cheese factory tour idaho

The Only Thing Better Than Cheese is MORE Cheese!

Visit & Tour Ballard Dairy

Visit the Ballard Cheese Plant

sorry we have sold all the Cows . We do have a cheese store and can tell you how we make cheese . The Ballard Cheese facility is located in Gooding, Idaho - about 42 miles east of Twin Falls and not too far from Interstate 84. If you are interested in coming by send us a text at 208-420-1576/ cell 208-420-1573 or email us at [email protected] .

Link to Google Map:

Estimated Drive Times: Boise, Idaho: Total estimated time is about1 hour, 48 minutes. The total estimated distance is about 105 miles.

Pocatello, Idaho: Total estimated time is about 2.5 hours. Total estimated distance is about 143 miles.

Twin Falls, Idaho: Total estimated time is about 45 minutes. Total estimated distance is about 40 miles.

Salt Lake City, Utah: Total estimated time is about 4 hours, 2 min. Total estimated distance is about 248 miles.

Let's Stay in Touch

Provide your email address and we will keep you informed of Dairy News, product specials and send reminders when it is time to order for the holidays or special events.

Let's Stay in touch

Age verification.

By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol.

Information
Shipping, Gifts, Local Pickup & More

Your cart is currently empty.

Join the Adventure! Get your free Outdoor Adventure Resource Guide

The Stoke Fam includes affiliate links and when you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I (The Stoke Fam) earn from qualifying purchases. Read more.

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: This is What You Need to Know

pinterest graphic with boy looking into the cheese factory tour with the text tillamook cheese factory

Cheese, please!

Several years ago, during an anniversary trip, John and I visited the Tillamook Cheese Factory without the kids. We’ve told them about it several times, and they’ve always wanted to go. And, really, can you blame them? You get to eat cheese (maybe even ice cream) and count it for school!

For a true glimpse of how the production of cheese happens, all the way from the dairy farm to your table, nothing is better than a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, Oregon. We recently had the chance to visit the creamery with the kids and everyone loved learning about how cheese (and ice cream!) are made.

Recently, my parents were in town, and we were looking for things to do in Tillamook, on our way to Cape Lookout State Park . We decided that a Tillamook Creamery Tour was a perfect choice. It was pretty cool a few years ago, but let me tell you! They have made some serious upgrades since our last visit!

boy in a bright blue jacket walking into Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour with blue cloudy skies and wet pavement

Things to know before you visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour

view of workers in tillamook cheese factory at cheese cutter from viewing platform

What are the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour hours and days?

You can visit the Tillamook Creamery and get your cheese fix almost any day! They’re open from 8 am-6 pm Sunday-Thursday and 8 am-8 pm Friday and Saturday, except for a few major holidays. They do close early or open late on others (like New Years), so be sure to check before you head out if it’s a holiday .

What is the cost of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour?

Here’s the best part when you’re on a budget. The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour will set you back exactly $0.

Yup, it’s totally free. And it includes cheese samples. 😋 Win-win!

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour good for kids?

Yes! Kids of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to “feed” a calf, try their hand at milking, and watch the process of cheese being made from the viewing deck. Because the tour is self-guided, you can adjust the time at each station according to the interest and ages of your kids.

Is there a gift shop or ice cream shop?

Yes! There are actually both. After you’ve taken the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, head back downstairs where you can browse the gift shop.

Then, if you like, head to the Dining Hall for food and ice cream!

How long does the Tillamook Creamery Tour take?

Because the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, it can take as little or as long as you’d like. However, I’d plan on spending an hour or two to enjoy your time fully.

What about visiting the Tillamook Creamery with food allergies?

If you have a food allergy, you’ll have to read their allergen statement and decide for yourself if you feel comfortable. In general, we steer clear of the ice cream because Garrett has a peanut allergy, and they do use the same equipment for all their flavors, although they do sanitize between. But, we totally feel comfortable with their cheeses and eat them all the time.

What do you learn during a Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour?

During a Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, you can expect to learn everything about how the creamery is run. You’ll find out how the cows are cared for, the process of making cheese and ice cream, and even get some hands-on learning in the Farm Exhibit.

What is there to see during a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

The Tillamook Creamery Tour starts with displays featuring their history as well as some interesting facts, such as the fact that they get about 1.6 million pounds of milk a day. And, that that milk is all made into cheese or ice cream within 24 hours. 🤯

father and two sons in front of sign on tillamook cheese factory tour learning about how farm fresh milk comes to the factory

Farm Exhibit

At the Farm Exhibit, you’ll learn about how the farmers care for the cows, how much milk is obtained, and the technology they are using to improve the care of the cows.

Join our newsletter and get instant access to our Outdoor Adventure Guide - 15 pages full of adventure tips, checklists, meal ideas, and more!

boy in blue jacket checking out the calf display on the tillamook cheese factory tour

Next up, the kiddos can enjoy “feeding” a baby calf and trying their hand at milking a cow.

boy in blue jacket "feeding" the calf display during a Tillamook cheese factory tour

Did you know that it takes approximately 21 seconds for a professional to clean the udders of a dairy cow and attach a milking device? It doesn’t seem like it would be possible to do that fast, but our kids gave it a valiant try and proved that it is!

boys timing themselves putting the milking device on a cow display during a tour of the Tillamook cheese factory

Viewing Deck

Down the hall from the farm exhibit is the viewing gallery, where you can learn about the actual process of cheese production. From how the cheesemakers test the cheese for quality to how they weigh and seal them for transport to the store, you’ll see the entire process in action here.

boy looking out over the tillamook cheese factory floor during a tour

You can also take a few moments and watch two short videos, one on the production of cheese and one about ice cream, that share even more information.

two boys sitting on benches in front of a video screen during a tillamook cheese factory tour

Sample Area

After you’ve seen how cheese is made, why not try some free samples? Head to the cheese sample area before heading back downstairs to pick your favorite.

boy looking at the cheese sample options on a tillamook cheese factory tour

Head down the stairs to the new gift shop to find yourself some treats to take home or just to ogle this custom Tillamook snowboard by Deviation .

father and sons looking at custom tillamook snowboard in gift shop

Dining Hall

If everyone’s getting a little hangry or the thought of a fresh grilled cheese and ice cream is perfect, your next stop should be the Dining Hall. With everything from Tempura Battered Cheese Curds to Classic Tomato Soup and a Green Salad, chances are you can find something for everyone.

two boys in yellow van at Tillamook cheese factory tour, one looking scared with hands up while the other is in the drivers seat

Last but not least, you really can’t finish a Tillamook cheese factory tour without letting your kids pretend to drive away, can you? Our boys said they were headed to New York…I’m not sure they realize just how long that drive would be! 🤣

two boys in yellow Tillamook van during cheese factory tour

There you have it! Our Tillamook Creamery tour review.

What do you think? Does it sound like something you would do?

5 Cheesy Reasons You Need to Tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory

If you still aren’t quite sure if you should do the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, maybe these cheesy reasons will help you decide. 😉

It’s a gouda field trip activity near Portland.
You’ll have a grate day.
Their new Visitors Center is looking mighty sharp.
Don’t forget your cheddar at home! You’ll want it at The Dining Hall !
Cheese Samples?! Yes, please!

Okay, okay, we’ll stop. Do you still wheely like us? 🤪

Seriously, though. The Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour is a great day trip to do with the family for a little bit of fun, some education, and a whole lot of tastiness!

Outdoor Adventure Resource Guide Sidebar

Get the FREE Guide

Ever wished you had a cheat sheet for outdoor adventures? Well, now you do! 🙌

Our Outdoor Adventure Resource Guide is 15 pages chock-full of quick & actionable tips, gear recommendations, food ideas, checklists to keep you organized, and more!

The Discovery Trail: The PNW Bike Ride You Need to Do

Hiking at Jenny Lake: Epic Views That Will Make You Return

Travel & Budget Tips for Big Families | Sara from Koppa 7 Adventures

The Perfect Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary to See the Most

Looking for the Best Family Vacations in Hawaii? Try These

The Best Hikes for Your Family in Hawaii

Search this Site:

American cheese factory tours | see cheese made in the usa.

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost to you when you make a qualifying purchase via an affiliate link. Click here for the full affiliate disclosure.

American cheese factory tours and farm tours offer a variety of opportunities to see how the cows and goats are milked, learn all about cheesemaking, and enjoy cheese tastings and samples. Let us know if we missed a cheese factory or cheesemaking dairy farm that offers tours in the USA.

Cheese Factory Tours in the USA

Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Delaware – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois – Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – Nevada – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming

Visit an American Cheese Factory

California cheese factory tours.

Hilmar | Hilmar, CA

Learn how cheese is made and explore interactive, hands-on exhibits about cows, dairies, and cheesemaking and watch employees package 640-pound crates of cheese. Hilmar offers public tours as well as special school and youth tours tailored to specific age groups.

Oakdale Cheese | Oakdale, CA

Oakdale Cheese loves guests. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the facility any day of the week. For groups of 10 or more, and for hosted school group tours, advance reservations are required.

#Oakdale Cheese

Hawaii Cheese Factory Tours

Surfing Goat Dairy | Kula, HI

Daily casual tours for those short on time, grand dairy tours where you learn to care for the goats and see how the cheese is made, and evening chore and milking tours where you’ll lend a hand to the farmers by helping with chores, milking the goats, and tucking them into bed.

#Surfing Goat Dairy

Missouri Cheese Factory Tours

Green Dirt Farm | Weston, MO

A guided look at the pastures, a glimpse inside the milking parlor, and a view into the cheese kitchen, followed by a tasting of three kinds of cheese at the retail shop. Your guide will describe the story of how they turn the milk into delicious cheeses and answer all your questions about practices and products.

#Green Dirt Farm

New Jersey Cheese Factory Tours

Gorgeous Goat Creamery | Stockton, NJ

A small-scale commercial goat dairy that makes fresh cheese and bottles its milk right on the farm. Meet the goats and learn how to make cheese on the farm tour or go along on a 3/4 mile 40-minute goat hike through 17 acres of forest. Gorgeous Goat Creamery is happy to accommodate home-school groups, scouts, and other groups by appointment.

