Ethel M Chocolates Factory

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America

Family
Friends
Kids

Tour the chocolate factory and sample delicious treats.

Where chocolate-making artistry meets desert beauty - Ethel M offers a uniquely sweet Las Vegas experience away from the casino crowds.

Step into a place where the rich aroma of handcrafted chocolate fills the air, and desert landscapes bloom into a whimsical wonderland. Ethel M Chocolates Factory and its adjoining Cactus Garden is more than a tour—it's a sensory escape that satisfies both sweet tooth and soul.

In a city known for neon and nightlife, this hidden gem offers something different: warmth, tradition, and beauty in every bite and every bloom.


Why Visit Ethel M Chocolates Factory?


  • Witness live chocolate production on a free self-guided factory tour
  • Sample premium handmade chocolates at the tasting bar
  • Explore a 3-acre botanical cactus garden with 300+ desert plant species
  • Purchase unique edible souvenirs and gift boxes
  • Seasonal displays and decorations (especially impressive during Christmas)


Location & Overview

Where: Henderson, just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, USA

Tucked away in the quieter outskirts of the city, Ethel M Chocolates is an artisanal chocolate factory founded in 1981 by Forrest Mars Sr.—yes, of the Mars candy empire. Named after his mother, Ethel Mars, the factory was born from a desire to return to small-batch, preservative-free chocolate made with care and craft.

Attached to the factory is a 4-acre Botanical Cactus Garden—one of the largest in the Southwest and home to over 300 species of desert plants.

Quick Facts:

  • Founded: 1981
  • Garden Size: 4 acres
  • Plant Species: 300+
  • Admission: Free
  • Unique Feature: The only cactus garden next to a working chocolate factory


What to Expect During Your Visit


1. Chocolate Factory Experience


  • Observation windows let you watch chocolatiers craft signature treats
  • Educational displays explain the chocolate-making process
  • Seasonal production specialties throughout the year


2. Chocolate Tasting & Retail Shop


  • Complimentary samples with every visit
  • Popular flavors include Dark Chocolate Raspberry and Peanut Brittle
  • Custom gift boxes and corporate gift options available


3. Botanical Cactus Garden


  • Peaceful walking paths through desert landscapes
  • Night-time illumination creates a magical atmosphere
  • Free admission and open until 11pm daily


Pro Tip : Time your visit for mid-afternoon on weekdays to see peak chocolate production activity. The cactus garden takes on special beauty after sunset when subtle lighting transforms the space.


Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons:

  • Spring (March–May): Ideal bloom season for cacti and desert flora
  • Fall (October–November): Comfortable weather for garden strolling

Special Times to Visit:

  • Holiday Cactus Garden Lights (Nov–Jan): A dazzling seasonal display of over half a million lights
  • Valentine’s Day or Easter: Themed treats and events in the shop

Best Time of Day:

  • Early mornings and late afternoons (for golden light and cooler temps)
  • Evening hours during holiday light displays



Visitor Tips for Best Experience


  • Combine your visit with a trip to Hoover Dam (conveniently located along the route)
  • Inquire about discounted "imperfect" chocolates at the retail counter
  • Allow 45-60 minutes for the full experience (factory + garden)
  • Holiday seasons bring special chocolate creations and enhanced decorations


Location & Transportation


  • Address: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
  • Driving Directions: 15 minutes from the Strip via I-515 South to Sunset Road exit
  • Parking: Complimentary on-site parking available
  • Rideshare: Approximately $15-20 from Strip hotels
  • Public Transit: RTC Route 212 stops nearby


Essential Visitor Information


  • Operating Hours:
  • Factory Viewing: 8:30am-4:30pm daily
  • Retail Store: 8:30am-11pm daily
  • Cactus Garden: Open until 11pm daily
  • Admission:
  • Cactus Garden & Chocolate Shop: FREE

Factory Viewing Aisle: FREE (self-guided tour with informational displays)

  • Chocolate Tasting Experience:
  • Starts around $20 per person
  • Includes expert-led tasting session with gourmet samples
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible facilities
  • Special Notes: Large bags not permitted in factory viewing area
  • Age/Participation Requirements:
  • All ages welcome
  • Tasting experience recommended for ages 12+


Things to See / Key Attractions

  • Chocolate Factory Viewing Aisle: Watch chocolatiers at work, from enrobing to packaging
  • Gourmet Chocolate Shop: Sample or take home treats like dark chocolate pecan brittle and hand-painted truffles
  • Botanical Cactus Garden: A peaceful walking path through 300+ desert plants, including agave, barrel cactus, and Joshua trees
  • Holiday Light Show: A desert fantasy with twinkling lights wrapped around cactus limbs—pure Vegas magic
  • Premium Chocolate Tasting Room: Learn how to savor chocolate like a sommelier does wine


Visitor Tips

  • What to Wear: Casual attire, sun protection in warmer months, comfortable shoes for garden paths
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways throughout the garden and shop
  • Suggested Duration: 1–1.5 hours for casual visits, up to 2 hours with tasting
  • Pro Tips:
  • Visit early to avoid midday heat
  • Bring a camera—especially during golden hour or the holidays
  • Chocolate melts! If you’re traveling, ask for insulated packaging


How to Reach

Nearest Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – ~15 minutes by car

From the Las Vegas Strip:

  • By Car/Rideshare: ~15–20 minutes
  • By Bus: Not directly convenient; driving or taxi is recommended
  • Parking: Free on-site parking available


Nearby Attractions & Where to Eat

Nearby Attractions:

  • Clark County Museum: Just 10 minutes away—a treasure trove of Vegas history
  • Sunset Station Casino & Hotel: A family-friendly casino with arcade and dining options

Where to Eat:

  • Cafe inside Ethel M: Serves coffee, ice cream, and chocolate-inspired drinks
  • Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina (Henderson): Local favorite for Mexican cuisine
  • The Coffee Class: Stylish spot for artisanal coffee and light bites


Who It’s Best Suited For

  • Couples: A romantic stroll and chocolate tasting? Yes, please
  • Families: Free admission and open space for kids to explore
  • Solo Travelers: Peaceful, no-pressure spot with delicious rewards
  • Photographers & Nature Lovers: Desert flora meets design aesthetics
  • History Buffs: Learn about the Mars family and the craft of chocolate


Legends, Trivia, or Fun Facts

  • The founder, Forrest Mars Sr., also created M&M’s, Snickers, and Mars Bars
  • The garden’s holiday light display is powered in part by solar energy—fitting for a desert location
  • Over 600,000 lights are strung up for the annual holiday event
  • The chocolate is still made using his mother’s original recipes from the early 1900s


FAQs Section

Q1: Is the factory operational year-round?

Yes, though production may vary. Visitors can view the production floor from the hallway during open hours.

Q2: Can I buy chocolate online?

Yes! Ethel M offers online shopping with nationwide shipping via ethelm.com.

Q3: Are pets allowed in the cactus garden?

Only service animals are permitted.

Q4: Do I need a reservation to visit?

No reservation is needed for the factory or garden. Tasting experiences should be booked in advance.

Q5: Is there shade in the cactus garden?

Some areas have shaded benches, but bring a hat and sunscreen during hot months.

Things to Know about Ethel M Chocolates Factory
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Free (chocolates extra)
1 hour
Important Tips

Check out the beautiful cactus garden

great for chocolate lovers and families. Tours are free but consider purchasing some chocolates.

Address

2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014Visit

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