Wisconsin, affectionately known as “America’s Dairyland,” is a paradise for cheese enthusiasts and travelers alike. The state’s Cheese Trail isn’t just a path through lush pastures and dairy farms; it’s a journey into the heart of small-town America where traditions are cherished, and every cheese tells a story. Join us as we count down the 20 best small towns along Wisconsin’s Cheese Trail, each offering a unique slice of dairy heritage and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
20. Spooner – Dairy Delights in the Northwoods
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Spooner offers more than just scenic beauty with its dense forests and sparkling lakes. This charming town invites visitors to explore its local dairies and farmers’ markets, where you can savor cheeses crafted with generations of expertise. The town’s affordability is evident in its housing market, where 3-4 bedroom family homes typically range from $250,000 to $400,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking both dairy culture and reasonable living costs. Don’t miss the Spooner Agricultural Research Station’s test kitchens, a hidden gem where innovative dairy products often make their debut before hitting the wider market.
19. Alma – Cheese Along the Great River Road
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Alma is a picturesque town that combines natural beauty with dairy delights. Stroll through the quaint streets and you’ll find family-run shops offering cheese varieties you won’t easily find elsewhere. With 3-4 bedroom homes available between $200,000 and $350,000, the town offers an affordable entry point into riverside living. For a true hidden treasure, visit the Alma Cheese Factory, a small operation where you can watch cheesemakers at work crafting traditional Wisconsin cheeses right before your eyes.
18. Mineral Point – Arts, Crafts, and Cheese
Known for its rich mining history and vibrant arts scene, Mineral Point also boasts a deep-rooted cheese-making tradition. Wander through the historic districts filled with artist studios and you’ll stumble upon local eateries offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with artisanal cheeses. The town’s real estate market reflects its artistic appeal, with 3-4 bedroom homes commanding between $310,300 and $340,000. A must-visit is Hook’s Cheese Company, tucked away but famed among locals for their aged cheddars, including a 20-year-aged cheddar that’s a real treat for cheese connoisseurs.
17. Oconto Falls – Home to Springside Cheese
Oconto Falls may be small, but it’s big on flavor thanks to the Springside Cheese Corporation. This family-owned creamery has been crafting hand-made cheeses since 1908. The town’s modest size is reflected in its housing market, where comfortable 3-4 bedroom homes can be found in the range of $180,000 to $250,000. Take a tour and sample their award-winning aged cheddar or discover their unique cheese spreads. For a lesser-known experience, explore the nearby Oconto River trails and pack a picnic featuring local cheese varieties to enjoy amidst peaceful natural surroundings.
16. Mount Horeb – Cheese and Trolls
Dubbed the “Troll Capital of the World,” Mount Horeb charms visitors with its whimsical wooden troll sculptures lining Main Street. Beyond the folklore, the town boasts specialty shops brimming with local cheeses. While the town’s popularity has driven 3-4 bedroom home prices to between $457,500 and $490,600, residents find value in its unique character and strong community spirit. Stop by the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum—yes, an entire museum dedicated to mustard—to pair your favorite condiment with Wisconsin cheeses. It’s an unexpected but delightful combination that adds a spicy twist to your cheese trail adventure.
15. Cashton – Organic Cheesemaking at Pasture Pride
In the rolling hills of Cashton, Pasture Pride Cheese stands out for its commitment to organic practices and traditional cheesemaking. Here, you can taste their famous Juusto baked cheese, inspired by a Finnish recipe and perfect when served warm. The area’s rural charm comes with an attractive cost of living, as 3-4 bedroom homes typically list between $180,000 and $250,000. Venture a bit off the beaten path to explore Amish farms in the area, where time seems to stand still, and you might find hand-crafted cheeses and other homemade goods sold directly from the farmsteads.
