Located in an industrial area just outside downtown Denver, Hammond’s Candies is one of those places that manages to feel timeless without trying too hard. Founded in 1920, the company has been producing candy for over a century, and a visit today offers a glimpse into a process that hasn’t been overly modernized. Instead, Hammond’s leans into what it does best: making candy the way it always has.
One of the main draws is the factory tour, which is free and offered multiple times throughout the day. After a brief introduction to the company’s history, visitors are guided to a hallway with windows that overlook the production floor, where much of the candy is still made by hand. Candy canes are stretched, twisted, and cut in full view, turning what could be a simple process into something surprisingly engaging. There’s a rhythm to it, and you expect to spot Willy Wonka stepping out of the shadows any second.
What stands out most during the tour is how open the operation feels. There’s no attempt to hide the machinery or rush visitors through. Instead, the focus is on explaining how traditional techniques are still used alongside modern necessities. The guides strike a good balance between being informative and approachable, making the tour accessible whether you’re visiting with kids or just curious about the process.
At the end of the tour, visitors exit, of course, directly into the gift shop. The space is bright and colorful, packed with shelves of Hammond’s signature candies. Classic candy canes, ribbon candy, and oversized lollipops dominate the displays, alongside seasonal items and creative flavor combinations. Even familiar sweets feel elevated here, simply because you’ve just watched them being made.