Local Guide: More Factory Tours in Colorado

A visit to the beautiful state of Colorado includes gorgeous scenery and mountain views, but there are also hidden treasures which can be found by touring some of Colorado's factories. These are activities that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some great choices to include in your travel itinerary. Always check with each location to verify hours of operation, tour times and requirements. Some tours may require reservations for groups of 10 or more or those with special needs.

Pikes Peak Gourmet Popcorn

Pikes Peak Gourmet Popcorn is located only six miles west of Colorado Springs. Popcorn is a favorite of all ages and everyone will enjoy seeing how it is made and tasting the free samples on this tour. They offer so many flavors, that some of their customers refer to them as the "Jelly Belly" of popcorn. Some of the flavors for the winter season include cinnamon apple, pumpkin pie, chicken soup, root beer and raspberry truffle. For those without a sweet tooth, they offer savory flavors such as Cajun, hot jalapeño, vinegar and salt, Kettle Corn and more. You can visit the factory shop and watch your order being packed. Pikes Peak Gourmet Popcorn is located at 7935 West Highway 24 in Cascade, Colorado.

Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium Tours

Okay, so this is not a factory, but it is an awesome tour of the stadium the Denver Broncos call home! Purchase your tour tickets at Gate #1 on the west side of Invesco Field stadium at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum. On your 75-minute tour, you will walk about one-half mile and experience the Hall of Fame Museum, the party suites, United Club Level, Visiting Team Locker Room, Keg Room, Thunder's Stall, End Zone, Television Truck Production Area, and the Press Center. Check the website because there are limitations on tour dates and times according to season, http://www.coloradosports.org/invescofieldtours.cfm. Also there are no tours on the day before a home game. There is a small charge for this tour.

Art Castings of Colorado

Art Castings of Colorado is a foundry operation where enormous bronze sculptures are created. Bronze is poured almost every day in this art foundry, and the many of the staff are actually artists. A small fee is charged for a guided tour, and you must call ahead to arrange tours. This educational tour will teach you all about the casting process. Check out their website at http://www.artcastings.com for more information. They are located at 511 8^th St. SE in Loveland, Colorado.