We love the cheese castle! Such a fun place! And they have the best grilled cheese I've ever had in my life! You gotta stop here! read more

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How can you not stop here if you happen to be passing by? I mean for one thing, there's nothing else here, so you might as well stop to use the restroom. A temple of cheese and all things cheesy...beer, wine, crackers, hot sauce and other Wisconsin specific baked goods. Your travel partner(s) may scoff, but you'll probably end up dragging them away. read more

Mars Cheese Castle is a fun destination and cheese shop. They have many photo opportunities in addition to selling cheese, meat, beer, bread, and cheeseheads. Basically, anything that screams Wisconsin can be seen or purchased here. This is a must stop attraction if you are in the Kenosha area. I highly recommend Mars Cheese Castle! read more

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Cheese Castle is one of those I wouldn't travel miles out of my way to visit places, but if you're traveling south to visit Illinois and coming from anywhere north of Milwaukee it's a great stop so your wife and kids can hit the bathroom. While there you might as well take advantage of picking up a craft beer, fresh bakery or of course fresh cheese. A convenient restaurant or snack counter to feed the kids and the chance to pick up just about anything that says Wisconsin. Cheese Castle is right along the interstate for easy on/easy off accessibility. A much better stop than hitting the wayside, gas station or the Illinois oasis. read more

This was a nice store that we found off the side of 65 while we were traveling back home from Chicago. I said wow there's a bill giant cheese castle we must stop in. We saw a lot of good public art things, statues, Milwaukee, items, beers and knickknacks, and all kinds of fun stuff. read more

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We were on our way from Milwaukee to Chicago and we saw this castle off the freeway. It's on its own off the freeway. There's a giant bar on one side and the other side it's a grocery store. They have so much cheese and other products. You can taste a few cheese . Overall a pretty good stop to try a lot of cheese. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

I've been wanting to visit for a while... You can't miss it traveling on either side of I94. Every time I passed by, I was under the impression that it was going to be THE place to go for cheese in the famous cheese state. Well, that was an understatement. This is what happens every time I walk in to a place with high expectations. You walk in to this huge building, and if you go left, you're going to be walking around a long time before you get to any cheese. Because all the cheese is right to the right side of the "palace", by the entrance. It's a pretty large collection, but by no means the biggest collection I've ever seen. Neither is it the most cost effective. Even cheese curds were $2 higher than at Woodman's (exact same brand/package). For a "cheese castle", I really expected more. I've actually found a bigger variety in downtown Milwaukee, with just as much sampling options. The place is huge though, so if you walk around, you'll find a bar, a coffee shop, roasted pecans stand, a bakery, groceries, and some knickknacks. So an overall fun place to hang out in general. But not a dedicated cheese place. read more

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Went to Mars cheese castle and wasn't impressed. You would of thought they would have a lot of samples but that was not the case. The restaurant was very basic with grilled cheese the only sandwich with cheese. An oversized tourist trap for people who are not from Wisconsin, much better places near or around southern Wisconsin. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Menu. - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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I have wanted to come here for many years, and it finally happened! The castle was fairly empty on a Monday morning soon after opening. Access seems easy from either side of the interstate. Inside, I found cheese galore. not simply Wisconsin finds, but several imports that are rare for the States. The alcohol selection is massive, especially in terms of Wisconsin products, but prices are high and there are not small single cans or bottles available. There are also many cheese accompaniments, sausages, a bakery, and many Wisconsin and cheese themed gift items. read more

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This place is almost overwhelming there is so much going on. I found souvenirs for people I was looking for. Found fresh Kringles to bring home for the holidays. Very excited about that. We of course stocked up on all the cheeses. They had no fresh cheese curds so that was a little sad. Overall great stop. Got cheddar wursts, popcorn, venison sticks & summer sausages to go with all the cheese. read more

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We did a Jeep takeover here. This place is soooo awesome, too much to see. Delicious cheeses and sausages. I loved the bar! Every bar should offer free cheese and crackers. The bloody mary was too good, they add this pickled asparagus, which was delicious. You can buy them in a jar too, which I did. The bartenders were really nice and attentive. Truly enjoyed my visit. read more

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Okay. This is a very tourist oriented cheese shop. But its at least a goid one. Wide selection of cheese, craft beers, foids, and souvenirs. I remember the original building (which in no way looked like a castle) and this is a rare case when the new remodel and version is better than the original. Always worth a stop either on your way into, or out of, Wisconsin read more

