A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
When you think of dairy, what comes to mind? In Wisconsin, we dream in cheese. What better way to celebrate June Dairy Month than by exploring the state’s cheese trail, one county at a time? Today, we’re visiting Pierce, Door, Jefferson, and Dodge counties. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this!
Pierce County
We’re kicking off this cheesy trek in Pierce County, along Wisconsin’s western edge. Did you know this county is home to the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin? Ellsworth proudly holds the title, and for good reason! An impressive 180,000 pounds of all-natural cheddar cheese curds are made right here daily.
Beat the line and get there before 11:00 am to grab the first fresh batch of curds! And while you’re there, stop by the iconic Curd Wagon, open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 am for the season. Treat yourself to world-famous hand-battered deep-fried cheese curds, bacon gouda mac and cheese bites, and more cheesy delicacies!
Door County
Next, we head east to Door County, where even more cheesy favorites await. At the top of the list is Renard’s Artisan Cheese in Sturgeon Bay, a true one-stop shop for cheese lovers. With more than 100 varieties of artisan cheese, trust us, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Renard’s produces about 3 million pounds of cheese each year—so there’s plenty to go around!
The secret ingredient? An unwavering commitment to using local ingredients—including millions of pounds of locally sourced milk, fresh from small family farms in Door and Kewaunee counties. And don’t miss a stop at Melt Bistro, where you can sit down and enjoy a delicious, cheese-filled meal right on site!
Jefferson County
Heading south, Jefferson County is also rich in cheese-making tradition, home to multi-generational producers like Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese and Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese (Get a sneak peek here).
At Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese, you’ll find a wide variety of must-try favorites, from house-made cheese spreads to classic Wisconsin cheese curds.
Over at Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, the lineup consists of mozzarella, mascarpone, and even chocolate mascarpone, along with string cheese, cheddar cheese curds, and Oaxaca cheese!
And we can’t forget about the iconic Crystal Farms! For more than 40 years, the facility in Lake Mills has been producing some of the Midwest’s most popular cheese products, including blocks and shredded varieties, all made with regionally sourced dairy!
Dodge County
Finally, we make our way to Dodge County, where Widmer’s Cheese continues a proud Wisconsin tradition. Known for producing about 360,000 pounds of Brick cheese each year, Widmer’s specializes in classic Wisconsin originals like Brick and stirred-curd Colby. They’ve also gained national recognition for their aged cheddar, including an award-winning four-year variety.
Just down the road, Pioneer Keg is a must-stop, recently earning the title of Discover Wisconsin’s Best Fried Cheese Curds of 2026. Their secret? Using top-quality curds from Widmer’s Cheese to create the ultimate fried cheese experience.
From west to east and everywhere in between, Wisconsin’s cheese trail is jam-packed with flavor, tradition, and so many must-stops. This June, come and discover why Wisconsin truly is America’s Dairyland—one delicious bite at a time!
Hailey Marien, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
