After Creating M&Ms & Mars Bars, This Man Built His Mother a $15 Million Chocolate Factory in the Nevada Desert

Ethel M Chocolates

While Mars, Inc. gave America its beloved M&Ms and Milky Ways, there’s a sweeter story behind the candies. Here’s how a chocolate factory became one of the best parts of the Mojave desert.

The Ethel M Factory is a Tribute from a Son to His Mother

Forrest Mars Sr., founder of Mars Inc. (yes, the Mars bars), created this factory to celebrate his mother, Ethel Mars. Ethel M quickly became popular for its liqueur-filled chocolates, which they only sold in Nevada.

You Can Go on a Self-Guided Chocolate Tour

At the factory, you can watch them make chocolate through large glass windows. At the end of the tour, you get a free chocolate sample. Tours run seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They Have the Biggest Cactus Garden in Nevada

The 3-acre garden has over 300 species of cacti and desert plants, the most in the state. And it’s totally free to visit.

During the holidays, they have a light show with over 500,000 lights. Since 2015, the garden has also featured a “Lights of Love” display for Valentine’s Day.

The Chocolate is Ethically & Sustainably Made

The company buys ingredients locally whenever possible, including sustainable cocoa. They also use a solar panel garden to help power its operations, plus an on-site water treatment facility that recycles dirty dishwater for landscaping.

You Can Order Ethel M Chocolates Online

Can’t make it to Nevada? Order online and have your chocolates shipped to you. In case you want to get your chocolate yourself, Ethel M now has stores throughout the Las Vegas Valley and in Glendale, California.

They Have a Chocolate & Wine Tasting Room

Because the only thing better than gourmet chocolate is sipping wine while you’re at it. Found a pairing you like? Create your own custom box and take it home with you.

The Factory is Also a Test Kitchen for the Mars Brand

From 1996 to 2003, the factory also made seasonal candies for other Mars Inc. brands. It’s also where they experiment with new Mars candy flavors.

The Company Has a Unique Connection to Las Vegas History

Forrest Mars Sr. and his mother moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 1975. Ethel M became one of the largest manufacturing employers in Henderson by 2003, and remains an important part of its tourism industry.

The company has also worked with the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team since 2017.

You Crave, Ethel M Delivers

From bringing back classic chocolate varieties to Ethel M has listened to public demand by bringing back classic chocolate varieties like Forever Yours. They now have sugar-free and vegan options too.

Ethel M Honors The Family’s Chocolate Tradition

The factory remains faithful to the original recipes by Ethel Mars. Chocolates are still made in small batches, and no preservatives are used in any of the products.