complimentary metal whistle. If you choose to keep the plastic one you make (and you can customize it, right down to the color of the ball inside), it's an extra $2. They welcome kids, but some are more sensitive to the high-pitched noises, so foam earplugs for young children might help. One of the better Columbus factory tours.

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Factory Tours

Celebrating american imagination and industry.

The American Whistle Corporation

Location & Hours

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6540 Huntley Rd

Columbus, OH 43229

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About the Business

American Whistle Corporation is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. Located in north Columbus, our small factory produces solid brass whistles that are used for both sports and safety. Our whistles and whistle accessories can be purchased in our factory lobby or by visiting our website. They can also be found stocked on the shelves of various retail stores across the country. Factory tours of our Huntley Road facility are by reservation only. A minimum attendance of 15 people is required to book a tour, but smaller parties may be added to already existing tours. The cost is $4 per person and everyone will receive a whistle at the end. Contact American Whistle Corporation for more information. …

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We booked a tour online and headed out to the factory. There was good communication and a reminder from the American Whistle Corporation in advance. We checked in at the desk when we arrived and they welcomed us to step into factory space. The tour guide was very funny and engaging, joking with the kids. He provided an overview of the company and the history of both it and how whistles used to be made. We then walked around and looked at some of the machinery, some of which they were able to demonstrate in action in front of us, others which had some footage prepared that we observed on a large screen. At the end, there was the option to put together your own whistle by selecting two different halves (same or different colors, a huge selection including glow in the dark) and even the round pea color for inside, then used the machine to put it together quickly. They also have a small shop where you can purchase additional whistles and accessories. Quite an interesting visit! Note that parking is around back for the tours - a gravel lot with some very large potholes to watch out for.

Whistle and accessory examples on the wall

Did you know the American made whistle is made right here in Columbus? You can go on an inexpensive tour on how the whistle is made and get a whistle at the end. The tour is around $5 and last about 90minutes.

Inside factory

You are supposed to schedule the tours online. It was a fun factory tour and very engaging! Great for kids!

One of the most unique finds in Columbus, OH. Do you know how the cork ball get's into the whistle? Where does the cork come from? I highly suggest calling to make a reservation for a tour. Those questions will be answered.

Come on people! This is American made! You can't get anymore American made than this. Whistles people:) Everybody should have at least one. Yes, you can take a super cool tour of the "plant" but you NEED to buy a whistle. Coolest thing I did in Columbus. A whistle... yep.

Buying products made in America is important to me, but not an easy feat unfortunately. Purchasing my QUALITY whistle was easy with American Whistle. They have great colors and an easy to navigate website. All the children who hear my whistle every day will hopefully enjoy my new MADE IN AMERICA whistle as much as I do. Thank you American Whistle!

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WORTH THE DRIVE: You can tour the American Whistle factory

There was a time when factory tours were plentiful — an entertaining and educational outing for families and school groups. It was always fascinating to be escorted behind the scenes to learn how a product was made.

Unfortunately, these excursions are now few and far between, which is why a trip to American Whistle Corp. is a special treat.

This company, founded in 1956 as Colsoff Manufacturing, prides itself on being the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. The entire process — with the exception of the plating done in Rhode Island — takes place in a little warehouse in northern Columbus, off Huntley Road. You’ll learn how mechanical engineering turns raw material into a finished product and you’ll see one-of-a-kind machines — some old, some new — designed and built for this enterprise.

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There are two great advantages to this particular tour: it’s less than an hour in length and there aren’t any age restrictions. As a result, your group is likely to include families — including toddlers. Wear comfortable shoes and be forewarned the building isn’t air-conditioned. Because it’s a short tour, you may want to combine it with a visit to other Columbus attractions: COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art or the Columbus Zoo.

Your $5 per person admission includes a shiny new American Classic whistle. These folks are smart. Because once you have a whistle in hand, you’ll feel compelled to start blowing it immediately so the whistles aren’t passed out until the end of the tour. When it’s a group of youngsters, the bag of whistles is given to the teacher or scout leader who determine when and how to distribute them. That’s good news for the bus driver!

