Are you really visiting Wisconsin if you haven’t tried cheese curds yet? These bite-sized nuggets of cheesy bliss are a Midwest staple, and nowhere makes them quite like Manitowoc. From fresh curds straight from the factory to fried, melty goodness served up at local diners, cheese curds are more than a snack here — they’re a way of life.
Read on for a cheesy tour through Wisconsin’s curd culture, complete with the best spots to indulge your cravings in Manitowoc, plus a bit of the delicious history behind these dairy delights.
History of Cheese Making in Wisconsin
Welcome to America’s Dairyland, where cows outnumber people and cheese is a major point of pride.
Wisconsin started producing cheese in the mid-1800s, and by 1922, its cheese industry had more than 2,800 factories producing the nation’s cheese supply. As local farms were cranking out dairy products, cheese curds were a natural (and tasty!) byproduct. But they didn’t start out as the fried gloriousness you know today.
Back in the day, cheesemakers would sneak a fresh handful straight from the vat. No fryer, no seasoning — just fresh, squeaky curds. Little did they know that by adding a bit of salt and tossing them into hot oil, they’d give the world one of the greatest culinary inventions of all time. Fast forward to today, and you can’t visit Manitowoc without indulging in these cheesy treasures.
Cheese Factories & Tours
Want to see where the moo-gic happens? The Manitowoc area is home to several cheese shops and educational experiences that offer an up-close look at how Wisconsin cheese is made. Some give full-on tours, while others offer immersive exhibits and fresh samples to introduce you to Wisconsin’s favorite snack.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
If you’re curious about the journey from farm to table, Farm Wisconsin is the place to go. While they don’t offer daily cheese factory tours, they have interactive exhibits that take you behind the scenes of the food production process for Wisconsin’s agricultural products. If you time your visit right, you can catch one of their special cheese & wine pairing events.
Pine River Dairy
The Olm family has been crafting top-notch dairy products at Pine River Dairy for 80+ years. With over 250 varieties of cheese, butter, and even 50-cent ice cream cones in their retail store, this is a must-visit to score your dairy favorites in Manitowoc. Grab their shelf-stable cold pack cheese spread to take with you, or ship your snacks home so you can have a taste of Wisconsin when you return.
Henning’s Cheese
Just a short drive outside of Manitowoc in Kiel, Henning’s Cheese offers one of the best cheese factory tours in Wisconsin. Watch a master cheesemaker in action through their viewing windows, or dive into the history of cheesemaking at their museum. Looking for a souvenir? Check out the shop to bring home fresh cheese curds, Wisconsin brats, or local wine.
Where to Get Cheese Curds in Manitowoc
Now that you’re educated on the history, it’s time to get to the tasty stuff — where to devour the best Wisconsin cheese curds. Pro tip: go to the places the locals rave about. Luckily, Manitowoc has plenty to choose from. Here are a few go-to spots when you’re craving that perfect squeak.
Late’s
This old-school diner serves up some of the most popular fried cheese curds in town. Pair your salty bites with a thick malt and a juicy burger, and you’ll have everything you need for an authentic Wisconsin experience.
Courthouse Pub
You can’t visit Courthouse Pub without ordering their award-winning cheese curds served with a raspberry balsamic sauce. And if you’re a fan of washing down your fried cheese with something cold and bubbly, this laidback eatery has an on-site microbrewery. Cheese curds paired with a pilsner or a 1950s-style root beer? Yes, please.
On The Surface
Its convenient downtown location makes On The Surface a top choice for visitors coming in on the S.S. Badger. This is your one-stop shop for all things local, including Pine River Dairy’s fresh cheese curds. It has a cool, boutique vibe and also offers treats like Miesfeld’s meats, local fudge, and olive oils. It’s basically a foodie paradise in Manitowoc.
Pizza Garden
Since 1957, Pizza Garden has been serving up their signature pizzas. But another showstopper is their lightly battered cheddar curds with a strawberry habanero sauce. It’s a full-on party of savory, sweet, and spicy. And yes, you’re invited. Grab a plate and enjoy the flavor explosion of these uniquely square-shaped curds.
Manitowoc’s Annual Cheese Curd Crawl
Give back while filling up on curds at the holy grail of Manitowoc cheese curd events. Hosted by United Way Manitowoc County, the Annual Cheese Curd Crawl fundraiser is an all-you-can-eat tour of downtown’s finest cheese curd spots. For $10, you get a wristband that grants you access to discounted curds at about eight local spots, where you can rate them and vote for your favorite at the end. Stick around for the after-party, complete with a raffle, an award ceremony to crown the Cheese Curd Champion, and live music to close things out with a bang.
Whether you’re here for the history, factory tours, or just the squeaky goodness of a fresh curd, Manitowoc has everything you need to indulge in Wisconsin’s most beloved snack. From local shops and diners to cheese factories, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Wisconsin cheese curds in all their forms. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town during the Annual Cheese Curd Crawl, you’re in for a truly gouda time. See you in curd heaven!
