Wisconsin Cheese Factory Tours for Families: The Ultimate Guide

Wisconsin produces over 3 billion pounds of cheese annually, and families can watch this artisan magic happen in person at more than 45 factories across the state. From the only Limburger producer in America to underground cheese caves and goat-filled farmsteads, these tours offer hands-on education, generous tastings, and memories that last far longer than even the squeakiest cheese curds. This guide covers every region—from Milwaukee to Door County, Green County's Swiss heritage heartland to the Driftless Area—with all the practical details families need to plan unforgettable cheese adventures.

Most tours are free or under $10, welcome children of all ages, and include generous samples. The key to catching live cheesemaking: arrive early on weekday mornings, typically between 7 and 11 AM. Pack a cooler with ice packs, because you'll leave with far more cheese than you planned.

Door County and the Northeastern Lakeshore

This region stretches from Green Bay through the scenic Door Peninsula and offers some of Wisconsin's most family-friendly cheese experiences, including working goat farms, underground caves, and historic multi-generational factories.

Renard's Cheese – Sturgeon Bay

2189 County Road DK, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 | (920) 825-7272 | renardscheese.com

This third-generation family operation produces over 50 varieties of handcrafted cheese and offers one of Door County's best family experiences. Factory tours are temporarily unavailable during expansion, but the experience remains excellent.

Tour Experience: Free self-guided sampling with cheese ambassadors at the sample table; video tour of cheesemaking plays in the dining area. Fresh curds made daily.

Family Features: Outdoor playground keeps kids entertained, while Melt Bistro serves breakfast and lunch with cheese-focused dishes. Pet-friendly outdoor spaces and plenty of restrooms. Look for mascot "Melvin the Mouse" for photos.

Specialties: The Terrific Trio (cheddar/parmesan/gouda blend), 44 varieties of cheddar alone, Morel & Leek Jack, Maple Syrup Cheddar, and Cranberry Jalapeño Monterey Jack.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM

Door Artisan Cheese Company – Egg Harbor

8103 Highway 42 N, Egg Harbor, WI 54209 | (920) 868-1444

Door County's only underground cheese caves make this 18,000-square-foot facility a destination unlike any other. Watch master cheesemakers through large observation windows, then take an elevator ride to view aging caves below.

Tour Experience: Self-guided viewing windows are free; cheese cave tours available by calling ahead. Cave tours last approximately 15 minutes and include an elevator descent to view three aging rooms through windows. Over 20 cheeses made on-site, 100+ varieties total.

Family Features: Kids are fascinated by the cave elevator experience. Cheesemakers welcome questions during production hours. Wine, craft beer, and charcuterie available for parents at Glacier Ledge restaurant.

Specialties: Award-winning Aged Top Hat Cheddar (World Cheese Competition winner), Cave-Aged Crema Pressato Fresco Asiago, Cave Point Swiss, and the beer-washed Valmy.

Hours: Friday-Sunday 10 AM-3 PM (seasonal; verify current schedule)

Door County Creamery – Sister Bay

10653 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI 54234 | doorcountycreamery.com

This farmstead goat creamery offers the region's most interactive animal experience, with farm tours that transport families by bus to meet the goats, from babies to adults.

Tour Experience: Farm tours run May through October. The full experience lasts about two hours: bus to the goat farm one mile away, barn and milking house tour, return for patio lunch and gelato. Watch cheese being made through café windows. Reservations required.

Family Features: Goat yoga sessions partnered with Ironwood Yoga. Baby goat snuggling during kidding season draws families from across the Midwest. Goat milk gelato made fresh daily. Pet-friendly outdoor patio.

Specialties: Fresh chèvre in seasonal flavors including Smoked Whitefish, Truffle, Fresh Herb, and Lingonberry. Also cow's milk cheese from Bailey's Harbor dairy. Goat milk soaps available.

Seasonal: Open May through October only. Daily 10:30 AM-9 PM.

Henning's Cheese – Kiel

20201 Point Creek Road, Kiel, WI 53042 | (920) 894-3032 | henningscheese.com

Four generations of the Henning family have made cheese at this Manitowoc County location since 1914. The combination of viewing windows, vintage museum, and generous samples makes this ideal for families.

Tour Experience: Large observation windows into the spotless factory; best viewing Monday-Friday 7 AM-noon. On-site museum displays vintage cheese vats, presses, separators, and butter-making equipment. Cheesemaking videos explain cheddar and string cheese production. Free samples generously offered.

Family Features: The museum's antique equipment fascinates children curious about "how things worked before." Fresh squeaky cheese curds and ice cream available. Staff are notably friendly and educational.