#Gorgeous Goat Creamery

New York Cheese Factory Tours

Catapano Dairy Farm | Peconic, NY

Catapano Goat Farm invites you to schedule an appointment to visit the farm where you’ll learn how to milk a goat, see how a dairy operates, and watch how they make the cheese. They also offer goat yoga and can book weddings and special events.

#Catapano Dairy Farm

Ideal Dairy Farms | Hudson Falls, NY

Visit the Ideal Dairy Farms commercial dairy farm to learn how dairy products are made. They’ll share how they care for their cows and the environment with technology and tools and take a tour of the processing plant. The tour includes a visit to Argyle Cheese Farmer Dairy Processing plant and retail store.

#Ideal Dairy Farms

North Carolina Cheese Factory Tours

Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery | Germanton, NC

Buffalo Creek welcomes small group educational tours for families, clubs, church groups, scouts, 4-H groups, homeschoolers, and more. We’ll teach where food comes from, talk about life on a dairy farm, and cheesemaking. Visitors are welcome to bring lunch and watch the animals from the picnic area.

#Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery

Ohio Cheese Factory Tours

Bunker Hill Cheese | Millersburg, OH

The best time to see the cheese being made is from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. FREE $15 gift certificate to bus drivers and tour guides.

#Bunker Hill Cheese

Pennsylvania Cheese Factory Tours

Pleasant Lane Farms | Latrobe, PA

Explore 185 acres of preserved farmland while enjoying a state-of-the-art robotic milking experience, smart barn, cheesemaking, and calf nursery. Customized tours are available for schools, 4H groups, scouting, and other youth organizations.

#Pleasant Lane Farms

South Carolina Cheese Factory Tours

Burden Creek Dairy | John’s Island, SC

Sign up for an afternoon of cuddling and feeding the goats, some goat yoga, or plan your special event at Burden Creek Dairy. Milk a goat, watch cheese being made, or rub the belly of a pig during an interactive farm experience.

#Burden Creek Dairy

Tennessee Cheese Factory Tours

Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery | Smithville, TN

Farm tours by reservation. Farm tours include seeing all the barns and learning how the animals are cared for. You’ll get the opportunity to milk a goat and hold a baby goat. Visit the milking parlor and learn about the process of cheese-making.

#Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery

Noble Springs Dairy | Franklin, TN

Interact with the farm animals, see the milking parlor, and learn about the cheese-making process. Group and private tours are available. Noble Springs Dairy also offers farm camps and can host special events.

#Noble Springs Dairy

Vermont Cheese Factory Tours

Crowley Cheese | Mount Holly, VT

Crowley Cheese has been a Vermont original since 1824. Cheesemaking takes place approximately three times per week. Visitors are welcome to come learn about the process.

#Crowley Cheese

Sugarbush Farm | Woodstock, VT

See the work room where Sugarbush Farm hand wraps and hand waxes the cheese. You’re also invited to see the maple syrup-making process.

#Sugarbush Farm

Wisconsin Cheese Factory Tours

Cedar Grove Cheese | Plain, WI

Individual and group tours are welcome/ You’ll see cheese being made the old fashioned way, learn about the art and history of cheese-making, and the economics of the small scale cheesemaking industry.

#Cedar Grove Cheese

Union Star Cheese | Fremont, WI

Taste some of the finest Wisconsin cheeses, see a real cheese factory in operation, and learn more about how cheese is made.

#Union Star Cheese

Did we miss a USA cheese factory that offers tours? Please share it with our community in the comments below.

American Dairy Farm Tours | See Dairy Products Made in the USA

American Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours | See Chocolate & Candy Made in the USA

American Potato Chip Factory Tours | See Snack Foods Made in the USA

American Distillery & Brewery Tours | See Spirits Made in the USA

Pin it usa cheese factory tours.

Your saves and shares help other Americans find products that are Made in the USA. Thank you!

Made in the USA Product Categories

Baby & Toddler

Clothing & Shoes

Electronics & Accessories

Farm & Ranch Equipment

Food & Drinks

Made in the USA Hobby & Leisure Products

Hobbies & Leisure

Home Furnishings

Household Essentials

Patio & Garden

Personal Care

School & Office

Sporting Goods & Recreation

Tools & Home Improvement

Share on Facebook

New! Made in the USA Matters Facebook Group

Join the Made in the USA Matters Facebook Group where you can ask for USA-made product recommendations, request we find an American-made product you're looking for, and help others find Made in the USA products they need.

We welcome Made in the USA consumers and manufacturers!

You’re Guaranteed To Love A Trip To This Epic Cheese Factory In Idaho

More by this Author

Listen up, cheese lovers! There’s an amazing cheese factory hiding out in small town Idaho that you’ll definitely want to visit. This is the type of place that’s hard to come by these days. Cheese factories simply aren’t easily found anymore. However, a handful still remain and this place is one of them. Check out this cheese factory and be sure to pick up some handmade cheese to take home with you. This place is a real Idaho treasure.

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Bakers Dozen In Idaho

The Coned Pizza At This Unique Idaho Restaurant Is Unexpectedly Awesome

Craters Of The Moon In Idaho Turns 100 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

This cheese factory is like a little slice of the Old World. It’s not too often you come across handmade cheese these days. If you love cheese, be sure to check out this Epic Cheese Shop In Idaho That You Have To Visit .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Idaho in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Idaho!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Best Waterfalls in Idaho: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Idaho
The Incredible Wonders In Idaho You Can Only Witness By Hiking
Stop By A Darling Yellow Cottage For Some Of The Best Pie In Idaho Falls
Places To Stay Near Caesars Superdome In New Orleans, Louisiana
Places To Stay Near Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis, Indiana
Here Are Our 13 Favorite Eco-Friendly Travel Items To Celebrate Earth Day
Here Are The 14 Most Unique Beaches In The United States

Featured Addresses

Iconic Nampa cheese factory grows into an industry leader

Roland Beres was an anchor in Boise in the 90's. He spent ten years at a station in Madison, Wisconsin, and returned to Boise in 2011 to work for KIVI.

NAMPA, Idaho — The old cheese factory off I-84 in Nampa is an iconic landmark.

For years, it was just a producer of squeaky cheese curds.

It's now the largest U.S. cheese producer for the largest dairy company in the world.

Once known as the Swiss Village Cheese Factory, the building is now home to Lactalis , a French company that is a dominant force in the cheese world.

As the factory expands to create fresh mozzarella in a 326 thousand square foot production plant, Marion Bidron, plant manager at Lactalis, said that their company is mastering the art of cheese making.

"We have huge development and growth," Bidron said. "We're expanding our facility and even building a new building to expand our string department."

Lactalis employs 750 people in the Treasure Valley all to make cheese.

When you're part of the world's largest dairy company, there are opportunities around every corner.

Right now, Lacatalis has 30 open positions and they're willing to train.

What was once an unchanging fixture in the valley is now becoming a growing part of a cheese behemoth.

Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Now signed up to receive the headlines newsletter..

Boise 6 / Twin Falls 6, your new home for the Vegas Golden Knights

For full functionality of this site please enable JavaScript Here

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center

There’s only one spot along the Tillamook Coast where you can indulge in an ice cream cone, taste an award-winning grilled cheese sandwich and bring home a bag of "squeaky cheese," all while learning what goes into making world-famous Tillamook medium cheddar cheese.

Tillamook County Cheese Factory Ice Cream

At the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center , you’ll meet people from all around the world who gather to learn about the cheesemaking process. During the free self-guided tour, you will discover why our region has such a deep connection to its cheese and understand the history that has gone into making the famous baby loaf. Learn about the dairy cows and why the Tillamook Valley is such an opportune place to raise them. Test your knowledge on the differences among Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Dutch Belted cows, and read about some of the first dairy farms in the area.

Reinventing the (cheese) wheel

In 2018, the facility underwent a major renovation. The newly upgraded factory features more interactive exhibits, a refreshed interior aesthetic and a better behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite cheese is produced. As you go through the tour, you’ll learn about life on a dairy farm and follow milk’s journey from farm to factory. Explore multimedia stations and interactive features that explain the process (perfect for the young and young at heart!). Brush up on the basics of cow care—and even hone your milking skills a (fake) cow. Then, peek at the machinery and the staff at work, via a long hall of windows with lively captions that explain the cheesemaking process.

Get the inside scoop

After the tour, you’ll have a chance to sample Tillamook cheese and enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream—there are plenty of flavors, so don’t be surprised if it’s a tough choice! Or maybe you’d rather stop by the Creamery Café for a delectable grilled cheese sandwich. There’s even a fudge counter featuring more than thirty different types of old-fashioned fudge made with creamy Tillamook butter.

Once you’ve filled up on tasty treats, don’t miss out on the gift shop. Pick out some “Tillamook flavored” souvenirs and ensure you never forget your trip to this renowned coastal landmark. Bring a taste of the region home with you when you buy a cheese block, frozen cheese curds or a pint of ice cream. Or, pick up fun merchandise as gifts for loved ones (or yourself!).

Before you leave, get your picture taken in the adorable Baby Loaf Bus, which travels on the Loaf Love Tour and brings the naturally aged cheeses to people all across the country. In Tillamook, cheese is a tradition, and cows are treated like family. So, why wouldn’t we want to spread the love around a bit?

Learn more about Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center

July 6, 2016

Milk in glass bottles? Bennett Family Farm delivers

One of the best things about running Bennett Family Farm? “I can have chocolate milk...

May 1, 2017

Sweet tooth? The Tillamook Coast has you covered

Have a sugary craving you can’t kick? Need something sweet after dinner on the Tillamook Coast?...

April 9, 2017

Tillamook’s Zweifel Eggs in high demand

The farm has gone to the chickens—literally. Outside her front window, Pam Zweifel sees thousands...

Blue Heron French Cheese Company

This charming vintage farm has been a milestone on the Tillamook Coast for more than...

de Garde Brewing

de Garde Brewing is a unique and delightful rural brewery located in Tillamook which specializes...

Pelican Taproom

One of the newest additions to downtown Tillamook, the Pelican Brewing Co. Taproom sits in...

