6 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Buffalo
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Samantha Gill
Author
Buffalo built its reputation as an industrial city, and the 716 shines with several factories still in operation today. While many can only be viewed from the outside (and smelled – lookin’ at you, General Mills), you can get an inside take on the inner workings of some of Buffalo’s finest factories. Here are six fantastic factory tours you can only take in and around Buffalo, in no particular order.
The Kazoo Factory in Eden, NY is a quick drive south of the city of Buffalo. This factory and museum is the only metal kazoo factory in North America, with kazoos of all shapes and sizes on display inside the museum! Watch kazoos being made Monday through Friday until 3PM, use the "Make Your Own Kazoo" station to craft your own, and take a self-guided (free) tour or guided ($1/person) tour of the museum.
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The Carrousel museum in North Tonawanda is a family favorite spot near the city of Buffalo, with tours available of the facilities for groups of 10 or more available with advanced notice. Each guided tour lasts approximately one hour as visitors are led throughout the factory complex and explained the history of carousels and inner workings of the factory. You'll also get a view of the carving shop, music roll production shop, and "Lockman Exhibit." Bonus: every tour ends with a ride on a carousel!
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While the inner workings of Silo City aren't currently in operation, we'll still count it as a factory! Explore the history of industrial prowess that once occurred inside these impressive structures on a 2.5 hour tour led by Explore Buffalo. You'll be able to learn about the history and mechanics of the grain elevator as well as take a look at some of the projects happening at Silo City today.
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While the last public tour of the Colonel Ward Pumping Station was back in June, you can still request a tour of this pumping plant complex at the Buffalo Water Authority! If you're lucky enough to schedule a tour here, you'll be amazed at the giant five-story high, 60-foot steam pumps that were used in the early 1900s to deliver water throughout the city of Buffalo.
Bak USA is bringing technology to Buffalo with locally built mobile computers, used to support non-profit, education, and government agencies globally. The Bak factory is available for tours by request and appointment, to learn how these computers are built and get an inside look at the factory's inner workings. Prepare to leave feeling inspired after you hear more about the company's mission and background!
Have you ever toured any of these factories in Buffalo? Are there any great tours that we didn’t include on our list? Drop a comment below!
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