Tucked into the Flint Hills on the edge of Dexter, Kansas, is a rather unassuming metal building, open every day of the week. This is Henry’s Candy, conveniently located on K-15.
The Henry’s Candy tradition began with Tom Henry. Henry is best known for combining chocolate and caramel to create the Oh Henry! bar in 1919. In 1956, his son Patrick Henry moved the family business from Arkansas City to downtown Dexter, and in 1975 Henry’s Candy moved once more to its present location. The business now belongs to the fourth generation of candy makers.
Step into Henry’s Candy today, and you will be greeted by displays of just about every kind of old-fashioned candy imaginable. Rock candy, jelly beans, cherry sours, horehound drops, peanut brittle, innumerable flavors of bark—you name it, they likely have it. (Although Henry’s Candy does not own the license to the Oh Henry! name, they have plenty of other options to satisfy your sweet tooth.)
And you can also see the friendly candy makers at work. A long room with large windows provides a view of various sweet treats under construction, particularly on Sunday afternoons. Rumor has it that some of the candies are still made with Tom Henry’s original equipment.
Choosing between so many options can be more problematic. However, should one of the previously mentioned friendly candy makers decide to take a break from making candy in a hot, enclosed room, you are in luck. Just ask for a recommendation. It’s all good, but they can steer you to something you will particularly enjoy. (And if you want a recommendation from a fellow chocolate fan, try the mint chocolate bark.)
Definitely a must if you are in the area. Henry’s Candy is also on the Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail, one of our Top 10 Sights to See in the Flint Hills.
Helpful Resource
Henry’s Candy Company
Plan your trip!
Homestead on the Range 