Wisconsin Free Tours: Union Star and Willow Creek Cheese Factory Tours

When visiting Wisconsin, cheese lovers and those curious on how cheddar cheese is made can check out the free cheese factory tours in the state. Showing guests Wisconsin's art of cheese-making, Union Star features a century-old tradition from the Metzig family's finest natural cheeses. The company continues to handcraft their classic Wisconsin cheeses using the old-fashioned way through fresh milk in small, local dairy farms.

Union Star Cheese Factory and Store: 7742 County Road II Fremont, WI 54940; 920-836-2804

Willow Creek Cheese Factory and Shop: W1965 State Hwy 21 Berlin, Wisconsin 54923; 920-361-5256

Free Tours

These free educational tours aim to share the knowledge and craftsmanship of cheese-making in Union Star factories. From the main factory in Fremont to the newer Willow Creek Factory in Berlin, each tour features a large viewing window in the cheese shop so visitors can conveniently watch the cheese-making process. They can also see various cheese products including cheese spreads, sausages, gift boxes, and gourmet foods from Union Star's Naturally Age Cheddar (mild, medium, sharp, extra sharp, and flavored), Fresh Cheddar Curds, Colby, Monterey Jack, Marble, Muenster (plain and flavored), and String Cheeseofferings.

After the tour, Union Star boasts of sample squeaky fresh curds that guests can take advantage of. These are made on a daily basis from the company's fresh farm milk and all-natural ingredients. Visitors also learn about other specialties including Union Star's popular Naturally Aged Cheddars and the local favorite called the Muenster with Hickory Nuts.

Tour and Cheese-making Schedules

Tours are generally available every Mondays to Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and also every Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For updated information, it is always best to double-check the Union Star Cheese website and/or call the factories for the best tour times.

Union Star makes cheese six days a week from Mondays to Saturdays starting from 4:30 a.m. Their fine cheeses are made according to the following general schedule: cheddar cheese and cheese curds every Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; Mozzarella string cheese every Tuesdays; and cheese-making at Willow Creek every Wednesdays.

Cheese Products

Those who want to shop after the tour can benefit from the visitors' special rates for Union Star products and specialty items including: curds and string cheese, dairy fudge, gift boxes, sausage, and spreads. People can also buy a number of cheese varieties like blue, brick, cheddar, colby, flavored muenster, mozzarella, and Swiss cheeses, among many others cheese offerings, during their visit.