Introducing: the whistle

It wasn’t surprising to learn that our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, Mark Waterstreet, taught school for 22 years before becoming director of business development last year when the company changed hands. He begins each tour with a fascinating discussion of the whistle. It’s an item, let’s be honest, most of us haven’t really thought about so much.

With Waterstreet’s aid, though, you’ll begin to realize how important whistles are to our society and how many folks regularly make use of them — from police officers and sports referees to lifeguards and college students. You’ll hear testimonials about how whistles have saved lives.

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“A woman who had been here eight years ago remembered from the tour to take her whistle with her when she went camping last summer in California,” Waterstreet told us. “One day she went for a hike with her mom and 4-year-old son. On the way back they found the trail blocked by a black bear. She took out her whistle and and blew it with all her might. It startled the bear and it took off running! She was very excited to come back and take her son on the tour to see where she had received the whistle that might have saved their lives!”

The Columbus company employs 10 full-time workers and produces about 5,000 whistles each day and close to 1 million each year. They are sent around the globe. Here’s where the official Boy Scout of America whistles are produced; they are also sent to organizations and corporations that distribute them to employees to promote safety. The NYPD orders 10,000 a year. Because the American Whistle Corp. is able to custom-imprint their whistles, they’re often used as advertising specialty items. Super Bowl officials have owned commemorative 24-karat gold whistles; Macy’s Parade grand marshals have owned them as well. After 9/11, the company donated whistles to volunteers who worked on recovery efforts.

“It’s required in Ohio to have a whistle when you’re on your boat, and scuba divers carry whistles hooked to their oxygen tanks,” Waterstreet said.

How it’s made

Despite the technology that’s changed so many other products in recent years, this little barrel-styled object has remained the same since it was invented in 1888 when Joseph Hudson entered a London competition to design a better way of attracting people’s attention. The police force had previously been relying on hand rattles; whistles were only thought of as musical instruments or toys.

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Making a whistle is a lot more complex than you might think. Each one begins as coiled brass, continues through 30-ton presses and state-of-the-art soldering tables. The whistles then must be polished and plated. Some of these steps are done by sophisticated robotics; others by hands-on labor. How does the little ball get into each whistle? It’s a company secret that’s revealed near the end of the tour.

Although the whistles look like they’re steel, they are actually made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, then plated with with nickel. Your guide will explain brass is used because it offers the same tone and resonance qualities that make brass effective in musical instruments. “Brass has no iron in it so it can’t get rusty,” Waterstreet says proudly. “These whistles will last a lifetime.”

In addition to the nickel-plated whistles, you can also buy those plated with brass, bronze and even 24-karat gold. This is the only manufacturer of rubber Safe-T-Tips in the United States, a rubber cover that slips over the mouthpiece of the whistle and protects the teeth and lips from impact and extremes in temperature.

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As you walk through the plant you’ll see the various presses and learn more about their functions. One of them dates back to 1905 and was converted to make whistles. The soldering machine is the newest piece of equipment and took two-and-a-half years to build. “It has increased production 300 percent,” Waterstreet informs us. After being soldered all of the whistles go to the “Vibratory,” a large rock-polishing machine. “We put about 3,000 whistles in at a time and run it for six hours until the whistles are super smooth.”

Gift shop and special tours

There’s a gift counter in the factory open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. You’ll find everything from award whistles and lanyards to rubber Safe-T-Tips, T-shirts, mugs and magnets.

Ohio Grade 4 curriculum includes learning about what’s involved in the production of goods and services, so it’s an ideal tour for students and teachers.

For a peek inside the factory, check out “That Ohio Vibe” (https://www.thatohiovibe.com/story/columbus-and-whistle-factory). To learn about the science that’s behind making and blowing a whistle, check out the Science Channel’s “How It’s Made: Whistles” on You Tube.

WANT TO GO?

What: American Whistle Factory tour

Where: 6540 Huntley Road, Columbus

When: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.

