PA Museums

Exploring the Gardners Candy Museum in Blair County

A collage of four photos showcasing the Gardner’s Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The top left image captures the exterior of the historic candy store and museum, with a bright red awning and window displays featuring stuffed animals and festive decorations. The top right image highlights a close-up of vintage German silver candy molds used for shaping chocolate bunnies, accompanied by an informational sign explaining their history. The bottom left image provides a view of the museum’s interior, displaying antique candy-making equipment, vintage candy tins, and historical artifacts related to the company's long history. The bottom right image showcases shelves filled with Gardners Candies' Valentine’s Day treats, including heart-shaped chocolate boxes, peanut butter meltaways, and decorative holiday tins.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Gardners Candy Museum in Blair County, you’re in the right place!

Located in the heart of Tyrone, the Gardners Candy Museum offers visitors a sweet journey through confectionery history.

A vintage Gardners Candies holiday gift box and antique chocolate molds on display at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The red velvet box, adorned with gold lettering and a festive wreath design, reads "Seasons Greetings" and "Quality Chocolates." In front of the box, several ornate silver candy molds, used in past chocolate production, showcase intricate floral patterns. A small sign notes that the vintage Gardners Candies gift box was donated by Lu Keller in 2011 after originally being received as a Christmas gift. The exhibit highlights the company’s long-standing tradition of crafting high-quality chocolates since 1897.

Established in 1897 by James “Pike” Gardner, Gardners Candies has been a beloved name in the candy industry for over a century.

A nostalgic exhibit inside Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, features antique candy-making equipment, vintage packaging, and historical memorabilia. A glass display case filled with old-fashioned candy tins and molds sits atop an ornately carved wooden counter, illuminated by stained-glass pendant lights. A red vintage Coca-Cola vending machine stands against a wood-paneled wall adorned with framed historical photographs, including an aerial view of Tyrone. In the foreground, a white go-kart labeled "Fundraisers" with a plush white bear in the driver’s seat is displayed on a table draped with a checkered racing banner. The exhibit captures the rich history of Gardners Candies, which has been crafting chocolates and confections since 1897.

Today, visitors can explore the flagship candy store, an impressive candy museum, and a nostalgic ice cream parlour all under one roof.

A brightly lit retail area inside the Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, features an extensive selection of chocolates, nostalgic candies, and gift boxes. Circular and tiered shelves display colorful bags of individually wrapped candies, chocolate-covered treats, and festive gift baskets adorned with bows. The red and white decor, accented with heart-shaped candy boxes and holiday-themed plush toys, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hanging red foil decorations add a celebratory touch. The neatly arranged displays highlight the long-standing tradition of Gardners Candies, a company known for its Original Peanut Butter Meltaway and handcrafted confections since 1897.

Directions & Hours

The Gardners Candy Museum, ice cream parlour, and flagship candy store are located at 30 West 10th Street, Tyrone, PA 16686.

The complex is open Monday-Saturday from noon until 9 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm until 9 pm.

There’s plenty of metered street parking in front of the store/museum.

A framed photograph on display at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, captures a visit by legendary Pittsburgh Steelers football player Franco Harris around the year 2000. The image shows Harris standing with a group inside the candy-making facility, with a "Gardners Candies" neon sign visible in the background. A label beneath the photo provides details of the visit. The framed memorabilia is part of the museum’s collection, highlighting the company’s rich history and its connection to notable visitors over the years.

What You’ll See at the Gardners Candy Museum

Stepping into the Gardners Candies store on West 10th Street, guests are greeted by a colorful display of sweets and chocolates.

A brightly lit candy counter inside the Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, displays a variety of handmade chocolates and confections in glass cases. The red and white interior is decorated with holiday-themed teddy bears, miniature Christmas trees, and branded merchandise, including red Gardners Candies cooler bags. Above the counter, two stained-glass pendant lights add a nostalgic charm. Shelves in the background hold additional candy boxes and gift items, while a sign promotes chocolate-covered strawberries. The display cases are filled with neatly arranged chocolates, truffles, and other sweet treats, showcasing the craftsmanship of this historic candy company, known for its Original Peanut Butter Meltaway.

The shop features a wide selection of handcrafted confections, including the famous Original Peanut Butter Meltaway.

Shelves are stocked with beautifully packaged gift tins, assorted chocolates, and seasonal treats, while a bulk candy section allows visitors to mix and match their favorites.

