Explore the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center 

There’s truly something for everyone, including fresh California cheese, at the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center. Whether you’re looking for a great place to grab a (local) bite on the way to Yosemite or a fun summer activity for stir-crazy kids, this Central Valley destination should be on your radar. 

From family dairy farms to a global cheese giant

Before diving into the cheese samples and interactive exhibits, let’s take a look at the story behind the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center.  Hilmar Cheese Company was founded in 1984, when eleven local Jersey dairy farm families started with a small cheese plant. Four decades later, Hilmar has grown to become one of the world’s largest cheese and whey processing facilities. 

Hilmar Cheese Company produces 1.2 million pounds of cheese every day! 

In 1998, the company opened the Visitor Center to give locals and travelers alike a behind-the-scenes look at modern cheesemaking. More importantly, guests can also sample Hilmar’s six signature cheeses – mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Mozzarella and Apple Smoked Gouda – along with rotating seasonal specials. 

The most delicious way to support local dairy people

Hilmar Cheese Company may have grown in size, but they’ve stayed true to their roots – producing their cheese exclusively with milk from Central California dairies. Allison Nunes, Hilmar’s Tours and Communications Specialist, states, “200 milk trucks come to Hillmark Cheese Company every single day, and each milk truck comes from a two and a half hour radius.” Because 99% of California dairies are family-owned, every block of Hilmar cheese (and trip to the Visitor Center) helps support local dairy families.

What to do at Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center

Snap a picture in front of the world’s largest dairy mural

Visit Hilmar’s one-of-a-kind waterfall

It’s impossible to miss the picturesque waterfall outside the Visitor Center – but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill water feature.

Take advantage of educational tours + activities

Hilmar offers a variety of self-guided tours and activities. Some of the most popular options include an AgXscape Escape Game Challenge and an Ice Cream Making Tour. Prefer the self-guided option? Visitors are invited to watch a video to learn how cheese is made before heading to the upstairs viewing window for a sneak peek at production in action!  

Planning on visiting with a larger group? Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center happily hosts field trips and bus tours upon request!

Taste the Real California Dairy difference (pro-tip: come hungry)

After your introductory tour, check out the café and deli. Allison says that the grilled cheese and the cream cheese brownies are two of her personal favorites. Younger visitors will undoubtedly want to hit the ice cream counter. 

While you’re waiting for your food + drinks, take advantage of the samples at the cheese counter. Be sure to take mental notes about which cheeses you’ll want to grab on your way out!

Explore the Interactive Exhibits

After grabbing a bite (or a block of cheese – no judgment here) and a cup of coffee, head upstairs. School-aged children will enjoy six educational exhibits, while adults will get a kick out of the viewing window, giving them a bird’s-eye view of what really happens in a cheese factory. 

Allison explains, “When kids come up here, they’ll see and learn a lot about the life of a cow. They’ll learn about all the hard work that goes into the dairy operation with the farmers. We have a little vet cart; it shows all the tools a vet uses. We also have a dress-up station. They can dress up as a maintenance worker, a cheese maker, a veterinarian, and they can see all the different careers in the dairy industry.” Looking towards a group of particularly adorable toddlers at the dress-up station, she adds, “And hopefully one day they can either work in the dairy industry or here at Hilmar Cheese.”

Hit the gift shop

After learning all about how cheese is made, you just might find yourself with a newfound love for all things dairy. Peruse dairy-themed decor and kitchen gifts or simply stock up on Hilmar branded merch – tees, hats, backpacks and shopping bags. It’s an easy (and stylish) way to publicly support your local dairypeople. 

Hilmar also offers a variety of California wines and specialty food products, such as marinated olives and flavored almonds, that pair beautifully with their cheeses. Not sure where to start? Hilmar’s knowledgeable team will be happy to guide you to the perfect pairings.

Let loose at the cheese counter

Your last stop before leaving Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center – and it’s absolutely mandatory – is the cheese counter. The Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center is the only place where Hilmar cheeses are available to the public, so stock up shamelessly. Be sure to check out any seasonal specialties and don’t even think about leaving without a tub of squeakers (chunks of cheese curd) to snack on during the drive home.

Let the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center host your next special event

Beyond tours and tastings, the Visitor Center also serves as a unique event venue. Allison notes that Hilmar regularly hosts baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, retirement celebrations and business meetings.

“It’s a really versatile place,” she says, “where you can have so much to do, while also bringing together a big group of people to enjoy a special moment.”

Article and photography by Hilary Rance. Image of cheese chunk and grilled cheese courtesy of Hilmar Cheese Company.