Admission: $5 per person including a whistle. Tours are by appointment only. They are privately scheduled for groups of 15 or more. If you have fewer than 15, you will be added to another group. To schedule: call (800)876-2918

Parking: Free, behind the building.

For more information: www.americanwhistle.com

About the Author

Meredith Moss has been writing for the Dayton Daily News for decades. She writes "On the Arts” features and the “Make a Difference” column focusing on non-profits. She volunteers and has received the YWCA's Woman of Influence' award and the Humanitarian award from the National Conference of Community and Justice. Email: [email protected]

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The American Whistle Corporation

6540 Huntley Rd, Columbus , Ohio 43229 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Public Restrooms
• More in Columbus

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“The last American Classic”

American Whistle Corporation is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States and the only company worldwide that can die-strike a logo into the top of the whistle. That is why the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA have chosen the "American Classic" as their official whistle. Come take the guided tour and see "American Classics" being made. You'll have some fun, see some fascinating machinery, and watch a small manufacturing company operate. Best of all - everyone on the tour goes home with a shiny new "American Classic" chrome finish whistle.

Reviewed by Marissa C.

We booked a tour online and headed out to the factory. There was good communication and a reminder from the American Whistle Corporation in advance. We checked in at the desk when we arrived and... Read more

Reviewed by Sandy W.

Did you know the American made whistle is made right here in Columbus? You can go on an inexpensive tour on how the whistle is made and get a whistle at the end. The tour is around $5 and last... Read more

Reviewed by Michelle W.

You are supposed to schedule the tours online. It was a fun factory tour and very engaging! Great for kids! Read more

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What to expect.

See the factors of production* beginning with the process of manufacturing a whistle from raw material to shipping packaged product to our customers. View mechanical engineering at work in one-of-a-kind machines designed and built specifically for our exact manufacturing needs. 

How to Schedule a Tour

• Tours are scheduled online only, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
• The cost is only $10 per person.
• For groups larger then 30, you must book and pay for 30 online and can pay for any additional guests at time of tour.
• The tour is non refundable, can be rescheduled within 1 week of scheduled tour 

Our Gift Shop

Our gift shop is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am 3:00 pm. Items such as additional whistles, lanyards or rubber Safe-T-Tips ™  for your whistle, Award Whistles, T-shirts, mugs, magnets etc. can be purchased for prices ranging from $1 to $75. 

*Attention Teaching Professionals:  In scheduling tours for this school season, we have come to realize that an essential part of the Ohio Grade 4 curriculum includes learning about what is involved in the production of goods and services that people use. The factors of production include land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship. American Whistle is an ideal place for students to see these first-hand. We welcome teachers and students of all ages to experience our factory. Tour Our Factory

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American Whistle Corp Tour

“Whoo,” calling all whistle lovers! The American Whistle Corp is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. Ever wonder how the little ball gets inside the whistle? You can find that out, and so much more on a tour of The American Whistle Corp.

The tour is welcome and tailored to all ages, so bring the entire family! The 45-minute tour is scheduled in advance online Monday through Thursday. Learn more under the “What to Expect” section for additional details.

The American Whistle Corporation 6540 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229 Website

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Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour 54760 Township Rd. 90, Fresno, OH 43824 Website

Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour

Want to see how cheese is made? Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour provides self-guided tours that allow you to see the process. Call ahead to get each week’s cheese-making schedule so you can plan your trip accordingly. Their website includes an interesting PDF on the history of cheese making. 

Heini’s Cheese Chalet Tour 6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654 Website

Honda Heritage Center Tour

If you love cars and the history of cars then the Honda Heritage Center Tour is for you! Take a self-guided stroll through the museum at your own pace. You should allow 45-90 minutes for your tour. Walk-ins are welcome and the visit is free of charge. There is plenty of free parking on-site as well. 

Honda Heritage Center 24025 Honda Pkwy., Marysville, OH 43040 Website

Spangler Candy Company Tour

The Spangler Candy Company tours are currently closed. However, they have a new store coming in 2023. The location will include interactive displays, a retail store, and a factory tour up on the big screen. 