March 14, 2024 | Planning Your First Trip Across America With The Kids In Tow
February 29, 2024 | Bioluminescent Nighttime Kayak Tours in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
February 27, 2024 | Visiting Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest
February 26, 2024 | El Portal de El Yunque: Visitor Center for El Yunque National Forest
February 26, 2024 | Casa Bacardi Rum Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Posted By: Julie Henning July 19, 2015

Self Guided Tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Open daily from 8AM-8PM, tours of the facility are self guided and free. For us, the highlight of the visit was the second-level observation deck where visitors observe large blocks of cheese travel on conveyor belts for slicing, shredding, and packaging.

Travel Tip: If you love Tilamook Cheese, check out these other Family Friendly attractions in Tillamook County .

A group of teenage boys was about to devour the Ice Cream Adventure—one scoop of every flavor of ice cream dished into a pail ($29.95). This breaks down to about $3.75/person between eight ravenous kids.

Book Your Stay in Tillamook, Oregon

Eat at the tillamook cheese factory cafe.

Before you leave, don’t forget to take a photo in the mini-loaf mobile. A word of caution, this is what can happen to you when you eat too many cheese curds and then fall asleep at the wheel. (ha)

Also worth noting is the mobs of people you may potential encounter during your time in the Tillamook Cheese Factory. One tip is to arrive earlier in the day or during a less-touristy time of year. Tillamook seems to have a system for directing the flow of the “herd” (cow joke) and you can always enjoy your food at the picnic tables directly outside the visitor entrance.

There is much more to explore in Tillamook – check out these 7 places to take your kids .

About the Author

Julie henning, related articles.

Oregon , Pacific

Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon

History & Monuments , Off The Beaten Path , Oregon , Pacific , Travel By State

Hiking the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon , Pacific , Top 10 , Travel By State

7 Places to Take Your Kids in Tillamook, Oregon

Oregon , Pacific , Travel By State

Florence: The Heart of the Central Oregon Coast

Now accepting online orders for curbside pickup and delivery

We're Open!

310 N Eastern Ave Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Order Online

Manwaring Handmade Cheese

Come Watch Our Cheesemakers

Fresh cheese and curds made in-house every Tuesday through Friday.

Handmade Cheese

It all started with Basil Manwaring in 1955 in Ashton, Idaho.

Our History

Manwaring Cheese

Monday - Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM

Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM

Closed Sunday

208-313-8247

[email protected]

Come visit us! Fresh cheese and curds are made daily, Tuesday through Friday. Our shop is open Monday through Saturday for you to purchase cheese, gelato or even get a fresh-made grilled cheese sandwich!

Inside Litehouse plant: How blue cheese gets dressed in Idaho

Litehouse makes award-winning blue cheese and buttermilk at separate plants in sandpoint, idaho, then combines them at a third to make its best-selling refrigerated salad dressings..

Blue cheese comes out of the grinder and is packaged in plastic bags.

Cups are filled with crumbles.

The cheese plant has four vats that can each hold 12,500 pounds of milk.

In the packaging plant, cheese crumbles are added to a hopper and packaged in plastic cups.

In the cheese plant, hoops are filled by hand. About 10 pounds of curd will yield a 7.5-pound wheel, after the excess whey drains off.

The hoops are stacked on trays to be transported to a cut-andwrap facility across town.

Litehouse’s cheesemaking facility is behind a retail store in downtown Sandpoint, Idaho. The company also operates a cut-and-wrap facility and a salad dressing bottling plant elsewhere in town.

Ed Hawkins invented a blue cheese buttermilk salad dressing that he served in his steakhouse. When customers asked if they could buy a bottle to take home, he knew it was a hit. Ed’s sons started a business to make and bottle the dressing. Later, they decided they also needed to make the blue cheese itself, rather than buying it from a supplier.

That, in a nutshell, is the story of Litehouse Inc., an award-winning maker of blue-veined cheeses and a leader in the refrigerated salad dressings category. Based in Sandpoint, Idaho, where it has three manufacturing facilities, Litehouse also has plants in Hurricane, Utah, and Lowell, Mich.

The Michigan and Utah plants manufacture salad dressings, vegetable and fruit dips, marinades, salsas and sauces. Litehouse also sells dried and freeze-dried herbs which are co-packed and imported from Germany. Litehouse acquired the Michigan plant when it merged with Chadalee Farms in 1997.

With sales growing steadily, Litehouse maxed out its manufacturing capabilities in Idaho. In 2011, it acquired a building in Hurricane, Utah, and built a manufacturing facility there. Litehouse selected the location in Utah for its access to major transportation routes, especially to California and Arizona, which are key markets, said Dan Hoffman, the company’s senior vice president of operations.

President and CEO Jim Frank said another reason the company selected Hurricane is “we’re kind of hooked on small communities and people.” (Sandpoint has a population of about 7,500.)

A well-traveled cheese

Dairy Foods visited Litehouse’s three production facilities in Idaho. The blue cheese is well-traveled before it ever hits store shelves. Cheese is made in one factory on Second Street in downtown Sandpoint. It is trucked to a cut-and-wrap and grinding facility in an industrial park across town. Then it is trucked to the salad dressing plant elsewhere in Sandpoint to be combined with buttermilk or yogurt, and bottled.

Dairy & Cheese Operations Manager Jay Peters and Quality Assurance Technical Manager Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams led Dairy Foods on a tour of the cheese factory, which is located behind a retail storefront. Litehouse receives a tanker of Holstein milk daily from southern Idaho. It takes about an hour to empty a tanker. It will be used for the next day’s cheesemaking. The company prefers Holstein milk because it is high fat and makes a creamy cheese, Peters explained.

While some plants can be highly automated, production here is mostly done by hand. Adding ingredients, cutting the curd, filling hoops, turning them and salting are all done by the seven plant employees.

After running through a HT/ST pasteurizer, the milk is pumped into four cheese vats that can hold 12,500 pounds of milk. Each vat will yield about 1,500 pounds of cheese. Cultures, rennet and salt are added and then mixed. After a couple of hours, the curd is cut, stirred and pumped to a de-wheying belt. Excess whey is collected and stored in a silo. It will be used to make buttermilk for the dressings.

Hoops are hand-filled with curd. About 10 pounds of curd will yield a wheel weighing 7.5 pounds after excess whey is drained off by gravity. The wheels are not pressed, Peters explained, because there needs to be pockets for the mold to grow.

The employees fill 800 to 1,100 hoops every day. The wheels sit overnight on 16 stainless steel tables and are flipped several times a day to develop an even shape and to promote mold growth. The cheese will remain in the plant for 24 hours. Although salt was added during the cheesemaking process, salt will be added by hand once more on the exterior of the wheels before leaving the factory. The wheels are hand-stacked on trays, wrapped in plastic and then put on a truck bound for the cut-and-wrap facility.

With all four cheese vats in use, the factory can make 6,000 pounds of cheese daily. Litehouse makes blue and gorgonzola cheeses four to five days a week. It takes about four hours to make one batch. The production is staggered throughout the day so that the vats are emptied at different times. Once a week, the plant makes a small batch of Cheddar curds. These much-anticipated squeaky cheese curds are sold in the retail shop and to employees.

Cheesemaker and Operations Manager Marvin Sharp was away during Dairy Foods’ visit. He is training his associates on the process and teaching them how to recognize when it is time to cut the curd. Besides this in-house training, Litehouse also sends employees to seminars at Washington State University.

Aging, cutting and wrapping

Cheese wheels are then sent to another facility in an industrial park about 10 minutes from downtown Sandpoint. Here, Litehouse ages the cheese, cuts and packages it for retail, and makes cultured dairy bases for salad dressings. Retail cheese will age for 100 days; the other products age for 90.

Employees punch holes in the cheese to help the blue molds bloom. They salt the wheels and dip them in an anti-fungal mixture because they don’t want mold on the rind, explained Buttermilk Plant Manager Lee Batrack. The wheels of cheese sit and develop color for 14 to 28 days in a curing room (held at a specific temperature range that promotes mold growth). Samples are cut to examine the color and the cheeses are graded. When the desired color has been achieved, cheeses are bagged and sent to an aging curing room (held at a refrigerated temperature to age another 85 days.) This is when the flavor is developed.

After the cheeses are aged, they are ready to be cut and packaged. Wheels are fed by hand into a grinder to create crumbles and smaller fines. The fines are used in a shake-from-the-jar product packaged in 4.5-ounce glass jars.

There are two other packaging lines that fill 4-ounce plastic cups with crumbles. The other line fills plastic pouches with the crumbles. A cutting station creates the eight-sided center-cut portions from wheels. A 5-ounce center-put portion is packaged in a lidded plastic cup.

Scales on all the lines ensure that the proper weights are achieved. All the packages pass through metal detectors. Employees rotate through different stations every 20 minutes to minimize fatigue from doing a repetitive task.

The buttermilk production facility is in the same industrial park as the cut-and-wrap operation. (Buttermilk was previously purchased from sources in Spokane, Wash.) Batrack directs the production, using whey captured as a by-product from the cheese plant. In a typical day, Litehouse makes two vats of buttermilk and one vat of Greek yogurt in the three 3,000-gallon vats, Batrack said.

Buttermilk production is a 24-hour process from start up to cool down. To make the buttermilk, Litehouse first makes skim milk by adding nonfat dry milk powder and stabilizers to water in the liquefier. Whey and skim milk are blended together and pasteurized. This helps to denature the proteins, achieves the desired viscosity and destroys any pathogens that may be in the buttermilk, Batrack said. Then the cultures are added and the mixture is heated and stirred. The buttermilk is held for four hours.

Dressing factory

The dressing factory, known as the Ella facility (because it is on Ella Avenue) is the largest of the three Sandpoint facilities. This is where Litehouse combines cheese and buttermilk to make dairy-based salad dressings. The plant also manufactures oil-based dressings and fruit dips.

The Ella plant has four mixing platforms with blenders and processing vats. Blue cheese is added to buttermilk along with house-made mayonnaise and other ingredients to make the blue cheese dressing. The mixture is pumped from the mixing station to the filler. Bottles are filled then capped and sealed with a neck band.

Litehouse makes various dressing formats, including 11- and 13-ounce jars, 20-ounce squeezable bottles, 32-ounce bottles for foodservice and club store accounts and gallons for institutional customers. There are also plastic pouches (called pillows) formed from roll stock and small dipping cups. These are used in salad kits sold by third parties.