Specialties: Award-winning cheddars with national and world honors, Mozza Whips string cheese, fresh curds (Monday-Friday), Asiago spread, and aged varieties.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM; Saturday 8 AM-noon; closed Sunday. Located 15 minutes northeast of Elkhart Lake.

Union Star Cheese Factory – Fremont

7742 County Road II, Fremont, WI 54940 | (920) 836-2804 | unionstarcheese.com

Operating since 1906, Union Star offers one of Wisconsin's increasingly rare free guided walk-through factory tours—not just viewing windows, but actual floor access led by certified cheesemakers.

Tour Experience: Free 30-minute guided tours Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8-8:30 AM. Walk through the working factory, see curds being made, and receive warm, fresh samples at tour's end. Groups under 10 need no reservation. The factory looks remarkably similar to 60 years ago.

Family Features: Small, intimate atmosphere perfect for curious kids. Arrive early for the warmest, squeakiest curds. Over 40 cheese varieties in the retail shop.

Specialties: Famous squeaky cheese curds, sharp cheddar, muenster, Colby, brick, and unique flavor blends. Gift boxes ship nationwide.

Hours: Store open Monday-Saturday 6 AM-5 PM; Sunday 10:30 AM-5 PM. Tours at 8 AM only.

Scray Cheese Factory – De Pere

2082 Old Martin Road, De Pere, WI 54115 | (920) 347-0303 | scraycheese.com

Just minutes from Lambeau Field, this fourth-generation family factory makes an ideal Green Bay combo stop. Watch cheese being made through the viewing window on production days.

Tour Experience: Free self-guided viewing window; cheese made Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, typically starting around 1 PM. Staff happily explain the process and history. No formal tours, but welcoming atmosphere.

Family Features: Premium ice cream including espresso flavors. Fresh squeaky curds on production days. Perfect pairing with a Packers game or Lambeau Field visit.

Specialties: Handcrafted since 1924: Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Fontina. Flavored varieties include Tomato Basil Cheddar, Horseradish Havarti, and Spinach Artichoke Cheddar.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday 9 AM-3 PM; closed Sunday.

Pine River Dairy – Manitowoc

10115 English Lake Road, Manitowoc, WI 54220 | (920) 758-2233 | pineriverdairy.com

Primarily a butter manufacturer, Pine River offers a massive cheese selection (250+ varieties) and what may be Wisconsin's best ice cream deal.

Tour Experience: Viewing window shows butter production; self-guided retail store experience. Staff answers questions about products.

Family Features: Cedar Crest ice cream cones for 25-50 cents—free during June Dairy Month. Kids go wide-eyed at the selection. Picnic area across the street. Sixth-generation Olm family operation.

Specialties: Over 250 cheese varieties, famous Pine River cheese spreads, fresh squeaky curds, 10-year aged cheddar, natural honey, and of course, their handcrafted butter.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-1 PM; closed Sunday.

Gibbsville Cheese – Sheboygan Falls

W2663 County Road OO, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 | (920) 564-3242 | gibbsvillecheese.com

Family-owned since 1933 by the Van Tatenhove family, this factory offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Wisconsin experience.

Tour Experience: Observation window to view production; free to visit. Fresh cheese curds every Tuesday after 2 PM—mark your calendar.

Family Features: Small, intimate shop setting. Staff knowledgeable about products and process.

Specialties: Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss, brick, string cheese, low-fat options, and Special Reserve Super Sharp Cheddar.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5 PM; Saturday 7:30 AM-3 PM; closed Sunday.

Green County: America's Swiss Cheese Heartland

Green County surrounding Monroe is the epicenter of Wisconsin's cheese heritage, with Swiss immigrant families establishing factories in the 1800s. Many of these operations continue today, and the region hosts Cheese Days every even-numbered September.

Alp & Dell Cheese Store / Emmi Roth Factory – Monroe

657 2nd Street, Monroe, WI 53566 | (608) 328-3355 | alpanddellcheese.com

This chalet-style store offers viewing windows into the adjacent Emmi Roth factory, which produces 38,000 pounds of cheese daily, including the 2016 World Champion Grand Cru Surchoix.

Tour Experience: Self-guided viewing hall available during store hours; free guided tours at 10 AM Monday-Friday lasting about an hour. Best viewing 9 AM-1 PM when production is active. Owner Tony Zgraggen, a Swiss native, may yodel for you if asked.

Family Features: Over 100 cheese varieties in the store with generous free samples. Beautiful Bavarian architecture. Wine sampling on Saturdays.

