Step into the heart of craftsmanship with the Blenko Glass Company Hot Shop Factory Tour!
Witness how Blenko's hand batched molten glass is transformed into the world renowned giftware and tableware, by our glassmaking artisans -- or as we call them, the "Hot Shop" crew.
This immersive experience offers an up-close and personal view of the skill and dedication of each Blenko Hot Shop team member. Guests of this tour will undergo a safety discussion and quick briefing before being guided directly out and into our historical factory. Once there, guests will be within inches of the glassmaking team, to meet and learn about the roles of every staff member, and to observe their part in the creation of a specific product or glassware. Guests will also encounter up close views of our furnaces and learn about the Lehr, grading, quality control, and see our extensive collection of moulds.
Participants will visit every hot shop team available during their tour and can expect to watch 2-3 glassmaking cycles at each, for maximum glassmaking observation.
Note: This tour is best suited for guests who would rather spend the entire duration of their tour observing the magic of glassblowing, or for those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Perfect for repeating guests, or for those on a time crunch!
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.