The company describes its blue cheese prices as “mid-range.” Litehouse keeps its prices low because it makes its own cheese and yogurt, and it operates its own transportation network. That gives the company “some realcost advantages,” Frank said.

Litehouse can back up its claim of high quality by pointing to its SQF Level 3 certification for its dairy facilities. The company applied for Level 3, skipping over Level 2, because it felt it already had high-quality systems and documentation in place. Litehouse had to invest in some plant upgrades.

“It wasn’t as hard as you may think, because we had a lot of certifications in our plants already,” Frank said. “Our documentation base is really solid so we found that we would always pass desk audits for high-level certification. It took some work, but it was well within our grasp.”

Quality in manufacturing, products

SQF Level 3 gives customers “a higher level of confidence,” said Hoffman. And it plays into the company’s growth plans by giving retail customers assurance that Litehouse is a quality-minded manufacturer.

Litehouse’s cheese-making peers have honored the company with awards this year and last. In the 2016 American Cheese Society contest, Litehouse won first place for its Simply Artisan Reserve Double Crème Gorgonzola, second place for its Simply Artisan Reserve True Gorgonzola and third place for its Simply Artisan Reserve True Blue. Last year, Litehouse took first place for its Simply Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese.

Ed Hawkins had a good idea nearly 60 years ago. Today, the employee-owners of Litehouse have expanded his vision by developing and manufacturing salad dressings, cheeses and dips.

At-A-Glance

Products made: blue-veined and gorgonzola cheeses; Greek yogurt dips; dairy- and oil-based refrigerated salad dressings and marinades
Formats: Crumbles and center cuts in plastic cups, crumbles in pouches, sprinkles in glass jars, and full wheels in plastic wrap; spoonable and pourable refrigerated dressings in glass bottles
Cheese vats: Four, each with a capacity of 1,500 gallons
Pasteurization: HT/ST
Buttermilk production: Three 3,000-gallon vats; liquefier

Share This Story

Jim Carper is the former editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods .

Restricted Content

You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days.

Blue cheese and salad dressing producer Litehouse shines with opportunities

Inside Arla’s cheese plant: the largest Havarti producer in U.S.

Litehouse Foods’ Idaho plant achieves SQF Level 3, and other dairy processing news

Get our new emagazine delivered to your inbox every month., stay in the know on the latest dairy industry trends..

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

A password reset email has been sent to the email address on file for your account, but may take several minutes to show up in your inbox. Please wait at least 10 minutes before attempting another reset.

Email address *

Lost your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Email address

Registering for this site allows you to access your order status and history. Just fill in the fields below, and we’ll get a new account set up for you in no time. We will only ask you for information necessary to make the purchase process faster and easier.

Muenster cheese
Chocolate milk
Cookies n' cream
Butter block
Cheese spreads
Swiss cheese
Capabilities
Login / Register
Milk producers
Chocolate Milk
Strawberry Milk

Root Beer Milk

Cookies N' Cream

Whipping Cream

12/16oz Butter Tub
Salted Butter Quarters
Cheese Spreads

FINE QUALITY

Made the Gossner Way

TOTAL SECURITY

Secure Checkout

CREATE ACCOUNT

Get Signed Up

Swiss Cheese
Muenster Cheese
No products in the cart.

Fine Quality

Made in the "Little Switzerland of the Rockies"

Shelf-Stable

Real Grade A milk pasteurized and ready to use.

Fine Quality Swiss Cheese

Gossner Swiss Slice

Gossner Swiss Chunk

4 lb. Gossner Swiss Deli Loaf

RF Swiss End Cuts

Old World Swiss End Cuts

Swiss End Cuts

4 lb. Baby Swiss Deli Loaf

High Mountain Swiss Slice

Swiss & Onion Cheese Spread

Smoked Swiss & Onion Cheese Spread

4 lb. Nippy Swiss Deli Loaf

Gossner Foods is a family owned business with three locations across the western United States. With generations of cheese making experience, state of the art equipment, and a team of dedicated employees; Gossner Foods is a leader in the dairy industry. Gossner Foods primary focus remains Swiss and Muenster, but as a company they package a full variety of cheese in shred, slice, chunk and loaf. In addition to cheese Gossner Foods is the pioneer in UHT (Ultra High Temperature) shelf stable milk in a variety of flavors.

Old World Process with New World Tools

TIME TESTED… TECHNOLOGY INFUSED

Maintaining the artisan processes while still being environmentally and economically conscious.

UHT Shelf Stable Milk

2% Reduced Fat Milk

2% Chocolate Milk

2% Strawberry Milk

2% Cookies N' Cream Milk

Chocolate Milk - Whole Fat

Edwin Gossner Sr. was born in 1909. He came from the eastern region of Edliswiel-Waldkirch, Switzerland where five generations of his family had lived as farmers. Today, our dedicated employees carry on the tradition and continue to provide world class dairy products.

Signature Slices

Colby Jack Sliced

Provolone Slice

Hot Pepper Slice

Monterey Jack Slice

Mild Cheddar Slice

Muenster Slice

Our high quality products are the direct result of exceptional quality people. People that not only go to work each day but take on each day with a desire to fulfill their personal potential. Every delicious slice of Gossner cheese comes from a dedicated and devoted group of individuals that make Gossner Foods Great!

16 0z. Sliced Swiss

16 oz. Sweet Cream Butter

16 oz. Sliced Meunster

26 oz Mozzarella Shred

16 oz Sharp

Nestled in beautiful Northern Utah, the Logan location is home to the original Gossner Foods plant. Because of the demand for the high quality Swiss, our production expanded to Heyburn, Idaho. Between the two plants, nearly 2.5 million pounds of rBST free milk is made into great tasting cheese daily. The original location remains the heart of the Gossner Foods Corporation, with the majority of packaging and distribution happening here. The Logan location is also home to the UHT milk plant, where Grade A milk is specially packaged on state of the art aseptic equipment, to give it a longer shelf life.

CERTIFIED & TRUSTED

CONNECT WITH GOSSNER FOODS

Developer Database
List & Search
Garden City
Meridian & W. Ada
Construction
Housing Affordability
Infrastructure
Residential
Transportation
Student Awards

Honoring Idaho's Fastest Growing Companies Peak 43 Nominate your company today!

Looking for something?

Cheese shop returns to old swiss village in nampa – but not everyone can get inside.

Lactalis American Group purchased the factory from the JR Simplot Company in 1999 – and shut down the factory tour, cheese shop, and cafe. It began to expand capacity over the years in a now-booming area of Nampa.

It’s a literally cheesy perk for folks who work at the plant. According to a spokesperson, thirty different cheese varieties will be available for workers to buy, with prices 60-70% off retail.

Lactallis markets its cheese under brands like Président, Galbani, Stonyfield Organic, and others.

Thanks for reading! Our stories are made possible because readers like you provide support. It helps keep BoiseDev free of clickbait headlines, intrusive ads - or a paywall. Plus, members get great benefits. Join here!

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: A Perfect Indoor Escape in Oregon

Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, Tillamook Oregon USA

The Tillamook cheese factory offers free tours of the process to create 171,000 pounds of cheese daily. A perfect stop along the Oregon coast.

We knew the name Tillamook from the award-winning cheeses we had purchased so many times when we lived in California. What we discovered was an ice cream, creamy fudge, and cheese factory tour that blew our mind. Each day they make 171,000 pounds of cheese.

Tillamook County is along the Oregon coast. Its high rainfall, rivers, and ocean create a fertile region that naturally grows nutrient-rich grass, perfect for dairy cows.

The first Tillamook County cheese to win an award did so at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Since that time, they have earned over 750 awards. Being farmer-owned, the milk goes from farm to cheese in less than 24 hours. The cheese is then aged from 60 days to over 3 years. And the best part, all products are made as naturally as possible.

Our Tillamook Cheese Factory tour

Stepping inside was a sharp contrast to the natural coastline we had been enjoying. It was bright, lively, and filled with happy people. No wonder it draws over a million visitors each year. The self-guided factory tour is fascinating. Best shared in photos (shot through the glass observation windows):

After the tour

The self-guided tour ends with samples. Then you are in the shop, more specifically, you are standing in front of a refrigerated cheese counter. You can pick up whichever cheeses have inspired you.

I imagine we are not the only ones who left that day with a sampling of cheeses and crackers. We also ordered sandwiches and enjoyed a picnic at our next coastal stop.

What you need to know for your free Tillamook Cheese Factory tour

You can’t miss it if you are on driving along the Oregon coast on Highway 101 through Tillamook, but just in case, it does have an address: 4175 Highway 101 North.
Open at 8 am every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), closing at 6 pm in the winter, 8 pm during summer.
The factory tours are free and self-guided.
There is plenty of free parking.
Learn more at their official website .
Cheese fans can pick up a copy of The Tillamook Cheese Cookbook: Celebrating Over a Century of Excellence .
Tillamook can also be visited as a Portland day trip .

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Flights : we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

Save for your next visit to Oregon

If you enjoyed this article, please pin it:

Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, Tillamook Oregon

Have you visited the Tillamook factory? Have you enjoyed any of their products?

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

July 14, 2016 at 12:26 pm

How cool! I didn’t know there were tours – but the samples are probably a bad thing as some of us (Rob!) have no self control. We’ll have to make the detour next time we’re in the area!

Rhonda Albom

July 14, 2016 at 12:40 pm

Free, self guided tours. And the sample bins have only toothpicks, so you can’t over eat. Of course the ice creams they sell are huge.

Suze - Luxury Columnist

July 11, 2016 at 10:17 pm

I’m a bit of a cheese fanatic so I’d love this, did you have a favourite?

July 12, 2016 at 8:06 am

The pepper jack was my favorite. I don’t know if they have any variety of pepper jack here in New Zealand, I should take look.

Barbara Radisavljevic

July 11, 2016 at 3:38 pm

I’ve missed this because I always stayed on I-5 on my way to Oregon. Looks like I’ll have to take 101 next time.

July 12, 2016 at 8:03 am

It is a fantastic drive, well worth the extra time, if you have it.