Such a fun place to stop when visiting Wisco. I grew up in the area and was on a road trip back home with a friend and insisted we stop here - even though it was nearly midnight and the castle was closed. Got some fun pics outside the sign and castle, and would definitely love to stop during business hours next time I'm back home. read more

Hey! Tried to come here today from out of town and the doors were locked during your normal business hours.... After waiting outside in the cold for quite some time totally confused why you were closed someone came out and said the power went out. Get a marker and a piece of paper and tape a sign to the door!!! Not rocket science to explain. read more

Hand written note on the doors "closed due to power outage", listed phone number didn't work, no notification on their site or socials.

Calling all cheeselovers - pack up your rig and head out to Mars Cheese Castle for the cheesiest foodieadventure yet! Any place that has an entire Cheese Curd Section is where I want to be. They have various cheeses available for tasting - so good! There was so much to choose from - and that's just the Cheese area. They also have amazing cheese related fun stuff. Not to mention the Drink Wisconsinbly products that are incredible. If you would like to check out l ocal artisan products wherever you go, then you need to make a stop at #marscheesecastle in #kenoshawisconsin. I can't wait to make some #smokedgouda Mac and cheese. The store is well kept and the staff is pleasant. There is ample parking, those you need you follow the road all the way around the building to get to the main entrance. There is a Tavern with food and a bar as well as a snack bar in the back. It can really be a whole experience. read more

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Where to begin!? This place is AMAZING!! There is so much to offer in this massive cheese castle! From cheeses, sausages, beer, wine, tourism gifts, baked goods, popcorn, fudge, etc. The list goes on and on! Inside the cheese castle you will also find a bar with tasty drinks and of a variety of food options too. My mom and I enjoyed the cheese samples they had out. One of my favorites was the Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar Cheese. It was sweet and smoky. Absolutely delicious! We also went to the bakery and sampled cheese bread and Kringle cake. You have to try the kringle cake. It is a sweet and delicious pastry that is addicting! They had a lot of flavors to choose from: apple, pumpkin, blueberry, cherry, and pecan. I wound up purchasing fresh string cheese on the rope, dill cheese, spinach and artichoke cheese, summer sausages, popcorn, fudge, pecan kringle, and a birthday gift. Needless to say, I cannot wait to go back to the cheese castle. If you haven't been here, you're missing out! read more

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Mars is a total touristy stop for all things Wisconsin! It's a hodgepodge of local and WI products but also many other random food items which make it a strange kind of grocery store if in need. Things are overpriced, especially local beer, but if you need something they have it. They have tons of kitschy gift items, a bakery, tons of wine and beer options, cheese of course and even a bar and walk up food area. I wouldn't say it's a cheese castle, which implies mostly cheese, but a place to buy totally random things you didn't know you needed. Or maybe things you don't need too! Such as mini WI license plates with your name on them. Candy. Cheesehead hats. Shirts that say I love day drinking. Hot sauce. Popcorn. Kringle. It's probably impossible to go in and NOT buy at least one thing! read more

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I didn't like the name. But the place is actually very cool. Looks like an attraction from yesteryear. Inside is a nice little bar. We ordered one of their good bloody Mary's as it came with a beer chaser. There apparently is a secret ingredient and when I correctly guessed it the bar tender smiled. I'll keep the secret. Beer chaser was good. Don't order food at the bar. You order at the food court and they'll give you a buzzer. Otherwise a very wide selection of beer, cheese, charcuterie etc. Gotta see when in Kenosha area. read more

It was definitely cool seeing all of the different types of cheeses and being able to try a bunch of them. Overall, we had a fun time walking through the place and ended up eating there as well. The restaurant portion of the place could be improved. If they really embraced the theme more, they could have an awesome Bavarian/Wisconsin-style menu that would attract people looking for quality food as they shop for what is supposed to be the best cheese and wines/beers to pair with in town. I will say, the grilled cheese and tomato bisque was pretty good. The gift shop was a big let down and missed opportunity. They should have way more cheese-related items in there. It just seemed like a random assortment of gift shop stuff you could find anywhere. I could see a little bit of creativity going a long way at the whole establishment. read more