Spangler Candy Company 131 South Main St., Bryan, OH 43506 Website

You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Toledo

P. Graham Dunn Production Tour

When you take a trip to the P. Graham Dunn factory store, not only can you enjoy the products of the store but you can also get a peek into the process of their woodworking. The store has windows that overlook the factory. Watch the production process from start to finish!

Visit the website for details on the store hours. You can view the production side of the business anytime the store is open. You can also shop for products in the store and on their website.

P. Graham Dunn 630 Henry St., Dalton, OH 44618 Website

Schwebel’s Bakery (photo tour)

Are you interested in how bread is made? If you visit the Schwebel’s Bakery website, they have a photo tour of their entire bread-making process. They invite you to see how “Schwebel’s time-tested, old-world recipes meet state-of-the-art equipment!”

You can almost smell the fresh bread while taking an online photo tour of the bakery. The website also has a  Family Fun  page featuring funny videos and downloadable coloring pages for kids.

Schwebel’s Bakery Website

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. is Ohio’s original craft brewery. You can take in a little bit of their history while getting a lesson in the beer-making process…all with a beer in hand! You begin the tour with a sample in the Beer Symposium and then you get to experience the production facility for a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process.

The entire tour takes about 60 minutes from start to finish. Your ticket includes the tour as well as four 5 oz. beer samples and a souvenir pint. Be sure to check out the website for tour details and rules.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 Website

The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours – Tours Canceled!

If you have a baseball fan on your hands, then The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours are for you! Unfortunately, the factory tours are currently closed due to minimal staffing. However, they plan to restart them in the future. Check back on the website for details about tours. Their showroom is currently open and they can do bat fittings as well.

The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours 7801 Corporate Blvd., Ste. E, Plain City, OH 43064 Website

KitchenAid Tours – Currently Closed for Tours!

A visit to historic Greenville comes with many charms, including the KitchenAid Experience® Retail Center. This location used to offer tours to the public. However, it is currently closed for tours. Greenville is home to the KitchenAid Stand Mixer, well known throughout the area.

KitchenAid 1701 KitchenAid Way, Greenville, OH 45331 Website

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Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Fun, Factory Tours in Columbus, and other fun public tours in Ohio

Have you ever looked at something and wondered how it’s made? Ever attend a stage production or sporting event and wish you could peek behind the scenes? 

Ohio is home to a lot manufacturing companies and other cool venues. A few of them invite the public to visit for a more in-depth look at their history, technology, craft, or passion.

Check out these fun and unique Factory tours in Columbus and around Ohio, plus some other fun public tours

Al’s Delicious Popcorn Factory Tour

Pop! Pop! Al’s Delicious Popcorn has been a local favorite since 1985. They pop, flavor, and hand pack all of their popcorn in-house. With more than 65 unique flavors to choose from, this might just be the best tasting tour around!

Tours last about 30 minutes. Each tour begins with a short video, followed by a visit to the kitchen and packaging area. The best part is the complementary tasting at the end. 

Factory tours are scheduled Monday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. The tour is suitable for all ages and groups are welcome. The cost is free.

Al’s Delicious Popcorn is located at 1500 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 .

Anthony-Thomas Candy Company

For five generations, Anthony-Thomas Candy Company has been producing fine chocolates in Columbus. It is the largest family-owned and operated candy company in the region, producing 60,000 lbs. of chocolate every day.

Take a sweet tour along a glass-enclosed suspended skywalk to see the candy making process from start to finish. All guests receive a free sample too!

Currently offering open house walk-in tours Monday through Thursday between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Tours begin on the hour.

Admission Fee: 18 years and older – $4.00 per person., 2-17 years old – $2.00 per person. Tours days/hours subject to change; check website before you visit.

Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is located at 1777 Arlingate Ln, Columbus, OH 43228 .

Brewery, Distillery, and Mead Tours

If you enjoy an occasional beer or cocktail, taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery, meadery or distillery is a fun way to spend a few hours. Gather some friends and try one, or all, of these tours around Columbus.

