Factory tours come in all shapes and sizes; and the good news is, many of them are accessible. From jelly beans and crayons to dolls and cars, there’s something for everyone. If you’d like to narrow it down a bit, then check out the book Watch it Made in the USA, by Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg, an excellent guide to factory tours. Although not all the included tours are accessible, access details are noted with each tour.

No matter which tours you choose, plan ahead as many have limited days and hours, some have age restrictions, and most require visitors to wear closed-toe footwear. In the end though, it’s fun to see how things are made. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite accessible factory tours. 

Abita Brewery
Located in the Lake Pontchartrain community of Abita Springs, just across the causeway from New Orleans, the recently renovated Abita Brewery is known for its flavorful microbrews and tasty root beer. The tour begins in the tasting room, where taps are self-serve and there’s no limit. In fact, visitors are encouraged to grab a full cup before heading out on the tour.

There is level access to the factory, except for the bottling room, which has one step. Actually, you can get a good look at the bottling process without ever entering the room, and believe it or not, the tours (including all the beer you can taste) are free.

Gibson Guitar
Another crowd pleaser is the Gibson Guitar Factory tour in Memphis. There is level access throughout this factory, where BB King’s trademark Lucille guitars are produced. The tour offers an inside look at Gibson’s meticulous craftsmanship process and sheds some light on the Memphis music scene.

There is a $10 charge for the 45-minute tour, which is offered throughout the day, seven days a week. The factory is located just one block south of Beale Street, across from the FedEx Forum. Advance reservations are recommended, as this excellent tour sells out fast. For more information, call (901) 544-7998, ext. 4075.

Harley-Davidson Tour
Last but not least, if you’re ever in York, Pennsylvania, make plans to visit the Harley-Davidson factory. This fascinating tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Harley touring bikes are made.

The tour begins with a short video. Then it’s over to the plant for a look at the parts production area, followed by a walk along the production line and ending with a stop at the testing chamber. Make sure the production line is open when you visit, as it’s the highlight of the tour.

Access is good throughout the plant, with lots of accessible parking, level access to the Visitors Center, and barrier-free access along the tour route.

Tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and tickets are distributed on a first-come basis. The summer months are extremely busy, so make sure to arrive early, as you don’t want to miss this excellent tour.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

See Related Articles
For more accessible travel tips, see Eleven Tips for a Perfectly Accessible Road Trip.

See Adirondack Park Boasts Barrier-Free Backcountry Access to get more information on experiencing an accessible retreat outdoors.

Need help planning your next accessible getaway? See Travel Agents Specializing in Adaptive Travel for more information.