Elaine J Masters

July 11, 2016 at 12:55 pm

So many memories of visiting Tillamok cheese factory as a kid with my parents! In those days we were allowed on the factory floor. I can still imagine the smell! Thanks for taking me back.

Getting to go out on the factory floor would be so interesting, but probably dangerous with all those moving parts. I can see why they closed it off as they became more popular.

July 11, 2016 at 7:39 am

Love Tillamook cheese and YES! we have been to the factory! Have a lovely day!

July 11, 2016 at 9:51 am

Did you get ice cream when you visited?

July 11, 2016 at 6:33 am

What in interesting tour, Rhonda. I’ve always wanted to visit a cheese (or chocolate) factory, but never had a chance. This is most likely Cheddar cheese, isn’t it?

July 11, 2016 at 9:50 am

We lived in San Francisco for 15 years and never made it up here – don’t make our mistake, hope in the car on your next adventure and head north, at least to Astoria. It is incredible.

July 11, 2016 at 6:01 am

Wow, that’s something else such a cheese factory than my puppy little Swiss mountain cheese production rooms at the farmers which I visited 😉

July 11, 2016 at 9:49 am

LOL – I would imagine this is bigger than most cheese producing places in the world, however it is still farmer owned and operated. Amazing, isn’t it?

July 10, 2016 at 10:18 am

I love cheese. All kinds, shapes and sizes. I’m not sure I want to see it made though. Industrial cheese making, even on a small scales takes away the romance somehow.

July 11, 2016 at 9:48 am

LOL – Actually, it was pretty impressive, and then hubby and I purchased some cheese and crackers – bringing back the romance of it.

Rachael@safari254

July 10, 2016 at 5:37 am

I feel like I’ll be judged for this but I one of those people who only likes cheese when it’s on a pizza or in a burger or a sandwich

July 10, 2016 at 9:32 am

There is no judgement here. Since I have been loosing weight I barely eat any cheeses. But I do love them.

July 10, 2016 at 5:06 am

Kind of crazy to think those big block are cheese. That is fascinating! I would love to stop by the factory. I have tried TIllamok’s ice cream and it is delicious.

Can you imagine 42 pound blocks of cheese?

July 10, 2016 at 12:45 am

We fell in love with Tillamook cheese on a trip to Oregon years ago and always look for it when we are in the States.

July 10, 2016 at 9:31 am

I will be looking for it on my next trip to the states as well.

July 9, 2016 at 9:47 pm

I love watching food production processes especially when the outcome is so delicious. This cheese looks similar to a cheddar – delicious!

I am pretty sure it is cheddar.

July 9, 2016 at 2:42 pm

A cheese factory, woo hoo a girl after my own heart. It’s been a while since I’ve seen cheese made, and it wasn’t anything as fancy as this. There’s a shop that sells the best veggies and cheese not too far from here, I often go to “sample” the merchandise. Many samples, their cheese samples are the highlight.

July 10, 2016 at 9:30 am

I had never seen cheese made in this quantity before, it was pretty impressive.

July 9, 2016 at 2:33 pm

“Each day they make 171,000 pounds of cheese.” WHAT??? Holy cow!!!! (Didja get the pun? lol) I adore cheese! I’m a real Northern girl at heart and would put cheese on everything if I could. Those cheeses look fabulous. There are so few cheeses I can get in Egypt. And those that are marked as Cheddar or Gouda, really don’t taste like it. It’s kinda depressing. 🙁

July 10, 2016 at 9:29 am

That’s exactly what I thought, and yes I got the pun and even laughed. Sorry you can’t get good cheese. I am one of the lucky ones, I live in a dairy country.

Michelle | michwanderlust

July 9, 2016 at 1:52 pm

I’m not a fan of artisan cheese (the taste is a little overpowering for me) but I do like seeing how it’s made! I especially like supporting these traditional businesses. No food tour would be complete without samples!

July 10, 2016 at 8:44 am

The cheeses you are looking at here are everyday products, most likely a cheddar.

July 9, 2016 at 9:51 am

those blocks are huge!! in The Netherlands cheese are also huge, but instead of blocks, they are round. It seems less industrial 🙂

July 9, 2016 at 1:33 pm

Can you believe it, 42 pound blocks of cheese.

Yolanda Renee

July 9, 2016 at 9:02 am

The coast of Oregon is such a lovely, lovely place. And a place for cheese lovers too! We used to vacation there every summer. Miss it much!

July 9, 2016 at 1:32 pm

I was only there once, last month, and I already miss it.

Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor

July 9, 2016 at 5:58 am

I’ve been there a couple of times. It’s a fun and tasty outing!

It’s a perfect break for a tasty snack.

L. Diane Wolfe

July 9, 2016 at 2:31 am

We drove through Tillamook so many times but never stopped at the factory. How fascinating.

July 9, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Not even for ice cream?

Comedy Plus

July 9, 2016 at 2:15 am

Yes I have visited the cheese factory in Tillamook. Huge and wonderful place.

We eat a lot of Tillamook cheese too.

Have a fabulous day. 🙂

July 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm

I am glad you made it here. I can’t believe how long I lived in the SF bay area and never visited Oregon.

July 9, 2016 at 12:48 am

That is very cool…

I thought so too.

Paula McInerney

July 8, 2016 at 8:50 pm

You did do well shooting through glass, which is never easy. I love, love, love cheese and have been through factories in Emmental in Switzerland.

Mary {The World Is A Book}

July 8, 2016 at 6:41 pm

I love Tillamook cheese and ice cream. Would love to visit this great factory one of these days. Factory tours are so fun to do to get the behind the scenes stories. I know I wouldn’t have left empty handed.

There was a queue for ice cream the entire time we were there, the cones looked huge, and everyone looked like they were really enjoying it.

kelleyn rothaermel

July 8, 2016 at 6:37 pm

My favorite! So delcious!

July 9, 2016 at 1:29 pm

You would love the sample line at the end 🙂

July 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm

This was great to see, and it looks like it would be delicious tasty cheese. My favourite! I’ve seen cheesemaking at a local NSW University and it was ‘not behind a glass wall’ so it was very mmmmm ‘stinky.’ I love cheese!!

July 9, 2016 at 1:03 pm

The cheese was smooth and creamy, and I hadn’t thought about the smell, so I am guess I am no thankful for the glass.

Cascia Talbert

July 8, 2016 at 12:58 pm

We used to get Tillamook cheese all the time when we lived out west. It looks like you had a lot of fun touring the plant. Have a terrific weekend.

July 9, 2016 at 1:02 pm

I am sure I would visit again if I lived nearby.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

July 8, 2016 at 11:54 am

I’d want one of those big blocks of cheese! Really cool shots of the factory.

July 9, 2016 at 1:01 pm

LOL – Could you eat it all before it goes off? It’s 42 pounds of cheese.

July 8, 2016 at 11:15 am

I wonder how much one of those super big blocks would go for?

Privacy Overview

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: Tips, Tricks & What You Need to Know

D id you know that during a trip to Portland, you can visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Creamery on the Oregon Coast to learn how cheese and ice cream are made?

My husband is a self-proclaimed “cheeseaholic,” so we knew that a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory during our trip to Portland, Oregon, was a must. And wow, we are so glad we prioritized the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour during our trip — it honestly exceeded our expectations!

In this post, I will explain some of the basic information you need to know about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour when planning your trip, what to expect during the tour, and some tips to make your experience memorable and seamless.

FAQs: Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour in Oregon

Where is the tillamook cheese factory.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is in Tillamook on the Oregon Coast. If you are driving to Tillamook Creamery from Downtown Portland, it is about a 75-mile drive and takes roughly an hour and a half to get there, depending on traffic.

What are the Tillamook Cheese Factory hours and days?

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is open seven days a week from 10 AM – 6 PM. They do occasionally close early for holidays or private events, so check the website ahead of time to ensure they are open on the time and day you are planning your tour.

Does it cost money to go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

The best part about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is that it is completely free, making it one of the best things to do in Oregon on a budget. The self-guided tour also includes free cheese samples — just save some money in your budget to buy lunch or ice cream in the dining hall after your Tillamook Cheese Factory tour.

Does the Tillamook Cheese Factory have a gift shop?

The Tillamook Creamery has a fabulous gift shop to explore after your tour.

You can find tons of mementos to bring home, like shirts, hats, ornaments, and cute stuffed animals. There is also a grocery section with limited edition cheeses, ice creams, dairy products, and other Oregon-made products that you can’t find in your grocery store back home.

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour good for kids?

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is one of the best things to do in Portland with kids!

Not only will kids love watching how cheese and ice cream are made, but there are tons of interactive, kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits that will teach them how to “feed” a calf, milk a cow, the differences between different types of cows, and more.

Do you need reservations for the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour?

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, so you do not need to make tour reservations. You can begin your tour right when you show up, or you can grab food in the dining hall first and complete the tour before you leave — it is up to you.

How long does the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour take?

Since the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, you can spend one hour or all day here. However, most people probably spend between 2–3 hours at the Tillamook Creamery.

Personally, we arrived around 11:30 AM and left around 2 PM, so we spent a total of 2.5 hours at the Tillamook Creamery. We arrived, took the tour, browsed the gift shop, ordered food, and then enjoyed it in the dining hall before leaving.

Do they serve food at the Tillamook Creamery in Oregon?

Yes, in addition to the free cheese samples, Tillamook Creamery has tons of food to purchase. You can buy grocery items in the gift shop, or you can order meals to eat in the dining hall. They also have an ice cream bar if you are craving a sweet treat.

Can I visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory with a food allergy?

It is possible to visit Tillamook Cheese Factory with a food allergy. While you might have trouble finding much to eat with a severe dairy allergy (though it is possible!), there are plenty of options for gluten-free, nut-free, and other food allergies.

To better understand how Tillamook Creamery handles allergens before visiting the factory, please read the company’s allergen statement .

Does Tillamook Cheese Factory have samples?

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour offers samples, and you can grab as many as you want (within reason, of course). I grabbed a Colby Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar to try. They were all amazing, of course!

What to Expect During the Tillamook Creamery Tour

During the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, you will learn so much information about the company’s history, business model, how cheese is made, and how to care for cows. There is truly something to learn that will interest everyone — from young kids to adults!

