What Mars means to Chicago
Mars, Incorporated’s Chicago legacy stretches from its 1929 Galewood factory to a modern Global Research and Development Hub on Goose Island. The company’s history is part of Chicago’s manufacturing and confectionery story, alongside the Wrigley Company. Although the Galewood factory is closed and Mars facilities are generally not open to the public, visitors can explore the factory’s exterior, public-facing art and displays, and nearby neighborhoods and attractions.
History
Mars was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. Drawn to Chicago’s role as a center for food innovation and manufacturing, the company opened its first large-scale factory in Galewood in 1929 (Mars, Incorporated: History in the Making).
Chicago’s history as a trading and manufacturing hub dates to the late 18th century, when Jean Baptiste Point du Sable established the city’s first permanent non-indigenous settlement. Its industrial growth, diverse workforce, and transportation network helped companies such as Mars thrive (Chicago History).
The Wrigley Company, founded in 1891, became known for chewing gum and confectionery. Mars acquired Wrigley in 2008, expanding its Chicago footprint and product portfolio and bringing two major confectionery brands together (Mars, Incorporated - Company History).
The Galewood factory produced products including Snickers, M&M’s, and Twix. Mars closed the historic facility in 2024, while its $42 million Global Research and Development Hub on Goose Island represents a newer chapter in the company’s Chicago presence (Mars Inc. Wikipedia; Mars opens $42 million Global Research and Development Hub in Goose Island).
What to see
Goose Island Global Research and Development Hub
The 44,000-square-foot hub is the largest of Mars’ seven global innovation sites and has around 300 R&D associates working on the next generation of snacks (Mars opens transformative $42m Snacking R&D hub in Chicago). The facility is powered by renewable energy from Mars’ Ford Ridge wind farm. Its design includes a prominent mural celebrating Mars products and Chicago roots, as well as historical displays about the company’s legacy (Inside Mars’ New Global R&D Center in Chicago).
The center is also described as a hub for R&D and manufacturing iconic treats such as Snickers and M&M’s. Mars and Wrigley have helped make Chicago a center for snacking research, development, and manufacturing (Mars opens doors on new Global Research and Development Hub in Chicago).
Galewood factory and neighborhood
The former factory is at 2019 N Oak Park Avenue. Built in 1929, it is a Spanish Revival-style landmark whose community-centered design has made it a notable part of Galewood’s history. Visitors can view its historic façade and manicured grounds from outside; the grounds and building are described as remnants of Chicago’s “Candy Capital of the World” era (Chicago.gov Mars Candy Factory Report, p. 30).
Mars is described as a quiet residential neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side, centered around the factory. Its low-scale, country-club-like architecture and proximity to major transit lines shaped its residential development (Chicago.gov Mars Candy Factory Report, p. 2).
The neighborhood offers peaceful, family-friendly streets for walks and photography, and its proximity to Galewood and Montclare provides access to local shops and parks. Other local highlights include Galewood Park, cafés, and early 20th-century architecture.
Galewood redevelopment
McCaffery Interests plans to redevelop the factory’s 20-acre campus as a mixed-use community, preserving historic elements and adding amenities and green spaces. Mars has also been described as planning to donate the former manufacturing site for local development (Chicago YIMBY: Mars Wrigley Factory Redevelopment).
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets, and tours
The Goose Island R&D hub is a working facility and is not open to the general public for tours. Public-facing sights include its exterior mural and historical displays viewable from public areas. Mars does not currently offer public tours in Chicago.
Separate visitor information says private tours may be available by prior arrangement for industry professionals and educational groups. Mars also occasionally participates in citywide events such as the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which may offer opportunities to learn about its role in Chicago’s food industry.
The Galewood factory is not open for public tours. Community-led walking tours of the neighborhood and factory exterior were planned for 2025, focusing on the site’s architectural and cultural significance.
No public visiting hours or ticket details are provided for either facility.
Getting there
Goose Island hub
- Address 800 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
- Public transit CTA buses and Division Street stops serve the area.
- Parking Limited; follow event-specific guidance.
Galewood factory
- Metra The factory is adjacent to Galewood Metra station.
- CTA Buses serve the Galewood neighborhood.
- Walking and cycling The area is walkable and bike-friendly.
- By car The neighborhood is described as having ample street parking.
- The area is also described as accessible via Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line (Mars station), CTA buses, and car.
Tips
The neighborhood is described as safe and welcoming; standard urban precautions apply (Travellers Worldwide; Timeless Travel Steps).
Chicago’s weather is variable, and facilities in Mars are limited, so plan ahead and consider nearby neighborhoods for amenities (Time Out Chicago; Time Out Chicago).
Community events are generally small and local. For larger festivals, the guide suggests exploring adjacent neighborhoods or downtown (Loop Chicago). Community events may also offer opportunities to experience the Goose Island center. Its modern industrial architecture is another feature to view, and local dining options are nearby.
Nearby places
- Galewood and Montclare Local shops, dining, parks, and cafés.
- Oak Park Frank Lloyd Wright homes and the Hemingway Museum.
- Goose Island A stop to combine with a visit to the factory neighborhood.
- Chicago Riverwalk, Fulton Market District, and architecture tours Nearby options listed with the Goose Island hub.
- Wrigley Field, the Chicago History Museum, and Pullman National Monument Sites for exploring Chicago’s industrial and cultural heritage. The Chicago History Museum and Goose Island murals and displays are also suggested for learning more about Mars’ Chicago history.
- Downtown Chicago Museum Campus and other cultural attractions (The Savvy Globetrotter).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Mars Chicago factory or R&D hub?
The facilities are not open to the general public. Visitors can view the factory exterior and public-facing murals and historical displays.
Are there Mars Chicago factory tours?
Mars does not currently offer public tours in Chicago. Private tours may be available by prior arrangement for industry professionals and educational groups. Community-led neighborhood and factory-exterior walking tours were planned for 2025.
Where can I learn more about Mars’ Chicago history?
The Goose Island hub’s murals and historical displays, viewable from public areas, and the Chicago History Museum provide information about the company’s Chicago story.
What other sites are related to Mars’ history?
Wrigley Field and former manufacturing districts provide connections to Chicago’s confectionery heritage.
