Embark on a comprehensive tour that takes you through every department of the world renowned Blenko Glass Company. Guests of this tour will begin their journey in the Museum, where you'll learn about the company's rich history and explore glass displays with a tour guide. From there, guests will follow their guide through each department of the factory, gaining an insider's view of the glassmaking process.
Watch skilled artisans in action in the "Hot Shop", then continue through to learn about grading and quality control, visit the "Cold Shop", Customs Department, and Shipping Warehouse. By the end of this tour, guests will fully understand the complete "Sand to Hand" process.
Note: For those visiting the "rarely seen" departments of our factory, this tour is best suited for individuals who can stand for long periods of time. This fully walking tour is also our longest in duration -- guests can expect to be standing for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for first time visitors, knowledge seekers, and Blenko enthusiasts alike!
Tour Rules, Guidelines & Information
Guided Tours are a paid experience with a trained Tour Guide walking you through not only the history of Blenko Glass Company, but also our factory and production methods– from sand to hand.
Every guest will receive a special keepsake. These in-depth tours must be scheduled ahead of time.
As always, our Museum and Observation Deck are free and self-guided.
When our factory was imagined over 100 years ago, they did not leave room to make our entire campus wheelchair or walker accessible. Again, unfortunately, our museum, tour, and observation areas are not wheelchair or walker accessible.
Those participating in guided tours can expect to experience lots of walking and exposure to the heat produced by our 2,000+ degree furnaces– please be sure that this is something you and everyone in your party are comfortable with and able to safely participate in. We are a functioning production facility and are happy and excited to provide guided “behind the scenes” tours of this art form, but it is vital to keep in mind that these offerings are exclusive and special in nature.
Our Visitor Center Gift Shop provides ample parking with handicap designations, a ramp at the entrance, and room for mobility aids to be used while shopping. However, our Museum and Observation Deck are accessed via a flight of stairs.
Tour participants must follow all rules and directions of the tour guide. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from campus.
Masks are recommended to protect guests from potential airborne irritants. We request that you bring your own mask, though masks are available on campus for those who do not or cannot (while supplies last).
Tour participants must be at least 14 years old to be on the factory floor.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and eye protection are required to be on the factory floor. Blenko will provide eye protection for use on campus. Flowing fabric like dresses or maxi skirts may exclude you from participating in a guided tour. Loose fabric is a safety hazard in manufacturing environments.
Pursuant with WV Code 61-7-14, firearms are prohibited on campus.
All members of your group need to arrive together! Anyone arriving after their group's tour departure from the Visitor Center will only be allowed on the next available tour if space allows. Therefore, in this scenario, it is best to reschedule for a later date. If you can no longer attend on your selected date, please use the link in your confirmation email to reschedule as soon as possible.
Tours must be canceled at least 48 hours in advance to be eligible for a full refund.
Due to current demand, tickets cannot be rescheduled less than 1 hour prior to the start of the tour. We appreciate your understanding!
**In rare instances, such as cases of extreme weather (including heat), we may cancel tours for the safety of all those involved. If this occurs, you will be issued a full refund and notified as early as possible.**
Thank you for continuing to be an amazing community and supporting handcrafted West Virginia goods!
If you are interested in booking an educational tour, or for your organization, please reach out to us directly at tours@blenko.com to explore your options.