During the self-guided tour, you will be able to explore the following exhibits and stops at your own pace:

Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance is the first thing you will see when you walk into the Tillamook Cheese Factory. You will be greeted by a massive photo of Flower, one of Tillamook’s cows, at the entrance, and when you walk inside, you will see a sculpture of floating cheese loaves.

To the left, you will see a timeline that details the milestones that have happened in the company since 1851 — when it all began — to 2018, when the new Tillamook Creamery opened (the one that you will tour when you visit). If you want a sneak peek at some highlights on the timeline, you can view them on Tillamook’s website here .

Farm Exhibit

Next up, you can visit the Farm Exhibit. This exhibit is especially fun if you have children because they can learn about how cows are raised and how they produce milk. You will be able to learn how technology is improving the care of cows. In fact, cows are milked using a milking device that you can try your hand at in this exhibit.

Something I didn’t realize about Tillamook Creamery until visiting is that they are a Dairy Co-Op committed to thriving farms and healthful cows. Tillamook has 80 farmer-owners, and some family farms have been providing milk to Tillamook for four generations!

Viewing Gallery

In the upstairs Viewing Gallery, you will be able to watch Tillamook employees in action as they turn milk into cheese (within 24 hours of the milk arriving — amazing!).

Look through the glass panels into the factory to see the cooking vats, heat shrink tunnel, vacuum sealer, patching station, check weigher scale, and other tools and equipment in action that is used to make award-winning cheeses. And, of course, the cheese loaves!

There are plenty of easy-to-read displays, so you can understand what is happening during each step of the process. This is the coolest part of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, in my opinion — it is amazing to watch how efficient, yet precise, the employees are at producing the perfect-sized cheese blocks before they are sent away to age for 3–5 years.

Cheese Samples

Once you watch how the cheese is made, why not try some to see how it tastes for yourself? You can stand in line for cheese samples and grab one of each type — they are pre-wrapped, too, so everything is super sanitary. I grabbed a Colby Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar because that is what they had available that day.

While you are snacking on your cheese samples, head downstairs to the gift shop — and don’t worry, there is plenty more cheese to be had!

Gift Shop

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is free, but it’s worth bringing some extra money for the gift shop. While you’re here, you will find everything from food — from limited edition Tillamook cheeses and products — to mementos and souvenirs, like t-shirts, ornaments, hats, and stuffed animals (I mean, how could you resist this cute cow?).

We would have loved to purchase some food or local Oregon goodies, but we were getting ready to fly home and didn’t think we’d have enough time to eat perishable items before our flight — but if you are in town for longer, cheese makes a great snack in the hotel!

Dining Hall

Chances are, you have worked up an appetite while touring the Tillamook Creamery, so it’s time to head to the dining hall. The Dining Hall has two sections with two separate lines — one for dining and one for ice cream.

On the dining menu , you will find every cheesy meal your heart desires, including cheese curds, mac ‘n’ cheese, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers (all made with Tillamook cheese, of course). However, there are some lighter options too, like salads and soups, which you can enjoy individually or pair with other items (grilled cheese and tomato soup, anyone?).

We ordered cheese curds with sharp cheddar ranch and a delicious salad with smoked salmon, cheese, arugula, and dried corn (it was seriously SOO yummy!).

Then, we hopped into the ice cream line. I recommend getting a sampler platter (like the one pictured below) that allows you to try three flavors. My husband and I split this and tried the Oregon Dark Cherry, Peaches and Cream, and Oregon Hazelnut, and they were all delicious. The flavors do sometimes change, so keep your eyes peeled for a new favorite!

Tip: If both lines are long and you have multiple people in your group, have one person stand in each line and “divide and conquer,” so your ice cream and food are ready at the same time.

Tips for Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Arrive early to avoid the crowds. .

If you want to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory as close as possible to when the factory opens (10 AM) on a weekday.

Come hungry.

There are lots of opportunities to eat at the Tillamook Cheese Factory — free cheese samples, meals in the dining hall, ice cream, and more. Come with an empty stomach so you can enjoy as many of the goodies as possible!

Grab more than one sample.

When you get in line for cheese samples, know that you can grab more than one! I grabbed one of each type of cheese to try — just be respectful, and don’t grab more than you need.

Pair a trip to Tillamook Creamery with a day on the coast.

If you are planning a day trip to Tillamook Creamery from Portland, Oregon, you should plan to spend the rest of your afternoon driving up the Oregon Coast.

After we left the Tillamook Cheese Factory, we drove to Cannon Beach and spent the rest of the afternoon there, which was tons of fun. If you are like most visitors, you will only spend a few hours at the factory, so make a plan for how you would like to spend the rest of your day.

Take a photo by the Tillamook Creamery sign.

Before you leave, be sure to grab a photo in front of the Tillamook Creamery sign! It is located just outside the dining hall’s outdoor seating area, so it should be easy to spot when you are finishing up your food.

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour Worth It During a Trip to Portland?

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is absolutely worth your time during a trip to Portland or the Oregon Coast!

We were really impressed at the attention to detail and information packed into this free self-guided tour, and we loved browsing the gift shop and enjoying a meal in the dining hall as well. Regardless of your age, you are bound to have a wonderful time at the Tillamook Creamery.

Save These Helpful Tips for the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour

Did you find this post about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour helpful? If so, check out these other posts about things to do in Oregon during your visit:

Perfect Cannon Beach Day Trip from Portland, Oregon
10 Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley (+ Map & Helpful Tips)
Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Portland, Oregon
Scenic Columbia River Gorge Day Trip from Portland

Did you know that during a trip to Portland, you can visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Creamery on the Oregon Coast to learn how cheese and ice cream are made? My husband is a self-proclaimed “cheeseaholic,” so we knew that a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory during our trip to Portland, Oregon, was […]

Plan Your Family Vacation

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour (The Best Cheese Factory in Oregon!)

Want to visit Tillamook Cheese Factory? Did you know that the Tillamook tour is one of the best things to do on the Oregon coast ? Tillamook is the best cheese factory in Oregon!

My family recently visited and loved taking the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour! The Tillamook factory has a lot to offer! My kids loved it! What can be better than getting free cheese and trying some delicious ice cream?! Right!

In this post, We will give you a complete guide on visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory and everything you need to know about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour.

We will also let you know all the fun things to do at Tillamook visitors center. From production to exploring the Tillamook Creamery Oregon ice cream selections. It is the ultimate Tillamook dairy tour!

The Tillamook Oregon Cheese Factory is a fantastic place to visit! Let's explore all the fun things to do on a Tillamook Cheese Factory tour!

If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest!

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour Pin for Pinterest

This post may contain affiliate links (including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.

Portland to Tillamook

If you are wondering where is Tillamook Cheese Factory, I included a map above. Hopefully, this gives you an idea!

Portland to Tillamook is actually a great day trip. In fact, the drive is under an hour and a half. It is a perfect day trip from Portland. It could easily be added to your weekend in Portland itinerary.

If you are driving the Oregon Coast from Seaside to Tillamook or Astoria to Tillamook it is under 1.5 hours. Tillamook is a must if you are exploring the Oregon Coast.

Know Before you Go!

There are a few things you should know before you go on the Tillamook tour. This includes operating hours, cost, and a few more things we are going to go over.

We want to make planning a visit to Tillamook easy! Let's get started!

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory Good for Kids?

Yes, my kids and teens loved it! We are a total foodie family so getting free cheese samples is always a plus! There are also fun interactive areas for the kids to enjoy.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided so if your kids get tired you can leave!

What Should I Expect on a Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour?

You will learn the history of Tillamook, plus how the Tillamook factory is run. From the treatment of the cows to the processing of the cheese and ice cream. Plus, there are hands-on exhibits.

Does it Cost Money to Visit Tillamook Cheese Factory?

Here is some exciting news!! The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is FREE ! You can explore and get free cheese.

You do have the option to purchase ice cream and other food at the Tillamook Creamery portion of the Tillamook visitors center.

Tillamook Cheese Factory Hours

The Tillamook Cheese Factory hours are from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm . The Tillamook visitors center is open 7 days a week .

On our last trip, we were driving north from the Redwoods to Tillamook. It is a 7-hour drive. We had to push it to make it there before it closed. You will want to get there at least an hour before it closes.

How Long is the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour?

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is a self-guided tour. You can spend as much time as you want to exploring the Tillamook visitors center.

I would allow yourself at least 1 – 2 hours to see everything. 1 hour if you only do the tour and do not plan to eat at the Tillamook Creamery. You will need a little longer if you plan to purchase ice cream. The lines are always long!

Things to Do on the Tillamook Tour

The Tillamook Cheese factory tour is the highlight of your visit to Tillamook Oregon!

The Tillamook tour begins as you walk through the door! I am going to list some of the best things to see on your cheese factory Tillamook tour.

Tillamook Ultimate Experience

Most of us will probably just want to do the self-guided tour of Tillamook Cheese Factory, but if you want to book a special tour . There is a tasting guided tour as well as an ice cream experience tour.

1. Cheese Tasting at Tillamook Factory

The highlight of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is the cheese tasting! Yes! you get to sample Tillamook Cheese for free! You will want to head up the stairs and take your first right.

There is a counter where you can sample the delicious Tillamook Cheese!

Tillamook Oregon Cheese

You will be able to try three different types of cheeses. Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, and Colby Jack.

This was my favorite part of the Tillamook tour. I love sampling! I really like the sharp cheddar but it has a kick. It is nice to eat medium cheddar or Colby after the sharp cheese.

Changes to the Tillamook Tour

The first time we went on the Tillamook tour we were given cheese cubes, there were a few more options. Now you get a cheese slice. They are much bigger and individually wrapped.

If you love cheese, then sampling will be your favorite part of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour!

2. Feed a Cafe

Across from the cheese sampling area is an area your kids will love. You can learn a little bit about cows.

Feeding the calf is a fun interactive way for kids to pretend to be on the farm. There is a bottle that you can insert into the calf's mouth. It is pretty fun!

3. Milk a Cow at the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Another great exhibit in the cow area is a replica of a cow. There is special milking equipment that you can attach to the cow.