Specialties: World Champion Grand Cru Surchoix, Swiss varieties, Gruyere-style, Butterkäse, Havarti, Fontina, Gouda, and imported Swiss fondue blends.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. Closed major holidays.

Chalet Cheese Cooperative – Monroe

N4858 County Road N, Monroe, WI 53566 | (608) 325-5281 | chaletcheesecoop.com

This is the only facility in the United States that makes Limburger cheese. Founded in 1885 by five dairy farmers, the cooperative maintains America's stinkiest cheese tradition with unwavering dedication.

Tour Experience: Walk-in visitors enter directly onto the production floor—an immersive, informal experience unlike any other. Monday-Friday 8 AM-3 PM. Watch veteran workers hand-wrap cheese wheels. Staff share history and process.

Family Features: Welcoming "cottage industry" atmosphere. Educational about traditional methods. Warning: Limburger has a very strong aroma—prepare adventurous children for the experience!

Specialties: America's only Limburger, plus Baby Swiss, Wisconsin Brick, Swiss, smoked varieties, Beer Cheese, and Alpenaro (gouda-parmesan blend). 126+ competition awards.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-3 PM; closed weekends.

Decatur Dairy – Brodhead

W1668 County Road F, Brodhead, WI 53520 | (608) 897-8661 | decaturdairy.com

Master Cheesemaker Steve Stettler holds an unprecedented seven Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certifications and is the first and only master certified for cheese curds—which won World Championship Best of Class in both 2022 and 2024.

Tour Experience: Tours available by arrangement; call ahead. View cheese production during visits. Morning arrivals see the most activity.

Family Features: The grilled cheese sandwiches are legendary—try the "Picklicious" with curds. Outdoor picnic tables, ice cream, and dogs welcome in outdoor areas. Beautiful rolling hills setting.

Specialties: World Champion cheese curds, 40+ varieties including Havarti, Muenster, Brick, Stettler Swiss, and Colby Swiss. Third-generation operation since the 1940s.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM-5 PM; closed Sunday.

National Historic Cheesemaking Center – Monroe

2108 6th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566 | (608) 325-4636 | nhccmuseum.org

America's only cheesemaking museum tells the full story of Wisconsin's dairy heritage through restored historic buildings, vintage equipment, and during Cheese Days, live cheesemaking demonstrations.

Tour Experience: Guided tours led by veteran cheesemakers and knowledgeable docents. Video presentations, historic train car exhibit, and the restored Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory from the 1870s. During September Cheese Days (even years), watch Master Cheesemakers create a 200-pound Swiss wheel in a copper kettle.

Family Features: Excellent for homeschool field trips. Interactive exhibits engage all ages. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the full experience.

Seasonal: Open May 1 through October only. Group tours available year-round by appointment at (608) 293-2396.

Edelweiss Creamery – Monticello

Contact via Edelweiss Cheese Shop: (608) 558-4226 | edelweisscreamery.com

The only factory in America making authentic 180-pound Emmentaler wheels in a traditional Swiss copper vat. Master Cheesemaker Bruce Workman holds 12 certifications—the most in Wisconsin.

Tour Experience: By special arrangement only; call well ahead. Cheesemaking begins around 3-4 AM, so serious enthusiasts need very early starts. The historic factory dates to 1873.

Specialties: Traditional Emmentaler Swiss wheels, Butterkäse, Muenster, Havarti, Gouda, Dill Havarti, and grass-based cheeses.

Silver Lewis Cheese Cooperative – Monticello

W3075 County Highway EE, Monticello, WI 53570 | (608) 938-4813

Wisconsin's second-oldest continuously operating cooperative, founded in 1897. Twenty-two local patron farmers supply milk daily, including descendants of the original founding families.

Tour Experience: Small retail store steps from the cheesemaking room; early mornings best for viewing production. An authentic step back in time.

Specialties: Famous for Brick and Muenster, flavored Jacks, Veggie Cheese, Farmers Cheese—21 varieties total.

Hours: Monday-Friday approximately 6 AM-3 PM; Saturday 7 AM-noon; closed Sunday.

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern – Monroe

1023 16th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566 | (608) 325-6157

Wisconsin's oldest cheese store, operating since 1931 on Monroe's historic square. Part retail shop, part tavern, this cultural institution is famous for its Limburger sandwich.

Experience: Browse the cheese shop, then try the famous Limburger sandwich with raw onion and brown mustard (it comes with a breath mint). Dollar bills from worldwide visitors cover the ceiling. Spotted Cow on tap.

Family Note: The retail section is family-friendly for browsing; the tavern atmosphere may be more adult-oriented in evenings.