14. Darlington – Heart of Cheese Country
Set amidst the lush landscapes of Lafayette County, Darlington is truly at the heart of Wisconsin’s cheese country. The town is surrounded by dairy farms and cheese plants, many of which offer tours and tastings. Families looking to settle in this cheese paradise will find 3-4 bedroom homes available from $200,000 to $300,000, making it an accessible entry point to Wisconsin’s dairy culture. A local secret is the Yellowstone Cheese Factory, where you can watch cheese curds being made and taste them fresh—an experience that captures the essence of Wisconsin’s dairy tradition.
13. Mayville – Scenic Beauty and Nearby Dairies
Mayville offers a delightful mix of natural wonders and dairy delights. Just a stone’s throw from the Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S., it’s a perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Home buyers can find spacious 3-4 bedroom properties ranging from $225,000 to $325,000, offering both comfort and proximity to natural attractions. After a day outdoors, visit local creameries like Farmer’s Pride Cheese for a taste of authentic Wisconsin cheeses. The town’s annual Audubon Days festival often features cheese tastings that showcase the region’s dairy excellence.
12. La Valle – Home of Carr Valley Cheese
La Valle is home to Carr Valley Cheese, a fourth-generation family business renowned for its award-winning artisanal cheeses. Step into their rustic store and you’ll find a dizzying array of cheese varieties, from creamy Fontinas to cave-aged specialties. The town offers reasonable housing options, with 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $200,000 and $275,000, making it an attractive destination for cheese enthusiasts looking to put down roots. For an insider experience, join a cheesemaking class where you can learn the craft from masters and create your own cheese to take home.
11. Westby – Norwegian Traditions and Dairy Excellence
Embracing its Norwegian roots, Westby is a town where cultural heritage and dairy farming go hand in hand. At the Westby Cooperative Creamery, established in 1903, you can indulge in traditional dairy products like cultured butter and rich sour cream. Those looking to become part of this rich cultural community will find 3-4 bedroom homes ranging from $225,000 to $325,000, offering a chance to live among both Norwegian traditions and dairy excellence. If you visit during Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, you’ll experience the town’s vibrant celebrations complete with folk dances, parades, and, of course, plenty of cheese sampling.
10. Kiel – Cheese Heritage Meets Small-Town Charm
Sitting along the banks of the Sheboygan River, Kiel combines small-town charm with a significant place in cheese history. Explore local shops to find cheeses inspired by old-world recipes. The town’s riverside appeal is reflected in its real estate market, where 3-4 bedroom homes typically range from $250,000 to $350,000. A hidden gem is Henning’s Cheese, located just outside of town, where you can witness the creation of colossal 12,000-pound wheels of cheese and taste their famous mammoth cheddar—an experience that captures the grandeur of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking prowess.
9. Brodhead – Home of Decatur Dairy
Brodhead may be modest in size, but it’s a heavyweight when it comes to quality cheese. At Decatur Dairy, visitors can sample an array of artisanal cheeses like Havarti and Muenster, crafted with meticulous care. The town’s modest size is matched by its affordable housing market, with 3-4 bedroom homes available from $180,000 to $275,000. For those interested in the process, cheesemaker Steve Stettler, a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, often gives impromptu tours, sharing insights and stories that you won’t find in any guidebook.
8. Cedar Grove – Pioneers in Sustainable Cheesemaking
Cedar Grove Cheese isn’t just producing great cheese; they’re doing it sustainably. This small town is known for the creamery’s eco-friendly practices, including their innovative Living Machine—a natural wastewater treatment system using plants and microbes. The area’s commitment to sustainability attracts many families, with 3-4 bedroom homes ranging from $250,000 to $350,000. Visitors can tour the facility to learn how their cheese production is kind to both taste buds and the environment. Don’t leave without trying their handcrafted organic cheeses, celebrated for both flavor and purity.