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The only thing interesting about this place is that the exterior looks like a fake castle. Inside it's just cheap souvenirs and local food - jam, cheese, honey. They do have a restaurant, but if you don't want or need lunch no point in coming inside at all. Just snap a picture from the parking lot and get on your way. read more

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Very cute exterior and some good photo ops inside, but it seemed like a very overpriced souvenir food shop to me. I didn't buy anything; family members picked up a bunch of items. Later I honestly did regret not getting a bag of cheese curds to go. And they did seem to have a lot of selection on a lot of local foods. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Been here several times and I love this place. They have lots of cheese variety. They have a 13 years aged sharp cheddar cheese, i tasted iit and it was very creamy and good. They have lots of beer variety from european craft beers to american beers. They also have tons of hot sauces. Bought the ghost pepper sauce and it was a hell of a taste. It was great. Lots of choices. Would come back to try the restaurant. read more

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This is a very gun store to visit ! It's nice to see the cafe is open for business ! It was open from 11-7 today. Went there to order the sandwich which I ate there . You order at the counter get a buzzer and pick up your order when ready . You can order and take out too. They have a delicious bakery also . Bought cheese bread, elephant ears and a cow cookie so good along with an M and M cookie . Before leaving I had sliced a half of a pound of baked ham. It will be my first time trying it. Bought Colby Jack cheese long time fave! This will make a nice tasty sandwich to enjoy at home ! read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Seated inside waiting for Cafe order - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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A triumph! A Mecca...of cheese! Travelers come from far and wide to witness the abundance of curds! And the samples, oh the samples. Stop what you're doing right now and go. read more

Visiting after many years away, and Iade it a point to stop for cheese to bring home. This place is huge! It was quite overwhelming at first, as there is just so much to choose from. I finally narrowed down my decision on a few cheeses, summer sausage and a shot glass. They sell ice packs and various cooler bags that I used in my luggage. There is something here for everyone. Cheeses, candies, and collectibles too. Definitely glad that I stopped. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Artesian cheese, of only the highest quality...go figure the state of Wisconsin is known for their creamy goodness. Such a fun shopping excursion, merchandise and holiday themed items for sale, jams, jelly, crackers, unique appetizer ideas and more. Don't forget to pick up a tasty Kringle (danish of sorts) and stop off for lunch at their eatery or bar. Extensive cheese selection (obviously, and the woman behind one of the counters was so pleasant, offering a sample. Extensive wine and beer selections, truly an entertainers paradise! read more

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I was expecting more cheese really. They had a couple samples available, but there was just not enough to really feel like it was a cheese castle. The rest of it was your basic tourist trap, but they do it right because everyone will stop there. All the Wisconsin's souvenirs and a bakery. You can even stop and get a drink at the bar too. I don't need to go back. It was a one and done place. Just not enough to really call it an emphasis on cheese. read more

So, I've travelled between the Chicago area and many points in Wisconsin countless times throughout my life, and have always passed by but never stopped at the Mars Cheese Castle because well...there's a lot of cheese in Wisconsin right? and this place just sort of looked, pardon the pun...cheesy and touristy...but...in a "Covid-era" fit of not wanting our first vacation in 2 years to be over yet, we actually stopped here on our way back home. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, it is touristy and I can see how it could be a crowded mess at times. It wasn't bad on a Saturday afternoon in mid-September though. We did buy some cheese curds, and they were indeed the real deal...for anyone who knows, they must squeak, and these did so quite nicely. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go get some real cheese curds ASAP. They also have a nice selection of Wisconsin cheeses and other local products; I found they had spirits from a distillery we had visited in Door County; higher prices of course, but shorter drive. This is also a place those from Illinois can come to stock up on Spotted Cow. They literally had cases and cases of it stacked inside the door. Yes, a slightly longer trip off the highway would lead to places with lower prices on said Spotted Cow, but again, kind of a convenience fee... We didn't try any of the prepared foods as a sign warned the wait for something like a grilled cheese might be 45 minutes. So, we bought cheese to make some sandwiches at home after sitting out on the patio eating cheese curds as a very Wisconsin end to our trip. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Fresh cheese curds - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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I haven't been to Mars in several decades and cannot believe the expensive selection they have. The size itself is enormous and so many things to choose from. I came home with a lot of goodies! Well, where the fuck are they going? read more