Central Wisconsin and Fox Valley

The heart of the state offers several factories with viewing windows and two of the few remaining operations offering true guided walk-through tours.

Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company – Rudolph

6860 State Highway 34, Rudolph, WI 54475 | (715) 435-3144 | dairystatecheese.com

Voted #1 place to buy Wisconsin cheese by Wisconsin Trails Magazine, this Central Wisconsin destination offers viewing windows and an ice cream parlor.

Tour Experience: Two large observation windows; educational video upstairs. Pre-arranged guided tours available by calling ahead. Over 200 cheese varieties available.

Family Features: Ice cream parlor with 16+ Cedar Crest and Chocolate Shoppe flavors. Outdoor picnic tables. Cash or check only—bring cash! Near the famous Grotto Gardens.

Specialties: Fresh squeaky curds (voted Wisconsin's best), 200+ cheese varieties, whey protein products.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-4 PM.

Important Update: Some April 2025 reviews indicate the observation windows may have been covered and curds may now be sourced from Lynn Dairy. Call ahead to confirm current viewing status.

Nasonville Dairy – Marshfield

10898 US Highway 10 West, Marshfield, WI 54449 | (715) 676-2177 | nasonvilledairy.com

130+ years of cheesemaking tradition with Master Cheesemaker Ken Heiman, one of only 52 in Wisconsin. The factory produces 100,000+ pounds of cheese daily from milk supplied by 190+ local farm families.

Tour Experience: Observation window in retail store to watch cheese mixing and production. Self-guided; no formal public tours (groups by special arrangement). Free to visit.

Family Features: Cedar Crest ice cream available. Gift boxes for shipping. Third-generation Heiman family operation.

Specialties: Blue Marble Jack and Blue Marble Cheddar-Blue (signature products), Carolina Reaper cheese for heat seekers, Super Sharp Cheddar aged up to 12 years, 110+ product varieties.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-noon; closed Sunday. Second location in Curtiss.

Mullins Cheese – Mosinee

203843 County Road DB, Mosinee, WI 54455 | (715) 693-3205 | mullinscheese.com

Right off I-39 (Exit 175), this fifth-generation operation is the perfect family rest stop between northern and central Wisconsin. No factory tours, but informational videos and acclaimed deep-fried cheese curds make it worthwhile.

Tour Experience: Educational videos about cheesemaking; no observation windows or tours. Retail store experience focused on sampling and shopping.

Family Features: Soft-serve ice cream counter. Deep-fried cheese curds considered among Wisconsin's best. Hot food menu with take-and-bake pizza. Easy highway access. Sources milk from approximately 500 Wisconsin dairy farms.

Specialties: Famous fresh curds (made daily), 50+ cheese varieties, aged sharp cheddar up to 10+ years, whey protein products.

Lynn Dairy – Granton

W1929 US Highway 10, Granton, WI 54436 | (715) 238-7129 | lynndairy.com

This fourth-generation operation processes 700,000 pounds of raw milk daily into 170,000 pounds of cheese. The observation window lets visitors watch production in this award-winning facility.

Tour Experience: Observation window viewing; self-guided. Free to visit.

Family Features: Highway 10 location with easy access. Friendly, family-owned atmosphere. Combine with nearby Nasonville Dairy for a Marshfield-area cheese day.

Specialties: Award-winning mild cheddar (2nd place U.S. Championship 2017), fresh curds in multiple varieties, 20+ flavors including black pepper and hot pepper, cheese trays and gifts.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-noon; closed Sunday.

Weyauwega Star Dairy – Weyauwega

109 N. Mill Street, Weyauwega, WI 54983 | (920) 867-2870 | stardairy.com

Holders of a Guinness World Record for the longest string cheese ever made—1.5 miles in 1995. No factory tours, but the retail store offers fresh cheese packaged on premises.

Tour Experience: Retail store visit; no observation windows or tours. Fresh cheese packaged on-site.

Family Features: Frozen custard cones. Clean, welcoming store. Fourth-generation Knaus family operation. Second location in Rosendale.

Specialties: Handcrafted Italian cheeses (Parmesan, Asiago, Romano), famous string cheese, fresh squeaky curds, aged cheddar up to 10+ years, meat snacks and sausages.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM; Saturday 8 AM-5 PM; Sunday 9 AM-5 PM.

Willow Creek Creamery – Berlin

W1965 WI-21, Berlin, WI 54923 | (920) 361-5256 | unionstarcheese.com/Locations/WillowCreek

Sister location to Union Star, opened in 2002, specializing in washed-rind cheeses aged in environmentally controlled rooms.