7. Thorp – Authentic Dutch Gouda at Marieke Gouda
In Thorp, Marieke Gouda brings a slice of the Netherlands to Wisconsin. Owned by Marieke Penterman, who transplanted her Dutch cheesemaking expertise to the Midwest, the creamery produces award-winning Gouda using raw cow’s milk and age-old techniques. With 3-4 bedroom homes available between $180,000 and $250,000, the town offers an affordable entry point into Wisconsin’s cheese culture. Visitors can watch the cheesemaking process through viewing windows, explore the family farm, and even meet the cows responsible for the delicious milk—a delightful farm-to-cheese experience.
6. Colby – Hometown of Colby Cheese
The small town of Colby holds a special place in cheese history as the birthplace of Colby cheese, an all-American original invented here in 1885. Family-sized homes with 3-4 bedrooms are reasonably priced between $200,000 and $275,000, making it an accessible place to become part of cheese-making history. The Colby Cheese Days festival, held biennially, celebrates this legacy with parades, cheese tasting, and live music. For a hidden treasure, visit the original cheese factory site marked by a historical plaque, a modest tribute to the town’s significant contribution to the cheese world.
5. Ellsworth – The Cheese Curd Capital
Ellsworth proudly wears the crown as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin.” At the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, you can sample fresh cheese curds so squeaky they’ll make you smile. The town’s popularity as a cheese destination is reflected in its housing market, where 3-4 bedroom homes range from $250,000 to $350,000. Time your visit right, and you might catch the annual Cheese Curd Festival, where the town comes alive with live music, local brews, and creative curd-centric dishes like cheese curd tacos and desserts—a true celebration of this beloved Wisconsin snack.
4. Plymouth – The Cheese Capital of the World
Plymouth’s rich dairy history is on display at the Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center, where interactive exhibits tell the story of the town’s cheese-making past and present. The city’s numerous cheese-themed murals add a whimsical touch to the historic downtown, while its real estate market offers 3-4 bedroom homes from $275,000 to $375,000. For a unique experience, join the Big Cheese Drop on New Year’s Eve, where a giant wedge of cheese is lowered at midnight—a quirky tradition that’s pure Wisconsin.
3. Shullsburg – Rich Dairy Tradition
With its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Shullsburg offers a glimpse into Wisconsin’s past. The Shullsburg Creamery, operating since 1938, invites visitors to taste handcrafted cheeses made using traditional methods. The town’s historic charm comes with surprisingly affordable housing options, as 3-4 bedroom homes typically range from $175,000 to $250,000. While in town, explore the Badger Mine and Museum to learn about the town’s lead mining history—a surprising backdrop to its dairy prominence—and then enjoy a cheese picnic in one of the charming local parks.
2. New Glarus – America’s Little Switzerland
Dubbed “America’s Little Switzerland,” New Glarus is a vibrant celebration of Swiss heritage. The town’s chalet-style architecture sets the scene for festivals like Polka Fest and Oktoberfest, and this Swiss charm is reflected in the housing market, where 3-4 bedroom homes command between $300,000 and $450,000. Cheese lovers can explore artisan shops like Edelweiss Cheese Authentic Wisconsin, where you can find authentic Swiss-style cheeses like Emmentaler and Gruyère. For a hidden gem, hike the Sugar River State Trail and reward yourself after with a cold brew from the famed New Glarus Brewing Company.
1. Monroe – The Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA
At the top of our list is Monroe, proudly known as the “Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA.” Immerse yourself in the town’s deep Swiss roots at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, where you can learn about the art and science of cheesemaking. Those looking to call this cheese paradise home will find 3-4 bedroom houses ranging from $250,000 to $350,000. Don’t miss Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern, Wisconsin’s oldest cheese shop, where locals and visitors alike enjoy hearty sandwiches featuring Limburger and enjoy the ambiance of old-world charm. For a truly unique experience, plan your visit during Cheese Days, a festival held every two years featuring yodeling, polka music, and, of course, plenty of cheese sampling—it’s a slice of Switzerland in the heart of Wisconsin.
