Step Into a Candy-Coated Piece of Indiana History
If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or just love a good dose of nostalgia), a trip to Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is like stepping into a candy-coated time machine. Family-owned since 1891, this charming shop is one of the oldest continuously operating candy businesses in the United States – and it’s still making treats the old-fashioned way.
A Taste of History
Walk through the doors of Schimpff’s and you’re greeted by the smell of warm sugar, rows of colorful candy jars, and a vintage soda fountain that feels straight out of the 1950s. The building itself has stood tall through floods, pandemics and the Great Depression, proving that candy really does make tough times a little sweeter.
Sweet Treats and Local Favorites
The star of the show here? Cinnamon Red Hots, still made by hand on the original marble tables. You’ll also find chocolate turtles, lemon drops, hard candy fish and other classic confections that have been fan favorites for generations. Don’t forget to grab a seat at the soda fountain for an old-school phosphate or a scoop of ice cream.
A Candy Museum You Can Taste
One of the quirkiest (and most fun) parts of visiting Schimpff’s is the Candy Museum and demonstration area, where you can watch candy being made right before your eyes. Seeing a red-hot batch pulled and cut by hand is almost as satisfying as tasting it afterward. And yes, samples are encouraged.
Plan Your Trip
Located in downtown Jeffersonville, Schimpff’s is a perfect stop if you’re exploring the riverfront, heading to Louisville across the bridge or road-tripping through southern Indiana. In 2025, Schimpff’s was named “Best Candy Store in America” by USA Today, proving what Hoosiers have known all along – this candy shop is something special. On Nov. 7-8, there will be a citywide celebration for this big accomplishment along with a passing of the torch from the 4th generation to 5th generation family owners!
Whether you leave with a bag of cinnamon drops, a chocolate-covered marshmallow or just a smile on your face, one thing’s certain: you’ll walk out with a little taste of history from Schimpff’s Confectionery.