Brothers Drake on 3RD : Saturdays @ 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. $15 per person. (1025 W 3rd Ave, Columbus)

Middle West Spirits : Friday – Saturday, tour times vary. $10 per person. (1230 Courtland Ave, Columbus)

BrewDog Columbus : Monday – Friday @ 6 p.m. Cost varies per tour type. ( 96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester)

Noble Cut Distillery : Saturdays @ 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. $10 per person. (750 Cross Point Rd, Suite K, Gahanna)

Watershed Distillery : Thursday – Sunday, tour times vary. $15 per person. (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Suite D, Columbus)

Wolf Ridge Brewery : Saturdays @ 1 p.m. $15 per person. ( 215 N 4th St, Columbus)

American Whistle Corporation Factory Tour

The American Whistle Corporation has been making old fashioned brass whistles since 1956. They are the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States.

Just how does that little ball get inside a whistle? Find out on a 45-minute guided tour of the manufacturing plant. Everyone on the tour receives a shiny new whistle to take home!

Tours are Monday – Thursday at 1 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. The tour is suitable for all ages and groups are welcome. The cost is $8 per person.

American Whistle Corporation is located at 6540 Huntley Rd, Columbus, OH 43229 .

The Phoenix Bat Company Factory Tours

( Open Tour times have been suspended temporarily . C ontinue to check the website for updates.)

Charley “Lefty” Trudeau, a carpenter by trade, played 19 th century vintage baseball for the Ohio Historical Society. It wasn’t long before he blended his skills and passion to make vintage wooden bats for the team. Today, Phoenix Bats produces wooden bats for all players from little league to the pros.

During a 1-hour tour, learn what goes into making a great wooden bat. Visit the manufacturing floor to see how bats are made. If you’re lucky, they might even be making one for your favorite pro player.

Stop in for a guided tour during Open Tour times on Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. Walk-in tours are available during this time. Custom tour times are available for groups (10 or more), if scheduled in advance. The tour is suitable for all ages and groups are welcome. The cost is $10 per person.

The Phoenix Bat Company is located at 7801 Corporate Blvd, Plain City, OH 43064 .

Freshwater Farms of Ohio Hatchery Tours

As Ohio’s largest indoor fish hatchery, Freshwater Farms is a fun and unique place to visit.

Founded in 1983, this family owned, 5-acre sustainable farm grows over 100,000 lbs of rainbow trout, yellow perch, and bluegill each year. The summer season brings the addition of freshwater shrimp.

Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the farm during regular business hours. There are several outdoor ponds for trout, frogs, etc. The indoor fish barn is home to thousands of stocked pond fish and a hands-on educational area.

The education center offers plenty of informational signs and encourages visitors to TOUCH! The highlight is the Sturgeon Petting Zoo, featuring Flipper.

Freshwater Farms of Ohio is located at 2624 N. US Hwy. 68, Urbana, OH 43078 . 

Honda Auto Plant

The Honda Heritage Center ® takes visitors on a self-guided journey from the company’s humble beginning to its present-day success in North America. Visitors will see historical, current, and future products on display, many of which were manufactured right here in Ohio. 

Interested in seeing how cars are manufactured? Sign up (in advance) for a Honda plant tour as part of your visit.

Witness the production of automotive components in-house, watch large machines and intricate robots at work, and see how materials reach the assembly line where Honda associates work together as a team.

The Honda Heritage Center is open on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-in visitors are welcome for a 90-minute self-guided tour. A government issued photo ID (adults) is required to check-in. Heritage Center admission and factory tours (when available) are free.

The Honda Heritage Center is located at 24025 Honda Pkwy, Marysville, OH 43040 .

Read more about visiting Honda Heritage Center and other fun things to do in the area.

Ohio State University Tours

OH-IO . Gameday isn’t the only time Buckeye fans can enjoy a visit to campus. Plan an exciting OSU family day with a private tour of Ohio Stadium or the Schottenstein Center.

Ohio Stadium

Learn the history of Ohio Stadium and relive some of Buckeye Nation’s greatest gridiron moments in the “Shoe”. Guided tours take visitors through the band room, players lounges, hospitality suites, media box, and of course…a walk down the players tunnel for visit to the 50-yard line!

