Specialties
The BEST grilled cheese sandwiches, famous cheese chowder, cheese pie (better than cheesecake) and cream cheese brownies! Free cheese samples and fresh cheese curds called "squeakers." Signature sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, desserts, breakfast goodies and gluten free options. Peet's Coffees and Teas espresso bar, ice cream, gift shop and picnic area. Free self-guided and guided tours, ice cream making tours during summer. A gift shop with cheese, wine, gourmet food gifts. Fun, hands-on exhibits - dress like a cheesemaker, see the 'big cheese" and watch the MOOvie. Banquet area with event catering for receptions, showers, family reunions, and parties.
History
Established in 1984.
Hilmar Cheese Company, founded in 1984, is a privately held corporation owned by 11 dairy families. More than 1,400 employees process high-quality cheese and whey ingredients from its facilities in California, Texas and Kansas. Cheese customers include supermarkets, food service, and national brands; and whey ingredient customers include many of the world's food and beverage manufacturers. Operating within a framework of environmental sustainability, 100% of the water used is reclaimed for irrigation. The company improves the communities in which it operates through support of education, local activities, and food bank programs. From the shredded cheese in tacos to the whey protein and lactose in infant formula, Hilmar Cheese Company deliver the promise of dairy to consumers around the world.
Meet the Manager: Denise S.
Hello! I have been with Hilmar Cheese Company since 2000. The dairy families who own Hilmar Cheese built this visitor center in 1998 because they are passionate about telling the story of dairy and wanted a fun place for locals and travelers. We have the only place IN THE WORLD you can see the "Big Cheese" a 640# block of cheese! In 2018, we unveiled the largest hand-painted dairy mural in the world! We are passionate about friendly customer service, a fun experience and delicious food - cheese chowder, grilled cheese sandwiches, cream cheese brownies, and our famous cheese pie (better than a cheesecake)! And we have other great food and ice cream too! Be sure have a free sample of fresh cheese curds called squeakers.