A colorful retail display inside the Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, showcases an assortment of chocolates, confections, and nostalgic candies. Shelves are stocked with Gardners Candies' signature treats, including chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter meltaways, and boxed chocolates. Decorative red and gold heart-shaped candy tins hang above the display, adding a festive touch. Lollipops, retro sweets, and individually wrapped chocolates are neatly arranged on multiple levels. The vibrant red and white decor, combined with classic packaging, reflects the long-standing history of this Pennsylvania-based candy company, founded in 1897.

Among the specialty items, customers can find nostalgic candy varieties and unique local treats.

A nostalgic penny candy display inside Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, features a glass case filled with individually wrapped old-fashioned candies, priced at 10 and 15 cents each. Brightly colored wrappers of classic treats such as Tootsie Rolls, Satellite Wafers, and caramel chews are neatly arranged in trays. Above the display, shelves hold additional vintage candies, including Lipsticks and Pez dispensers. The setup evokes the charm of an old-time candy store, where visitors can experience a taste of the past while exploring the history of Gardners Candies, a company that has been crafting sweets since 1897.

Beyond the candy store, visitors will discover the Gardners Candy Museum, which lies between the shop and the ice cream parlour.

The interior of Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, showcases a historical exhibit highlighting the company's rich legacy since its founding in 1897. The museum features antique candy-making equipment, vintage packaging, and display cases filled with memorabilia, including old photographs and promotional items. A long wooden counter with glass display cases holds historical artifacts related to chocolate production. Stained-glass pendant lamps hang from the ceiling, adding a nostalgic touch. The museum’s hardwood floors and vintage decor create a charming atmosphere that transports visitors back in time while celebrating the craftsmanship behind Gardners Candies' famous chocolates, including the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway.

This fascinating museum showcases the history of Gardners Candies, from its humble beginnings as a horse-drawn wagon selling sweets to its growth into a renowned chocolate manufacturer.

A display of antique business equipment at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The exhibit features vintage cash registers, weighing scales, and an old-fashioned typewriter, all meticulously arranged on a red wooden platform. Above the display, historic photographs of Tyrone and the early days of Gardners Candies are mounted on a wood-paneled wall, offering a glimpse into the town's past. The artifacts highlight the evolution of business operations and commerce, showcasing tools that were once essential to running a successful confectionery shop. This exhibit underscores the long-standing history of Gardners Candies, which has been crafting sweet treats since 1897.

Display cases hold vintage packaging, advertising memorabilia, and black-and-white photographs that offer a glimpse into the company’s early days.

Antique candy-making equipment, including copper kettles and an old peanut roaster, highlight the craftsmanship that has gone into Gardners’ sweets for generations.

A historical exhibit inside Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, featuring vintage candy-making equipment and tools. Copper kettles rest on antique gas stoves, once used for cooking confections. A worktable holds an old-fashioned candy mold press and a mechanical scale, while various candy-making utensils, including spoons, thermometers, and paddles, hang on a rustic brick wall. A red sign advertises "Fresh Roasted Nuts," listing almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts, and other varieties. The exhibit provides a glimpse into the traditional techniques used in Gardners Candies' production since its founding in 1897.

One of the most impressive exhibits in the museum is the collection of vintage candy moulds, including intricate designs for Easter bunnies and holiday chocolates.

A close-up view of vintage German silver candy molds on display at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The intricately detailed molds depict various rabbit designs, historically used to create chocolate Easter bunnies. A sign in the display explains that German silver was used for candy molds because it gave finished chocolates a glossy sheen, whereas modern molds are typically made of plastic. It also notes that Gardners Candies still uses these traditional molds for Easter chocolates and possesses approximately 1,000 more molds in various shapes and sizes. The exhibit highlights the craftsmanship and heritage of Gardners Candies, which has been making confections since 1897.

The museum also features historic registers, scales, and other tools once used in the original store and factory.

A vintage peanut roaster on display at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. This ornate, cast-iron roaster was used by Gardners Candies from 1920 to 1976 and features intricate decorative engravings on its exterior. A sign affixed to the machine provides historical context, detailing its long service in roasting peanuts for the company's confections. Surrounding the roaster, additional antique candy-making equipment, including copper kettles and wooden barrels, showcases the traditional craftsmanship involved in Gardners' production process. This exhibit highlights the company’s commitment to quality and its rich confectionery history dating back to 1897.

