Ethel M Chocolates Factory

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.