Tours last 1.5 hours and are available Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. The tour is suitable for all ages and groups are welcome. The cost is $200 (minimum) for up to 10 guests, so bring some friends! Additional guests are welcome for $20/person.

Ohio Stadium is located at 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 .

Schottenstein Center

The “Schott” is home to Buckeye basketball and ice hockey teams. It also hosts other events from kids summer camps to star studded entertainment. Go behind the scenes to see backstage dressing rooms for the stars, Buckeye team areas (does not include locker rooms), hospitality spaces, and head to center court on the Arena Floor.

Tours last 1 hour and are available Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. The tour is suitable for all ages and groups are welcome. The cost is $50 (minimum) for up to 10 guests, so bring some friends! Additional guests are welcome for $5/person.

The Schottenstein Center is located at 555 Borror Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 .

Ohio Statehouse Tours

The Ohio Statehouse is part of the Capitol Square complex which also includes the Senate Building and Atrium. Completed in 1861, it is a beautiful Greek Revival building and one of the oldest working statehouses in America.

Take a tour of the Ohio Statehouse to learn about our government’s history, visit the legislative chambers, marvel at artwork in the impressive rotunda and stained-glass dome. Visit the interactive museum to learn about Ohio’s history and the democratic process.

Guided tours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. , and Saturday/Sunday from Noon – 3 p.m. (except State holidays)

Walk-in tours occur on the hour and begin in the Map Room, just outside the gift shop. The tour is suitable for all ages. Groups of 10 or more require a reservation. All tours are free !

Self-guided tours are also available, but access to areas may be limited.

Read more about visiting the Ohio Statehouse and upcoming events.

The Ohio Statehouse is located at 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215  .

Ohio Theatre Tours

Whether hosting silent movies of the past or elaborate stage productions of the present, the Ohio Theatre is a local treasure. Opened in 1928, the theater represents nearly a century of film and stage history.

Today the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, and Broadway Series, all call Ohio Theatre home.

The Spanish-Baroque architecture and design details are spectacular, especially the 21 foot high chandelier. Anyone attending a performance at the Ohio Theatre will be wowed by the lush interior and excellent acoustics. 

Each summer, guests can tour the theatre to learn about its construction, storied history, and hear about those who have performed on its stage. Take a seat in the theatre for a thrilling demonstration of the “Mighty Morton”, the original organ installed in 1928. 

Guided tours are available during the summer. CAPA (Columbus Assoc for the Performing Arts)   The 2023 schedule will be available in late spring. The tour is suitable for all ages, but does require a lot of walking, including stairs. All tours are free!

Alum Creek Dam Tours

Alum Creek Reservoir sits in the middle of Alum Creek State Park and provides year round recreation, but ever wonder why it was really created? Join the US Army Corps of Engineers for a behind-the-scenes Dam Tour to learn the history, how it was constructed, and its purpose.

Tours are May – September, Saturday and Sunday at Noon – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Bonus tours are available on Memorial Day and Independence Day. Tours require climbing 100+ steps. Recommended for ages 6+. The cost is free!

Alum Creek Dam is located at 4189 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035 . (Meet in the Below the Dam Recreation area)

Franklin County Sanitary Landfill (SWACO)

There’s no denying it. The average person creates about 5 pounds of waste daily. Even with recycling, more than 1 million tons of trash ends up at the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill each year.

Learn how the city manages and monitors the landfill, along with the positive impact of improved recycling and waste reduction. The tour begins with a classroom presentation, followed by a guided in-vehicle tour of the working landfill.

There are public tours several times per year. The next tour date is June 17, 2023 at 10 a.m. Tours are 90 minutes long (ages 6 & up). Advanced registration is required. The cost is free. To schedule a tour of the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, please contact SWACO .

The landfill is located at 4239 London Groveport Rd, Grove City, OH 43123 .

Rumpke Recycling Center Tours

Taking care of our environment is critical, not only for ourselves, but for future generations. We all see and use recycling bins everywhere from public places to our private homes. Ever wonder what really happens to all those items?

