Central Ohio Staycation Destination: American Whistle Factory Tour

My dear hubs has a vivid memory of visiting the Colsoff whistle factory when he was in elementary school.  So when we were looking for fun “staycation” ideas over spring break- this memory went to the top of the list!

Colsoff (started in 1956) is now called the American Whistle Corporation and is still located right here in Worthington, Ohio!  The current owner wanted to change the name of the company to reflect the fact that they are the ONLY manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States.  Super Bowl referees, the American Red Cross, New Your City police and  Boy Scouts of America all use American Whistles.

For being the only American manufacturer, the “factory” is quite a humble setting (really more like a one room warehouse.) The current owner, with his “interesting” sence of humor, lead the tours.  Along the way he shows each step in the whistle making process as well as providing interesting facts – did you know the whistle will still blow without the ball- it just sounds better with it and they have even produces whistles made of gold!

And at the end of the tour- everyone gets their very own whistle! (yeah, he hand them out just as you leave to get in your cars! LOL!)  Here is a tip too.  They also sell “accessories” to got with your “free” whistle.  For a reasonable $1 each you can also get a lanyard or rubber cover for your new whistle (in many different colors).  As you can see, I splurged for my kiddos! 😉  Oh and the neighboors loved us the rest of the afternoon (since I told them- outside to blow them!)

It was so much fun for my husband to be able to share this memory from his own childhood with his kiddos.  Another great staycation experience! (read about the Anthony Thomas factory tour too)

Tour Details:

• 45 min tours are privately scheduled for groups of 15 or more during the week- Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am & 5:00 pm 
• If you do not have 15 in your group, you will be added to another tour group.
• The cost is only $4 per person.  Which includes a Free whistle at the end.