This allows you to learn how the cows are milked at Tillamook in Oregon. My little guy loved playing and learning! It was a little hard to attach the equipment to the udders. It took two people to hold them in place!

4. Learn the History of Tillamook Cheese Factory in Oregon

I love learning history! The history of Tillamook Cheese Factory is awesome! It is a farmer-owned co-op. Basically, farming families in Tillamook County own the company.

If you look out in the front of the Tillamook Factory you will see a boat. This is really cool. When Tillamook first became a company in the early 1900s, it needed a way to transport its products. The fastest way to Portland was the waterway. They sailed fresh products into town.

5. The Official Self-Guided Tillamook Tour

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided. You will see the cheese factory from an ariel view deck. If you are lucky you will see products being made.

We actually saw the products being sealed up. It is pretty fun to walk around looking down at the big machinery in action. You can also read about the different processes it takes to make cheese.

Tillamook Cheese Tour Films

At the end of the viewing deck, there are some benches. You can sit down and watch some funny commercials and a few short films about Tillamook!

6. Visit Tillamook Creamery

You will want to make your way down the stairs to the Tillamook Cheese Factory Creamery. This is where you can grab a bite to eat or try some delicious Tillamook Ice Cream.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory Creamery is a highlight of the Tillamook tour!

7. Cheese Factory Food

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour - Cheese Curds

Tillamook has a full menu of items to eat. From hamburgers to cheese curds. The meals are very expensive!!!! We decided to order a plate of cheese curds to share.

The cheese curds were really good. You can pick from a few different sauce options. You might also want to try one of the famous grilled cheese sandwiches or order some mac n cheese. They use the best cheese around!

8. Tillamook Ice Cream

We are big fans of Tillamook ice cream. They actually sell it in Utah where we live. There are lots of flavors to choose from. A Tillamook tour would not be complete without getting some ice cream!

If you have a larger family like mine the flights of ice cream were the way to go. Each flight comes with 3 scoops. We bought 2 since there are 6 people in our family.

The lines will be long. On our last trip, it was off-season, we still waited at least 20 minutes to get ice cream!

Dining Area

Once you order your food or ice cream you can enjoy it in the nice big dining area at Tillamook Cheese Factory. (This is a great place to rest, if you need it!)

9. Photo Ops During your Tillamook Tour

You can't go to a tourist attraction like the Tillamook Cheese Factory and not get a few goofy shots! We love the Tillamook cheese car.

It is really a kid's dream come true! I saw so many little kids head straight for the car! It is pretty fun to jump in and play!

10. Tillamook Oregon Cheese Factory Grocery Store

If you want some of the freshest Tillamook products around stop by the Tillamook Grocery store.

You will find one of my favorite items, squeaky cheese! You will also find a lot of different flavors of cheese.

If you want something to take home this is where you will want to head!

11. Tillamook Cheese Factory Gift Shop

Tillamook Oregon Cheese Factory Gift Shop

I feel like visiting a place like Tillamook, you need something to document it. There are lots of hats, shirts, and standard souvenirs you can purchase.

I'm sure after reading all the awesome things to do at Tillamook Cheese Factory, you are probably craving cheese! If you don't want to wait till you visit, Amazon actually has Tillamook. You can order some online!

Is Tillamook Worth Visiting?

Yes! Tillamook Cheese Factory is one of the best stops along the Oregon Coast! It is fun and enjoyable for the entire family!

The ice cream is amazing and the cheese samples are fabulous! Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory is an absolute must!

Are you Ready to Visit Tillamook Cheese Factory?!

I hope this post gets you excited about visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Oregon! I know you will love your visit and love exploring all of the fun things on the Tillamook tour!

Have fun on your Tillamook Cheese tour!

Facebook Community

If you have any questions join my Facebook Travel Community. You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips and everyone is happy to help you plan your trip. I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me. It is a great group to join!

10 Amazing Options for a 2-Day Disneyland Itinerary (Includes A California Adventure Itinerary)

Are you thinking about creating a 2-Day Disneyland itinerary? Feeling a little overwhelmed? No worries! I have a two days at Disneyland plan! We have been to Disneyland more times than we can count. Planning a trip to Disneyland always gets me excited! In this post, we will have lots of options for a Disney…

Hell’s Revenge 4X4 Trail – Moab, Utah – The Craziest Off-Road Trail

Have you heard of Hell’s Revenge 4X4 trail in Moab, Utah? We just went on a Hell’s Revenge tour and loved it! It is an off-roading adventure of a lifetime! People from all over bring jeeps, UTV, and other Sports Utility Vehicles to have a little fun on one of the most thrilling trails in…

Planning the Best San Francisco Girl’s Trip

Have you been thinking about planning a San Francisco girl’s trip? You are in the right spot!!! Look no further because San Francisco is a great place to spend time with your best friends, sisters, or mother. My San Francisco girl’s getaway was all about my sister and my mom! There are so many things…

30 Best Things To Do In Park City Utah In Winter For Families

Do you want to plan a trip to Park City Utah in Winter? There are so many fun things to do in Park City Utah in the Winter!! Want to experience skiing, the snow, and the beautiful mountains? You are in the right spot! Utah is my home state. I have been to Park City…

11 Top Lake Tahoe Tours For Families (Summer and Winter Options!)

Headed to Lake Tahoe? Want to book some amazing Lake Tahoe tours? Lake Tahoe is a happening place in both winter and summer. You are in the right place if you are looking to book a Lake Tahoe tour! There are so many fun things to do at Lake Tahoe! We recently went and had a…

Visit The Amazing Shark Valley Bike Trail and Vistor Center – Everglades National Park

Want to visit Everglades National Park – Shark Valley bike trail and visitor center? Perfect! Shark Valley is the perfect place to spend one day in Everglades National Park. I want to start by saying I have an irrational fear of alligators. They terrify me! I wanted to conquer my fear and visit the Everglades…

14 Comments

What a fun place to visit with kids especially! I would love to take the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour! And try their samples and ice cream.

My kids loved it! We also loved trying the free cheese samples!

I’ve wanted to take this tour! I’ve only been to Oregon once, so this is the perfect reason to return. I haven’t tried Tillamook ice cream, but I really want to. All your food pictures looked really good!

I am a Tillamook fan! Oregon is so beautiful!

Oh my goodness….I lived in Oregon for over 15 years and always wanted to go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, but never made it! I loved this post and now really want to make a trip back up to the PNW to visit my old stomping grounds and then definitely make it a point to go to Tillamook. I love cheese and ice cream so I know I would be in HEAVEN! 🙂

It is such fun vacation spot! You would love it!

Cheese Curds – Yes please! Tillamook Cheese Factory looks like a fun and educational tour.

It is an awesome stop on the Oregon Coast!

Tillamook Cheese Factory offers so much! I don’t eat dairy products but the tour looks interesting. Love the van for a photo op.

It is a fun tourist site to visit!

It’s a dream one day to go to Oregon and if I ever get to, I’ll for sure check out the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour. I love Tillamook products. I especially love Tillamook’s Coffee Ice Cream and discovered it for the first time when I lived in Colorado. Since I came back to Kentucky, I’ve been unable to find it.

I think Tillamook may only be on the west coast! I know we have it in Utah.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory sounds like an amazing place to visit! I love trying new cheese 🙂

I love that they have cheese sampling!

The Cheesecake Factory Locations In Idaho

Shipping info

With help of other farmers; ranchers in the Heber Valley, you'll be delighted to interact and learn about various farm animals. In addition, you and your family can enjoy some time playing on the farm lawn or sand pile.

During our Baby Animal Celebration we are offering an VIP Experience for a group of up to 5 people to feed the calfs. The calf feeding experience will be first and then you can enjoy unlimited time with the babies.

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese Won the Gold Award for Our Lemon Sage Cheddar!

Learn how to make your own farm fresh mozzarella, from Heather Kohler, wife of our farmer and cheese maker. The class includes detailed instruction and insider tips that you can easily repeat at home.

During your dairy tour – you’ll also have the chance to observe our robotic milking system – one of the first installed in the Western USA. This unique system allows our cows to be milked “by choice” – whenever they feel the need up to five times a day.

Happy Cows make Udderly Delicious Cheese – and now you can finally meet the fabulous “ladies” who provide the milk for our award-winning cheese.

Experience Our Story

Heber valley artisan cheese.

Shop All Cheese
Cheese Club
Celebration Cakes
Gift Selection
Black Label Cheese
Blue Cheese
Soft Cheese
Semi-soft Cheese
Feta and Fresh Cheese
Vintage Cheese
Seasonal Cheese
Clearance Cheese
Book A Table
Guided Factory Tours
Gift Vouchers
Job Vacancies
Work For Us
How we create cheese
Caring for your cheese
Cheese FAQS
Our Recipes
Whitestone Food Safety Programme
Our Environment
Wholesale Account Enquires
Sponsorship Application
Your Cart is Empty

Whitestone Tour guide showing guests viewing windows

Guided Factory Tour

Loading schedule...

Please select a date

Bookings are mandatory, no walk-ins are available. Please include your contact phone number in your booking so our team can get in touch if we need to cancel or reschedule your tour, thanks! You will need to have your own transport from our Factory at 3 Torridge St, to our Diner & Deli at 469 Thames Highway.

GUIDED FACTORY TOURS

Please book online to secure your spot or call 0800 892 433. Full payment must be made prior to the tour.

Tours give guests a behind the scenes look at our cheese making process, all the way from; make to taste. You will get to experience a cheese tasting, informative talk and guided tour of our factory through our viewing galleries, plus walk away with a goody bag sample.

For the more indulgent foodie, we have the opportunity to upgrade tours - to include a cheese and wine matching.

So if you're wondering what to do while you're in Oamaru, look no further.

" Did the factory tour which included cheese tasting and cheese goody bag - factory tour was good and cheese tasted good- friendly tour staff - the Southland cheese rolls at the store are nice as well" - TripAdvisor review 5 stars.

Tour Details

Times: Wednesday - Friday at 10am. Please allow 90 minutes for the tour and tasting. Meet our tour guide at our Factory at 10am, you will need to make your way to the Diner & Deli for the guided cheese tasting.

