People tour Napa Valley to taste its fine wines and journey to Germany for its beer and bratwurst. People come to Wisconsin for its cheese. With fertile dairylands and rich cheesemaking tradition, there is simply no better destination for any cheese-lover than Wisconsin. Whether you come for cheese curds, flavored cheddars, or yummy cheese spreads, you will find plenty of delicious cheese delicacies to keep you full and satisfied during your Wisconsin cheese pilgrimage. After a taste of these cheese companies, you might even start calling yourself a “cheesehead” too. 

 

Union Star Cheese Factory:

This classic cheese factory in Fremont, Wisconsin is an absolute must-see. A multi-generational family business started making cheese in small batches with local milk and traditional practices. Over a century later, the great-grand kids have grown up and are now running the factory with the same traditional practices and local milk. A factory tour is the best way to see this family cheese factory and taste their cheeses, Make sure to load up in person as they don’t sell their product online due to too much demand!

 

Simon’s Cheese Shop:

If you are looking to sample a wide variety of cheeses and pick up some different brands for a picnic, then Simon’s Specialty Cheese Shop outside of Appleton is the place to go. They have special gift boxes put together of the best Wisconsin cheeses, local wines, and other signature items for any party, picnic, or gift. People often drive out of their way to visit Simon’s so if you are in town, a stop at Simon’s is crucial.

 

Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese:

This fourth generation family owned cheese factory in Kiel is known for their nationally acclaimed cheeses. Most recently, Henning’s very own Aged Cheddar won gold at the 2019 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. Go to their factory to witness their unique cheesemaking process and sample their wide variety of cheddars. Pro Tip: Go in the morning to try fresh cheese curds. You’ll never be the same after trying fresh, made that morning, cheese curds from this acclaimed cheese factory. 

 

Salemville CheeseHouse:

If you like cheddar, but your heart belongs to blue cheese, then head to the Salemville CheeseHouse in Cambria. This humble cheese factory in the heart of Amish country makes smooth, earthy, blue-veined cheeses that have been winning awards since their creation. You can find their acclaimed cheese in markets all over the states, but if you want to meet the artisanal cheese masters, then a trip to the picturesque red barn of Salemville CheeseHouse is ideal. 

 

You can make day trips to each of these fantastic cheese makers, or circle Lake Winnebago and visit them all in an epic, cheese-filled day. Be sure to bring extra cargo space as you’ll want to bring wheels of these artisanal cheeses home with you!

 

Planning a trip of Oshkosh, WI? Book a stay at the lovely Brayton Bed & Breakfast, where modern luxury meets historic style.