I always have passed the mars cheese castle when I go to and from Illinois and Wisconsin. The experience of walking into the MCC was unlike anything. It's great being able to see the cashiers and being greets by them. And right off to the right you can see all the variety of cheeses and they even have samples. The foods court is legit. The grilled cheese was high quality from the ones I have had in my day. All of the different things within the building are great! You won't be disappointed if you visit the Mars Cheese Castle! read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Grilled Cheese - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Mars Cheese Castle is located right off the highway so it's such a convenient place to get to. The outside of the place resembles well.... a castle. Inside, they have a grocery store, and a food court. At the time of writing, apparently they do tours, but they were not, when I went. We came here strictly for the food. The cheese curds is definitely something you need to try, and the cheeseburgers are tasty. Service when we went was rather slow. The condiments area actually gave out small personalized hand sanitizer so I thought that was pretty cool. In terms of the other parts of the place, they do have a huge assortment of cheeses, and merchandise for your kids to beg you to get (I am strong, so I said "no"....... ask your mom). BATHROOM REVIEW: Bathrooms were meh. They do have a chalkboard near the urinal, so I suppose you can write stuff on it, provided you bring your own chalk, or I guess grab a piece of chalk that I'm sure people didn't just use, right after using the urinal. But hey, never assume. Sit or squat? Squat. read more

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What a lovely place to shop for cheese and gifts! This place has a great variety of cheese, sausage, canned goods, popcorn, all kinds of goodies! The staff is very friendly, prices are good and I love the ambiance! I look forward to coming back! read more

Can't stop in Wisconsin without a visit to the Cheese Castle....yes it's touristy but that's part of a road trip... you will find something for everyone here from food to beer with a lot of free samples to try read more

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Ugh. Even a week later, I don't think I've ever had cheese curds this good and my mouth is salivating at the thought of eating these again. The fried batter and the stringiness of the curds as the steam leaves while being pulled apart... I wouldn't mind going back to Wisconsin just for this item. The assortment of cheeses are vast, too. I bought myself an aged balsamic vinegar cheese wedge and it's a solid cheese to include in your next charcuterie board. read more

Nice stop on the way from Chicago to Milwaukee. Big and clean with many food items. The hidden gem is the $1.99 single scoop ice cream in the back! We were also given the choice of cup or waffle cone.. it was delicious! read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Cool little touristy spot to check out. It's not a must but a fun spot if you have some time. There is a restaurant inside for food if you're hungry. I came on a Saturday around lunch time and it was packed. The parking lot was full and people all over. The market was super busy with people checking out all of the cheese and what not. The items here a bit pricier than the normal grocery store. read more

We saw it when we were driving on the highway, and decided to make a quick stop to check it out. It's mainly a place for you to pick up some souvenirs, cheese, or other food stuff. They also have a tavern. It's a nice place to stop as a roadside attraction, but no need to go out of the way for. read more

Stopped here on our way out of Wisconsin for some cheese curds and wow is there a lot more! This is one of those places that I think everyone should you just to experience it especially if you are a cheese lover. They have everything cheese related you could ever think of, a gift shop, and mini restaurant that you can order and sit down at, a bar that is sectioned off so it intervene with the rest of the place, and more. The service was great, everyone was super friendly and nice! The restrooms were clean and everything was clean in total! We ended up getting two packs of cheese curds and their cinnamon cream cheese Kringle and all of it was delicious!I would definitely recommend this place for a family to go and eat of if you just need some cheese. read more

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What else would you do on your first trip to Wisconsin but go to a cheese castle? We went to the Renaissance fair nearby and knew we had to stop on the way back home to Indiana. I was expecting cheese everywhere but it was more compartmentalized into areas like a bakery, restaurant, tavern, and gift shop. Full disclosure, I am not a huge fan of cheese. I'll eat it but I wasn't planning to go crazy shopping. They also had a sample station which I was planning to walk right past until the server said "this cheese will remind you of tacos". And it did. It was a Gouda with cumin. I also got a spicy beer cheese spread that was really good. I wanted to choose locally made items to bring back as souvenirs so I also bought a zucchini walnut loaf from the bakery and a raspberry rhubarb jam. There was a sign outside the restaurant the says expect to wait about 45 minutes for any food you order from the walk up counter, so heads up you will have to wait awhile. All in all, it was a fun experience and I would recommend it to anyone driving through the area. read more

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