Tour Experience: Free guided tours Monday and Wednesday at 9-9:30 AM. Factory tour with fresh cheese samples.

Specialties: Red Willow cheese (washed-rind aged in beer and salt), artisan varieties, fresh curds.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-5 PM; Sunday 10:30 AM-5 PM.

Madison Area and the Driftless Region

The capital region and surrounding Driftless Area offer artisan creameries, historic factories, and excellent farm tours within easy reach of Madison.

Carr Valley Cheese – La Valle

S3797 County G, La Valle, WI 53941 | (888) 878-1107 | carrvalleycheese.com

With over 800 national and international awards, this fourth-generation family operation is one of America's finest specialty cheese producers, offering over 100 artisan varieties.

Tour Experience: Self-guided with observation window into production. Video about cheesemaking history. Arrive by 8-8:30 AM to see production; cleaning begins around 10:30-11 AM. Staff explain the process. Group tours available by reservation. Free admission.

Family Features: Individually packaged free samples throughout the store. Educational video. Gift shop with unique cheeses and Wisconsin souvenirs. Scenic countryside drive.

Specialties: Fresh curds daily, aged cheddar, Cocoa Cardona, Gran Canaria, Ba Ba Blue, goat and sheep milk varieties, chocolate fudge cheese.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM-4 PM. Additional retail locations in Sauk City, Mazomanie, and Wisconsin Dells.

Cedar Grove Cheese – Plain

E5904 Mill Road, Plain, WI 53577 | (608) 546-5284 | cedargrovecheese.com

Making cheese since 1878, Cedar Grove was the first U.S. producer to guarantee rBGH-free milk in 1993. Their innovative "Living Machine" greenhouse naturally cleans wastewater—and is part of every tour.

Tour Experience: Guided tours six days a week; $3 per adult, groups of 6+ call ahead. Tours include viewing windows, Living Machine water treatment greenhouse, and fresh-from-the-vat curds. Reserve ahead—production occasionally pauses for repairs.

Family Features: Fully ADA accessible. Living Machine greenhouse tour unique and educational. Squeaky curd sampling. Seven miles from Spring Green, near Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin.

Specialties: Organic and specialty cheeses, Colby, cheddar, Butterkaese, Muenster, Havarti, water buffalo mozzarella, sheep milk varieties, award-winning "Weird Sisters" (water buffalo/cow milk blend).

Hours: April-December: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-4 PM; January-March: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-3 PM; closed Sundays.

Arena Cheese – Arena

300 US Highway 14, Arena, WI 53503 | (608) 753-2501 | arenacheese.com

Home of the original Colby-Jack cheese, this historic factory features an iconic giant mouse statue that's become a beloved Wisconsin photo opportunity.

Tour Experience: Self-guided viewing area; cheese made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Free samples. Narrated tours available for bus groups with advance notice.

Family Features: Giant mouse statue perfect for family photos. Kid-friendly viewing area. Gift shop with Wisconsin souvenirs. Near Spring Green and Taliesin in Frank Lloyd Wright country.

Specialties: Original Colby-Jack, 34-time medal winner, traditional longhorn-shaped cheeses, fresh curds, aged cheddar up to 10 years, Gouda, Edam. Master Cheesemaker Bill Hanson leads production.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-6 PM (summer); closes 5 PM off-season.

Sassy Cow Creamery – Columbus

W5374 State Highway 60, Columbus, WI 53925 | sassycowcreamery.com/schedule-a-tour

This third-generation dairy farm offers guided tours of both the working farm (with state-of-the-art milking carousel) and the creamery—plus ice cream at the end.

Tour Experience: Guided farm and creamery tours; reservations required online. June-August: Thursday-Friday at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM; alternate Saturdays 10 AM-noon. Tours last 30-45 minutes. View milking carousel and creamery bottling through large windows.

Pricing: Adults $8; Youth (4-17) $5; 3 and under free; Groups 15+ $5/person. Every tour includes a pint of milk or dish of ice cream.

Family Features: Summer calf to meet and pet. Outdoor activities for kids. 28 flavors of homemade ice cream. The only U.S. farmstead creamery with both organic and conventional herds.

Hours: Creamery store open year-round. Tours seasonal (May-September).

Hook's Cheese – Mineral Point

Commerce Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565 | hookscheese@gmail.com | hookscheese.com

Family-run since 1976 in the historic Shake Rag district, Hook's ages cheese in underground caves at perfect natural temperature and humidity. Julie Hook is the only woman to win World Champion for Colby.

Tour Experience: Factory store visits Monday-Friday 8 AM-2 PM. Limited tours available—contact in advance. Also sells at Dane County Farmers' Market (Saturdays).

