As summer approaches, Winnebago is inviting visitors to partake in RV manufacturing tours. Daily tours will last until October.
Tours are available for Forest City facility and the Lake Mills facility. All tours are free and begin at the Winnebago Industries Visitor Center at 1045 S. 4th St., Forest City, Iowa.
The Forest City tour is scheduled for noon Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday. The facility manufactures Winnebago Type A and Type C motorhomes.
Once arriving at the facility, visitors will tour the Stitchcraft facility where soft goods, including upholstery, shades, draperies, mattresses, bedspreads and trim panels are crafted. Visitors will see equipment such as embroidery and water jet machines. The water jet machines use high-pressure water to cut rubber steps, vinyl flooring and luan.
After visiting the Stitchcraft building, visitors will take a driving campus tour. The warehouse, shipping and metal stamp/chassis weld areas will be included in this section. The tour ends at the assembly facility, where visitors can view two production lines from the facility’s mezzanine.
Lake Mills produces Type B motorhomes. This tour is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Visitors will be transported to Lake Mills, approximately 15 miles away from the visitors’ center. The walking tour will display the complete manufacturing process from chassis delivery to the shipping process.
Reservations are recommended for both tours. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. A safety vest and glasses will be provided and are required for visitors to wear during the tour. Minors must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Each tour has a significant amount of walking. The Forest City tour will include stairs. To make a reservation, call 641-585-6936.