Find out with a guided tour of the Rumpke Recycling Center in Columbus. Learn how items are sorted, and which items can be recycled. It’s an eye-opening experience!

Walking tours are scheduled March – November, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tours are 1-hour and limited to 10 participants. Smaller groups can be combined. Advanced reservations are required.

Tours may not be suitable for all ages or those with medical conditions, so call to confirm. The cost is free.

The Rumpke Recycling Center is located at 321 Dering Ave, Columbus, OH 43207 . (Tours also available in Cincinnati location.)

Factory Tours Around Ohio

If you’re willing to travel a bit, here’s a list of interesting and fun factory tours located around Ohio.

Airstream (Jackson Center, OH)

Travel Trailer or Touring Coach manufacturing tours. Monday – Friday, times vary . Cost is free. Reservations required. Guided.

Alan Cotrill Studio (Zanesville, OH)

Watch a living sculptor create bronze statues. Cost is free. Walk-ins are welcome Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Self-guided.

Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works (Bucyrus, OH)

The only hammered copper shop in America. Call 419-562-6891 to schedule a free guided tour.

Bunker Hill Cheese (Millersburg, OH)

Follow the cheesemaking process from farm to table. Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday from 8 a.m. – Noon. Cost is free. Walk-ins welcome. Self-guided.

Columbus Washboard Company (Logan, OH)

Tour the only manufacturer of old fashioned wash boards in America. Monday – Friday @ 11 am., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call 740-380-3828 to schedule in advance. Cost is $8/$6/$5. Guided.

Conns Potato Chips (Zanesville, OH)

Potatoes are good in any form, but there’s nothing like a crunchy flavored chips! While they aren’t currently doing tours, you can go to the retail store and buy freshly made warm potato chips in a tin. A new tin is $15 and the refills are $10. Normal store hours are Mon-Thurs 8am to 4pm, Fri 8am to 12pm, and closed Sat and Sun.

Fannie May Factory Store (Akron, OH)

Explore the Fannie May factory with a behind the scenes look at how they craft gourmet chocolates. The Chocolate factory is now open to in-person tours. During your guided tour you will learn about how chocolate is made, Fannie May history and of course taste and experience delicious chocolate.

Tours are Monday-Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the top of each hour. Reservations are preferred to accommodate your tour group.

Consider visiting Akron’s Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens while you’re in the area!

Guggisberg Cheese Factory (Charm, OH)

Follow the cheesemaking processfrom farm to table. Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – Noon. Cost is free. Walk-ins welcome. Self-guided.

Harry London Chocolates (North Canton, OH)

Behind-the-scenes look at production of fine chocolates. Tours Monday – Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is free. Reservations required. Call 800-321-0444, Ext. 119 to schedule. Masks are mandatory. Guided.

Hawkes Crystal (Tiffin, OH)

Watch as artisans create beautiful hand-cut crystal pieces. Call (419) 448-4286 to schedule a free guided tour.

Indian Creek Distillery (New Carlisle, OH)

Ohio’s oldest working (pre-prohibition) distillery. Distillery Tour & Tasting on Saturdays @ 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cost is $20 per person. Reservations required. Guided.

KitchenAid (Greenville, OH) 

Tour the KitchenAid mixer manufacturing plant. Tuesday – Friday @ Noon . Walk-ins welcome. Reservations required for groups of 8 or more. Call 800-961-0959 for more info. Guided.

Mosser Glass (Cambridge, OH)

Watch the craft of decorative glass making. Monday – Friday @ 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Cost is free. Walk-ins welcome. Call 740-439-1827 to confirm the tour schedule. Guided.

Rockwood Pottery (Cincinnati, OH)

Visit the factory where artisans create hand crafted pottery and architectural tile. Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per person (can be redeemed for credit in retail store). Reservations required. Guided.

Find more fun things to do in Cincinnati !

Spangler Candy Company (Bryan, OH)

More than 10 million Dum-Dum lollipops are produced every day. Factory tours are currently closed , making way for a new Spangler Candy World is coming in 2023!