Family Features: Historic small-town setting in charming Mineral Point. Sample award-winning varieties. Underground caves visible during visits.

Specialties: 50+ varieties including 5, 7, 10, and even 20-year aged cheddars, award-winning Blue Cheese (chef favorite), World Champion Colby, Sweet Constantine, Triple Play (cow/sheep/goat blend). Master Cheesemaker Tony Hook has 50+ years experience.

Hinchley's Dairy Farm Tours – Cambridge

2844 State Road 73, Cambridge, WI 53523 | (608) 764-5090 | widairyfarmtours.com

Rated #1 attraction in Cambridge on TripAdvisor, this working dairy farm has hosted over 12,000 visitors annually for 25+ years. While not a cheese factory, it's the perfect complement to cheese tours—see where Wisconsin milk begins.

Tour Experience: Guided 2-hour tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11 AM-1 PM and 1 PM-3 PM, spring through fall. Reservations required. Tractor-drawn hayride, hand-milk a cow, bottle-feed baby animals, hold chicks, watch Lely robotic milking machines.

Pricing: Adults $20; Seniors $15; Children under 18 $10; 2 and under free. Cash or check only. Teachers and bus drivers free for school groups.

Family Features: Extremely hands-on—perfect ages 3-99. Baby animals (calves, chicks, ducklings, piglets seasonally). Free pumpkin in fall. Host Tina Hinchley praised for patience with children.

Seasonal: Spring through fall (approximately April-October); 20 minutes southeast of Madison.

Northwestern Wisconsin

This region offers excellent stops along the I-94 corridor and the Chippewa Valley, including farmstead Gouda and the self-proclaimed "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin."

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery – Menomonie

3001 County Road B, Menomonie, WI 54751 | (715) 430-5311 | ellsworthcheese.com/visit/menomonie

This modern 2022-opened facility produces 180,000 pounds of white cheddar curds daily across Ellsworth operations and offers the region's best viewing experience with multiple windows showing different production stages.

Tour Experience: Self-guided viewing year-round through multiple observation windows, with step-by-step descriptions at each station. Guided tours available by scheduling. Cheese made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Family Features: Photo ops with unique metal cow sculptures. Deep-fried cheese curds available. Real dairy ice cream (soft serve and hard scoop). Hot food menu. Fresh curds Friday-Sunday. Right off I-94 for easy access.

Specialties: World-famous white cheddar curds, 80+ artisan varieties, Habanero Ghost Pepper Jack, Dill, Taco flavors, Cheddar Curd Crunchers.

Hours: Open daily 8 AM-6 PM. Closed major holidays.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery – Ellsworth

232 North Wallace Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 | (715) 273-4311 | ellsworthcheese.com/visit/ellsworth

The original home of the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin", this retail location draws crowds who line up before opening for fresh curds at 11 AM daily.

Tour Experience: Retail store (the Menomonie location has viewing windows). Free samples available daily.

Family Features: Iconic "Cheese Curd Capital" mural for photos. Ice cream, cheese curd brats, deli sandwiches. Annual Cheese Curd Festival in June.

Specialties: Fresh all-natural curds (daily at 11 AM), 200+ Wisconsin cheeses, gourmet fudge made in-house.

Hours: Daily 8 AM-6 PM. Closed major holidays.

Marieke Gouda (Holland's Family Cheese) – Thorp

200 W. Liberty Drive, Thorp, WI 54771 | (715) 669-5230 | mariekegouda.com/visit-us

This true farmstead operation lets families see the entire process from cow to cheese—the gouda milk comes exclusively from their own herd.

Tour Experience: Free self-guided tours year-round during business hours. Guided tours ($10/person, $2 for school groups) June through Labor Day only—reservations required. See cows milked (best around 1 PM), visit the barn, meet calves, then watch cheesemaking and aging through windows. Plan 1-2 hours.

Family Features: Kangaroo jumping pad (bounce pad) for kids, demo cow for "milking" practice, calves to meet up close, Café DUTCHess serves breakfast (7-11 AM) and lunch (11 AM-3 PM), "cow cruising" scavenger hunt in town.

Specialties: Award-winning Marieke Gouda in 13+ flavors (Golden, Jalapeño, Cumin, Hatch Chili, Burning Melange). Owner Marieke Penterman imports authentic Dutch products.

Hours: Daily 7 AM-7 PM year-round. Guided tours June-Labor Day only.

Bass Lake Cheese Factory – Somerset

598 Valley View Trail, Somerset, WI 54025 | (715) 247-5585 | blcheese.com

Family-owned since 1918, this charming operation combines traditional cheesemaking with a full-service restaurant—the perfect lunch destination.