Informative plaques guide visitors through the evolution of the candy-making process, while a video presentation provides an inside look at the production facility, which continues to operate in Tyrone.

A historical display at Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, featuring a red, heart-shaped candy box with lace trim, accompanied by an informational sign about James A. "Pike" Gardner. The sign explains that Pike Gardner, founder of Gardners Candies in 1897, is credited with inventing the idea of heart-shaped boxes for Valentine’s Day candy. It describes how handmade decorative boxes were displayed in his store, inspiring traveling salesmen to adopt the concept and spread it worldwide. The display, set against a red fabric background, highlights Gardners Candies' influence on the confectionery industry and its long-standing tradition of innovation.

At the back of the building, the retro ice cream parlour invites guests to indulge in another sweet tradition.

A retro-style ice cream parlor inside Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, features a red and white checkerboard floor, red cushioned chairs, and speckled granite tables with ornate gold-colored legs. The counter in the background showcases Hershey's Ice Cream branding, with a large menu board listing sundaes, shakes, and other frozen treats. The bright and inviting space reflects a classic soda fountain aesthetic, where visitors can enjoy ice cream alongside Gardners Candies' famous chocolates and confections. The parlor is part of the museum's flagship store, celebrating the company's rich history since 1897.

This charming space, decorated with red-and-white checkerboard floors and vintage-style booths, serves up scoops of Hershey’s Ice Cream.

A generous scoop of rich chocolate ice cream with swirls of marshmallow is served in a white disposable bowl with a plastic spoon at the Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The bowl rests on a speckled granite countertop, with the candy shop’s red and white decor visible in the softly blurred background. The ice cream, made by Hershey's, is a sweet treat available at the museum's soda fountain, where visitors can enjoy classic confections and frozen desserts while learning about the history of Gardners Candies, a Pennsylvania candy company established in 1897.

Visitors can treat themselves to classic sundaes, milkshakes, and hand-dipped cones, making it the perfect way to conclude a trip to Gardners Candies.

A retro-style ice cream parlor inside Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, features a red and white checkerboard floor, red upholstered booths with decorative glass dividers, and matching red chairs around speckled granite tables with ornate gold-colored legs. The bright and inviting space evokes a nostalgic soda fountain atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy ice cream, sundaes, and other sweet treats. The walls are adorned with framed photos and memorabilia, while the entrance, visible in the background, has red double doors decorated with heart-shaped accents, reinforcing the classic charm of this historic Pennsylvania candy company, founded in 1897.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Gardners Candy Museum is a delightful experience that blends nostalgia, history, and delicious treats.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun stop in central Pennsylvania, this museum and candy shop is a must-see destination.

A display of Gardners Candies' Punxsutawney Phil solid milk chocolate figures inside the Gardner's Candy Museum in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The chocolates, molded in the shape of the famous weather-predicting groundhog, are individually wrapped in clear plastic and arranged inside a red cardboard display box featuring an illustrated Punxsutawney Phil wearing a blue top hat and tuxedo. The packaging highlights Gardners Candies' long-standing tradition since 1897. The festive design celebrates Pennsylvania's Groundhog Day tradition, making this a unique regional confection.

Nearby Attractions

If sweets are your things, Visiting the Boyer Candy Factory Outlet in Blair County is your guide to another terrific candymaker factory store and mini-museum, located just minutes from Tyrone.

A collage of four photos showcasing the Boyer Candy Factory Outlet in Altoona, PA. The top-left image captures the exterior of the factory with a sign directing visitors to the outlet store entrance. The top-right image features stacks of bright yellow Mallo Cup boxes alongside Smoothie and Clark Bars inside the store. The bottom-left image highlights a collectible Mallo Cup die-cast truck among shelves of Boyer treats. The bottom-right image displays neatly folded Mallo Cup-themed t-shirts in red, yellow, and gray, offering sweet memorabilia for candy lovers.

20 Must-See Attractions in Blair County is your guide to even more great things to see and do in the surrounding area.

A collage of four images highlighting the must-see attractions in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a historic steam train with plumes of white smoke, and an engineer standing by. The top right shows a serene lake with clear reflections of autumn-tinted trees and fluffy clouds. In the bottom left, a group of reenactors in colonial military uniforms stands in formation at a fort. The bottom right picture displays the colorful and inviting entrance to DelGrosso's Amusement Park, complete with the American and park flags fluttering in the breeze.

Find even more exciting spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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