Adults: $35 each or upgrade to include 30ml wine pairing.

Children under 16: Free if accompanied by an adult (max of 2 children per adult, please note children do not receive their own tasting platter or goodie bag). A tasting platter can be arranged for children for $14, please enquire prior to your tour.

Address: Tours begin at our Factory - 3 Torridge Street, Oamaru , and ends at our Diner & Deli - 469 Thames Highway, Oamaru. You will need your own transport to get from one site to the other.

Please book online to secure your spot or call 0800 892 433. Full payment must be made prior to the tour.

Large groups: (over 8 people) by prior arrangement only.

A tour will only run if there is a minimum of 2 adults attending.
No photography during tour please.
No high heels or stiletto shoes to be worn.
Please be aware that there is walking and stairs involved, there is also no wheelchair access on the guided tour.
Those including wine pairing in their tour must be over the age of 18, please don't be offended if we ask to see ID.

Please email [email protected] or free phone 0800 892 433 for further information and/or private bookings.

Terms & Conditions + Shipping Policy

Diner & Deli: 469 Thames Highway, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand

Phone: 0800 892 433

Email: [email protected]

COMMENTS

Visit & Tour Ballard Dairy
We do have a cheese store and can tell you how we make cheese . The Ballard Cheese facility is located in Gooding, Idaho - about 42 miles east of Twin Falls and not too far from Interstate 84. If you are interested in coming by send us a text at 208-420-1576/ cell 208-420-1573 or email us at [email protected]. Link to Google Map: Boise ...
Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: This is What You Need to Know
The Tillamook Creamery Tour starts with displays featuring their history as well as some interesting facts, such as the fact that they get about 1.6 million pounds of milk a day. And, that that milk is all made into cheese or ice cream within 24 hours. 🤯. Sharing one cool thing learned after reading the sign.
American Cheese Factory Tours
Pennsylvania Cheese Factory Tours. Pleasant Lane Farms | Latrobe, PA. Explore 185 acres of preserved farmland while enjoying a state-of-the-art robotic milking experience, smart barn, cheesemaking, and calf nursery. Customized tours are available for schools, 4H groups, scouting, and other youth organizations.
You're Guaranteed To Love A Trip To This Epic Cheese Factory In Idaho
Most of the cheese that's produced at the factory is sold at their own retail store at 458 North 4000 East Rigby, Idaho 83442. Be sure to swing by the next time you're in the area and pick up some delicious handmade cheese. The product speaks for itself! This cheese factory is like a little slice of the Old World.
Nampa cheese factory grows into an industry leader
Iconic Nampa cheese factory grows into an industry leader. Decades ago, the building once known as the Swiss Village Cheese Factory seemed to be going nowhere, but now it's part of Lactalis - a ...
Learn How to Make Cheese at the Tillamook Cheese Factory
4175 US-101Tillamook, OR 97141. VIEW MAP. At the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center, you'll meet people from all around the world who gather to learn about the cheesemaking process. During the free self-guided tour, you will discover why our region has such a deep connection to its cheese and understand the history that has gone into making ...
Litehouse Cheese Factory
The process of making blue cheese. A virtual tour of the Litehouse award winning cheese factory in Sandpoint Idaho.
Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory
Self Guided Tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Open daily from 8AM-8PM, tours of the facility are self guided and free. For us, the highlight of the visit was the second-level observation deck where visitors observe large blocks of cheese travel on conveyor belts for slicing, shredding, and packaging. 1.7 million pounds of milk received into ...
Home
Fresh cheese and curds made in-house every Tuesday through Friday. Handmade Cheese. Since 1955. It all started with Basil Manwaring in 1955 in Ashton, Idaho. ... Manwaring Cheese. 310 N Eastern Ave Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Tel. 208-313-8247. Email. [email protected]. Social pages. Facebook; Instagram;
Lactalis opens public cheese store in Nampa, ID
The new shop was for employees only - part of a $1.2 million investment in upgrades for workers. Now, the small cheese store will be open to the public, too. Workers in the Cultured by Lactalis store in Nampa. Courtesy Lactalis America Group. Customers can stop by Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. to pick up dairy products, including milk and an ...
Inside Litehouse plant: How blue cheese gets dressed in Idaho
Dairy & Cheese Operations Manager Jay Peters and Quality Assurance Technical Manager Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams led Dairy Foods on a tour of the cheese factory, which is located behind a retail storefront. Litehouse receives a tanker of Holstein milk daily from southern Idaho. It takes about an hour to empty a tanker.
TILLAMOOK CREAMERY FACTORY TOUR
The Tillamook Creamery Factory Tour offers self-guided tours of the Cheese Factory which included tasty cheese samples, factory viewing windows, a café, and ...
Gossner Foods
Signature Slices. Gossner Foods is a family-owned business with two locations in Utah and Idaho. With over 60 years of cheese making experience, state of the art equipment, and a team of dedicated employees; Gossner Foods is a leader in the dairy industry. What started with half a vat of cheese every other day has expanded to over 60 million ...
Lactallis launches cheese shop as employee perk in Nampa, ID
Lactalis American Group purchased the factory from the JR Simplot Company in 1999 - and shut down the factory tour, cheese shop, and cafe. It began to expand capacity over the years in a now-booming area of Nampa. But now, with a new $1.2 million employee facility opening at the site, a new in-house cheese shop will open.
Creamery
4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141. Tillamook Creamery7 days a week, 10am - 6pm. Visit our flagship facility, the Tillamook Creamery, to learn more about our rich history with guided tours, cheese and ice cream tastings, and fun activities open to all.
Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: A Perfect Indoor Escape in Oregon
What you need to know for your free Tillamook Cheese Factory tour. You can't miss it if you are on driving along the Oregon coast on Highway 101 through Tillamook, but just in case, it does have an address: 4175 Highway 101 North. Open at 8 am every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), closing at 6 pm in the winter, 8 pm during summer.
Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: Tips, Tricks & What You Need to Know
D id you know that during a trip to Portland, ... This is the coolest part of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, in my opinion — it is amazing to watch how efficient, yet precise, the employees ...
Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour (The Best Cheese Factory in Oregon
Tillamook Cheese Factory Hours. The Tillamook Cheese Factory hours are from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. The Tillamook visitors center is open 7 days a week. On our last trip, we were driving north from the Redwoods to Tillamook. It is a 7-hour drive. We had to push it to make it there before it closed.
Marathon Cheese Corporation
Welcome to Marathon Cheese Corporation, where we hold natural cheese packaging to its highest standards. Founded in the heart of dairy country, we have a dedication for custom quality packaging that meets the needs of our customers. Our family of employees are just that—our family. It is our people who make Marathon Cheese Corporation the ...
The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Locations in Idaho
Idaho The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants. Find driving directions and local restaurant Information.
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese
Providing others with a memorable experience is at the heart of Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, a small family dairy farm and creamery nestled in the quaint community of Midway, Utah. For nearly 100 years the Kohler family has been producing premium milk - pure, rich & creamy - to delight their consumers. In 2011, the family built a new ...
Whitestone Cheese
Please book online to secure your spot or call 0800 892 433. Full payment must be made prior to the tour. Tours give guests a behind the scenes look at our cheese making process, all the way from; make to taste. You will get to experience a cheese tasting, informative talk and guided tour of our factory through our viewing galleries, plus walk away with a goody bag sample.

Visit & Tour Ballard Dairy

Let's Stay in Touch

Let's Stay in touch

Your cart is currently empty.

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: This is What You Need to Know

Things to know before you visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour

What are the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour hours and days?

What is the cost of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour?

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour good for kids?

Is there a gift shop or ice cream shop?

How long does the Tillamook Creamery Tour take?

What about visiting the Tillamook Creamery with food allergies?

What do you learn during a Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour?

What is there to see during a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

Farm Exhibit

Viewing Deck

Sample Area

Dining Hall

5 Cheesy Reasons You Need to Tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory

Get the FREE Guide

Related Posts for Day Trips Near Portland

Similar Posts

The Discovery Trail: The PNW Bike Ride You Need to Do

Hiking at Jenny Lake: Epic Views That Will Make You Return

Travel & Budget Tips for Big Families | Sara from Koppa 7 Adventures

The Perfect Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary to See the Most

Looking for the Best Family Vacations in Hawaii? Try These

The Best Hikes for Your Family in Hawaii

Search this Site:

Cheese Factory Tours in the USA

Visit an American Cheese Factory

Hawaii Cheese Factory Tours

Missouri Cheese Factory Tours

New Jersey Cheese Factory Tours

New York Cheese Factory Tours

North Carolina Cheese Factory Tours

Ohio Cheese Factory Tours

Pennsylvania Cheese Factory Tours

South Carolina Cheese Factory Tours

Tennessee Cheese Factory Tours

Vermont Cheese Factory Tours

Wisconsin Cheese Factory Tours

American Dairy Farm Tours | See Dairy Products Made in the USA

American Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours | See Chocolate & Candy Made in the USA

American Potato Chip Factory Tours | See Snack Foods Made in the USA

American Distillery & Brewery Tours | See Spirits Made in the USA

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Made in the USA Product Categories

Baby & Toddler

Clothing & Shoes

Electronics & Accessories

Farm & Ranch Equipment

Food & Drinks

Hobbies & Leisure

Home Furnishings

Household Essentials

Patio & Garden

Personal Care

School & Office

Sporting Goods & Recreation

Tools & Home Improvement

New! Made in the USA Matters Facebook Group

You’re Guaranteed To Love A Trip To This Epic Cheese Factory In Idaho

Related Stories

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Bakers Dozen In Idaho

The Coned Pizza At This Unique Idaho Restaurant Is Unexpectedly Awesome

Craters Of The Moon In Idaho Turns 100 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

Want more Idaho in your inbox?

Related Articles

Featured Addresses

Iconic Nampa cheese factory grows into an industry leader

Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Boise 6 / Twin Falls 6, your new home for the Vegas Golden Knights

Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center

Reinventing the (cheese) wheel

Get the inside scoop

Learn more about Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center

Milk in glass bottles? Bennett Family Farm delivers

Sweet tooth? The Tillamook Coast has you covered

Tillamook’s Zweifel Eggs in high demand