Tour Experience: Self-guided with observation window and cheesemaking video. Dairy antiques display. Not all days have production—call ahead to check schedule. Group tours by reservation.

Family Features: Full restaurant with award-winning Smoky Bourbon Burger, deep-fried cheese curds, grilled cheese sandwiches. Ice cream, malts, shakes. Bar with local craft beers. Picnic area. Relaxed country atmosphere.

Specialties: Award-winning handmade cheeses from cow, sheep, and goat milk. Butter Jack with cinnamon (Bass Lake original), chocolate cheese, led by 6-time Master Cheesemaker Scott Erickson.

Hours: Closed Monday-Tuesday; Wednesday-Thursday 10 AM-8 PM; Friday-Saturday 10 AM-9 PM; Sunday 10 AM-6 PM.

Eau Galle Cheese Factory – Durand

N6765 State Highway 25, Durand, WI 54736 | (715) 283-4211 | eaugallecheese.com

This family operation since 1945 specializes in Italian-style cheeses, with founder Leo Buhlman trained in Switzerland.

Tour Experience: Tours Memorial Day through Labor Day, Saturdays only at 11 AM. Call ahead for groups. Store visit and sampling free year-round.

Family Features: Extensive gift shop with home décor, candles, ornaments. Wine selection. Cheese samples throughout store.

Specialties: Award-winning Italian-style cheeses: Parmesan (2015 U.S. Championship Gold), Asiago (fresh and aged), Romano, Fontina, white cheddar curds. Sources milk from 39 farmers within 25 miles.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5:30 PM; Sunday 9:30 AM-5 PM; holiday hours 9 AM-2 PM.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative – Grantsburg

11631 State Road 70, Grantsburg, WI 54840 | Cheese Store: (715) 689-2059 | Bistro: (715) 689-2045 | burnettdairy.com

Farmer-owned since 1896, this cooperative offers 100+ cheese varieties with generous sampling, plus a full bistro—though no factory tours.

Tour Experience: Retail store with extensive free sampling (100+ varieties); no factory tours available. Educational displays about production.

Family Features: Full Bistro with grilled sandwiches, soups, salads, deep-fried curds, pizza, breakfast sandwiches. Ice cream counter with twist cones, malts, sundaes. Frozen yogurt. Candy for kids (cowpies, cowtails).

Specialties: World Champion String Cheese (1988), over 100 varieties including Cheddar Gruyere. Brands: Burnett Dairy, Wood River Creamery, Cady Creek Farms.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM-5:30 PM; Sunday 9 AM-5:30 PM; Bistro closes 4:30 PM.

Southeastern Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Area

While most Wisconsin cheese factories are located further north and west, the Milwaukee area offers unique urban experiences and excellent day-trip destinations.

Hill Valley Dairy – Milwaukee

138 W. Bruce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 (Walker's Point) | (262) 684-5524 | hillvalleydairy.com

Wisconsin's only urban cheese factory occupies the former Clock Shadow Creamery space and offers a sophisticated cheese bar experience with viewing windows into production.

Tour Experience: Self-guided viewing windows into active cheese factory; no formal tours but self-paced exploration. Cut-to-order cheese counter with tastings. Educational displays.

Family Features: Casual, welcoming atmosphere. Kid-friendly viewing during daytime hours. Note: The cheese bar serves alcohol; best for families during daytime. Also has location in Lake Geneva.

Specialties: Cheddar curds (yellow and white), Gouda, Alpine-style cheeses. Milk sourced from their family farm in Lake Geneva.

Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 2-10 PM; Friday 2-11 PM; Saturday 12-11 PM; Sunday 12-6 PM.

Mars Cheese Castle – Kenosha

2800 W. Frontage Road, Kenosha, WI 53144 (Exit 340 off I-94) | (855) 352-MARS | marscheese.com

This is not a cheese factory but rather Wisconsin's most iconic cheese retail destination—and an essential stop for any cheese-loving family traveling I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee.

Experience: Self-guided shopping and dining. Extensive cheese shop with 700+ varieties, deli counter, full restaurant, in-house bakery (famous cheddar bread), tavern with Wisconsin craft beers.

Family Features: Interactive Holstein cow statue "Isabelle" that moos. Castle-themed architecture with photo opportunities. Wide variety of kid-friendly snacks. Family-owned since 1947.

Specialties: 700+ cheese varieties, King of Clubs cheese spread (exclusive), chocolate cheese fudge, kringles, Wisconsin sausages and meats.

