Wisconsin has long been known as America’s Dairyland, and for good reason—the state is home to exceptional farms and creameries that blend tradition, innovation, and passion to create world-class dairy products. From multi-generation family farms to award-winning cheesemakers, these producers aren’t just crafting cheese; they’re preserving heritage, supporting local agriculture, and offering unforgettable farm-to-table experiences.
Feltz Family Farms – Stevens Point, WI
A fifth-generation dairy farm, Feltz Family Farms has specialized in dairy cattle since 1995, now caring for a 680-cow herd with the help of advanced robotic milking systems. Spanning 750 acres of feed crops, the farm produces top-quality milk that finds its way into delicious dairy products at Feltz’s Dairy Store and their Farmstead Cheese Plant. Visitors can watch cows being milked, see fresh cheese being made, and enjoy a variety of local treats—all while connecting with the family’s deep agricultural roots.
Marieke Gouda – Thorp, WI
Bringing a taste of the Netherlands to Wisconsin, Marieke Penterman has become a powerhouse in the cheese world. After training in traditional Gouda-making back home, she combined Dutch craftsmanship with Wisconsin’s finest milk to create her signature cheeses. Since her first batch in 2006, Marieke has earned numerous awards, including the U.S. Grand Champion title in 2013 and the prestigious Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification in 2024—only the fourth woman to do so. At her state-of-the-art Thorp facility, visitors can watch the cheesemaking process and experience firsthand the passion and precision behind every wheel of Gouda.
Widmer’s Cheese Cellars – Theresa, WI
For four generations, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars has been producing some of Wisconsin’s most beloved cheeses, including Brick, Colby, and Cheddar. Known for their award-winning Brick cheese, still made in the same open vats purchased in 1922, Master Cheesemaker Joe Widmer continues his grandfather’s legacy with over 50 varieties to choose from. Visitors can view the cheesemaking process from the retail store, join guided tours, and savor fresh cheese straight from the source.
Schwittay Dairy Farms – Marinette County, WI
This family-owned operation milks over 450 registered cows and also raises steers, hogs, lambs, and laying hens, making it a true example of diversified farming. Alongside its livestock production, Schwittay Dairy Farms produces farm-fresh cheese available both at its on-site store and at an off-site location near Peshtigo. Their commitment to quality ensures every product reflects the care and craftsmanship that defines Wisconsin’s dairy industry.
Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy – Kewaunee, WI
At Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, freshness is guaranteed “cow-to-countertop.” As a true farmstead cheese operation, every step—from milking the cows to making the cheese—takes place right on the farm. The milk for their Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese and Ponderosa Farmstead products comes exclusively from their own carefully raised, pampered cows. This dedication to animal care, quality control, and traceability ensures cheese of exceptional flavor and purity, making each bite a testament to the farm’s high standards.
From creamy chèvre to award-winning Gouda, and from multi-generation dairy traditions to innovative farming techniques, these Wisconsin producers exemplify what makes the state’s cheese culture so extraordinary. Whether you’re sampling fresh curds at a farm store or watching a master cheesemaker at work, you’re tasting more than cheese—you’re experiencing the heart of Wisconsin.
Visit WIAgtourism.com to find your next agricultural tourism adventure!