Wilson Football Factory (Ada, OH)

The world’s only exclusive manufacturer of footballs, including 100% of those used by the NFL. Factory tours are currently closed , but scheduled to return in the spring of 2023 . Call 419-634-9901 to confirm the tour schedule. Guided.

Winans Chocolates & Coffees (Piqua, OH) 

Chocolate and coffee, what could be better? Check out this “2 for 1” tour. Start with a tour of the chocolate factory and finish across the street at the roastery! Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. and Thursdays @10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person. Reservations required. Guided.

Have other fun tour ideas?

Leave us a comment, or find our contact details here . 

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Our family's adventures, including a year as we traveled the USA in a travel trailer.

American Whistle Corporation

There is a really neat factory tour near Columbus, Ohio at a company called the American Whistle Corporation . I have had this on my list of things to do with the kids for years, but never got around to it. We finally found a day where everyone was off of school and made our appointment.

I would pay attention to your GPS, because although there is a small sign, it is easy to miss. There is parking around the back of the building. There is a small entryway with a display case and framed articles about the company. The next room is the main manufacturing area (which also includes the bathroom).

The manufacturing area was smaller than I thought it would be, but it looks like they had it well laid out and made good use of the space. There was enough room for our group, plus 2 other small families, to walk around and listen to the tour.

Our tour guide was great. He kept it interesting, as well as informative, and was enthusiastic about his place of work. The tour was a mix of walking and seeing the equipment, a demonstration of the equipment, watching people work, and watching a video. The tour ended at the plastic whistle area near the gift shop. The gift shop had several different items available for sale. At the end of the tour, each person also gets a metal whistle.

For an extra fee ($2.15) you can make/buy a plastic whistle. We made one whistle that I now have on my keys. To make your own whistle, you get to pick a color for either side, as well as the ball. We went with a glow in the dark, a blue, and then a green ball. You put together your whistle pieces (placing the ball in the interior circle area and line up the sides). Once you place your whistle in the machine, you pressed a button on either side and the machine sonic welds the pieces together.

I would definitely recommend taking this tour if you are close to Columbus!

VIDEO: American Whistle Corporation Tour

• WHERE: 6540 Huntley Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
• HOURS: Tours are available Monday to Friday. (Currently, tours should be pre-scheduled. M/W/F tours are at 10:00am, T/R tours are at 1:00pm). Gift Shop is open M-F 9:00am-4:00pm.
• COSTS: $6/person for the tour (includes a whistle)
• PARKING: Yes (Parking available behind building.)
• BATHROOM: Yes
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1 hour
• COVID RESTRICTIONS: n/a
• *Details correct at the time of posting, but please double check before you go.

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Central ohio staycation destination: american whistle factory tour.

By: Mary   /   Updated on: November 6, 2020   /   This post may contain affiliate links, disclosure policy

For being the only American manufacturer, the “factory” is quite a humble setting (really more like a one room warehouse.) The current owner, with his “interesting” sence of humor, lead the tours.  Along the way he shows each step in the whistle making process as well as providing interesting facts – did you know the whistle will still blow without the ball- it just sounds better with it and they have even produces whistles made of gold!

It was so much fun for my husband to be able to share this memory from his own childhood with his kiddos.  Another great staycation experience! (read about the  Anthony Thomas factory tour too)

Tour Details:

• 45 min tours are privately scheduled  for groups of 15 or more during the week- Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am & 5:00 pm 
• If you do not have 15 in your group, you will be added to another tour group.
• The cost is only $4 per person.  Which includes a Free whistle at the end.

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Industry Tour at American Whistle Corporation

April 19, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Join the AWMI Columbus Chapter for the annual Industry Tour at the American Whistle Corporation on Tuesday, April 19th at 1pm.

An optional networking opportunity will take place after the tour at Zaftig Brewing Company, 2pm – 5pm. 2 drink tickets per person will be provided.

Zaftig Brewing Company: 7020 Huntley Rd A, Worthington, OH 43229

We hope to see you!

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