Hours: Daily 9 AM-7 PM.

LaClare Family Creamery – Malone

W2994 County Road HH, Malone, WI 54049 | (920) 670-0051 ext. 1 | laclarefamilycreamery.com

About 70 miles north of Milwaukee in Fond du Lac County, LaClare is one of the most family-friendly cheese destinations in Wisconsin, combining goat cheese production with farm animals, baby goat events, and a full café.

Tour Experience: Free self-guided tours Monday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM with viewing windows into cheese production. Guided group tours $6/person for 10+ guests (reserve via jessischoofs@laclarefarms.com). School field trips available.

Family Features: 26-foot goat climbing silo (spring/summer), baby goat viewing room (year-round), donkey, llama, and chickens to meet. Baby Goat Snuggle events and goat yoga sessions. On-site café with farm-to-table dishes, garden center (late April-September), ice cream.

Specialties: Award-winning Evalon goat cheese (Best in Show 2011 World Championship), Cave Aged Chandoka, 60+ goat and mixed milk varieties. Youngest winner ever at U.S. Cheese Championship (Katie Hedrich).

Hours: Visitor Center Monday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM. Goats on-site late spring through summer.

Widmer's Cheese Cellars – Theresa

214 W. Henni Street, Theresa, WI 53091 | (888) 878-1107 | widmerscheese.com

About 45 minutes north of Milwaukee, this third-generation family operation is the only U.S. factory still using original masonry bricks to press cheese—a method unchanged since 1922.

Tour Experience: Note: Full facility tours discontinued due to food safety regulations. Viewing area from retail store; best viewing Monday-Friday 7-11:30 AM. Watch open vats being tended, curds stirred, bricks pressing whey. Samples available.

Family Features: Step back in time—the facility looks like 1922. Swiss canton flags decorate the exterior. Staff answer questions. Nearby: Confections by Joel chocolate shop (2 blocks), Rock River parks for picnicking.

Specialties: Famous Brick cheese (the only factory still using original bricks!), hand-crafted cheddar aged up to 8 years, Colby, Butterkase, Wisconsin Lager Käse. Master Cheesemaker Joe Widmer.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 AM-5 PM; Sunday 10 AM-3 PM (summer).

Planning your Wisconsin cheese adventure

Best time to see actual cheesemaking

Most cheese production happens Monday through Friday between 7 AM and noon. Weekend visitors will find retail stores open but production floors quiet. For the squeakiest curds, arrive on production days within hours of curdmaking—staff at each location can tell you optimal timing.

Essential packing list

• Cooler with ice packs (mandatory—you'll buy more cheese than planned)

• Cash (several locations are cash-only or cash-preferred)

• Camera (most locations allow photos)

• Snacks for the car (distances between factories can be significant)

Regional itinerary suggestions

Door County Day (family-friendly): Start at Renard's (playground, bistro) → Door Artisan Cheese (cave tour) → Door County Creamery (goat farm, gelato). Allow full day.

Green County Heritage (cheese history): Early morning at Chalet Cheese Cooperative → 10 AM guided tour at Alp & Dell → Lunch at Baumgartner's (Limburger sandwich) → Afternoon at National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Best September even years during Cheese Days.

Central Wisconsin Sampler: Union Star Cheese 8 AM tour → Willow Creek 9 AM tour → Nasonville Dairy → Mullins Cheese for lunch (fried curds). Perfect weekday route.

Madison Day Trip: Hinchley's Farm Tour (morning, reservation required) → Arena Cheese (lunch, mouse photo) → Cedar Grove Cheese → Carr Valley (late afternoon).

Northwestern Family Day: Ellsworth Menomonie (viewing windows, ice cream) → Marieke Gouda (bounce pad, café, farm tour in summer). Perfect I-94 route.

Special events worth planning around

• Green County Cheese Days (Monroe) – September, even-numbered years. Watch 200-pound Swiss wheels made in copper kettles.

• Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival – June, annually.

• LaClare Baby Goat Snuggle Events – Spring, check website for dates.

What kids will remember most

From the research, children's favorites consistently include: fresh squeaky curds eaten warm, baby goat encounters at LaClare and Door County Creamery, the giant mouse statue at Arena Cheese, underground cave tours at Door Artisan, the 26-foot goat climbing silo at LaClare, and hands-on milking at Hinchley's Farm.

Wisconsin's cheese trail stretches across the entire state, and every factory offers something unique—from America's only Limburger producer to underground aging caves to baby goat yoga. Pack that cooler, charge the camera, and prepare for one of the Midwest's most delicious family adventures. The curds are waiting.