Entry No. 31 — the Louisville file — filed under: records
Schimpff's Confectionery Candy Museum
Operating under the same family since 1891, this historic sweet shop features an attached museum filled with antique candy molds, vintage tin packaging, and century-old copper kettles.
The story
Cross the Ohio River into Jeffersonville and head for 347 Spring Street, where the same family has been boiling sugar and pulling mints since 1891. While most vintage sweet shops just buy modern candy and slap retro decor on the walls, Schimpff's operates as an active production kitchen attached to one of the few dedicated candy museums in the United States.
The museum floor isn't just a static display of dead history—though you will find walls lined with antique candy molds, vintage tin packaging, and historical artifacts tracing Midwest candy making. The real draw is the machinery: century-old copper kettles and 1890s brass equipment that are still fired up to batch regional specialties like the Modjeska, a soft marshmallow center wrapped in rich caramel.
What it's like
Step inside and you'll immediately hit the sweet, warm steam of boiling sugar before realizing the museum, candy shop, lunchroom, and 1950s soda fountain all occupy the same historic footprint. Position yourself near the glass window in the back to catch a live demonstration as candy makers stretch molten hard candy and run it through 19th-century brass drop rollers. It can get packed on weekends, so double-check operating hours beforehand, then grab a seat at the soda fountain for a fountain malt once the demonstration finishes.
The move: Watch a live demonstration of hard candy being rolled through 1890s brass equipment, sample local Modjeska caramel-marshmallow treats, and share a malt at the 1950s soda fountain.
- 📍 Jeffersonville, IN
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 347 Spring St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Vintage Fire Museum — Walk three blocks away to inspect 1750s hand pumpers and historic firefighting gear in downtown Jeffersonville.
- Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion — Drive a mile down the riverbank to explore an 1894 Romanesque mansion built by prominent steamboat builders.
- Thomas Edison House — Cross back into Butchertown to visit the 1850s shotgun cottage where 19-year-old Thomas Edison rented a room in 1866.
Good to know
Where is Schimpff's Confectionery located?
You'll find it just across the river from Louisville at 347 Spring St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130.
What can you see in the candy museum?
The collection features antique candy molds, vintage tin packaging, century-old copper kettles, and working 1890s brass candy rollers.
What is a Modjeska?
It's a local specialty treat made of a soft marshmallow core enveloped in handmade caramel.
Can you get food or drinks there?
Yes, there is an attached lunchroom and a 1950s-style soda fountain serving classic malts and light bites.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Atlas Obscura · gosoin.com · midwestwanderer.com
last checked: 2026-07-21