I Visited America’s Last Limburger Cheese Factory in Wisconsin

There are a few foods out there that will always be a little polarizing, like lutefisk, brie, and cilantro (to name a few). Limburger cheese is another one of these classic foods that some folks will always keep at an arm’s length or go out of their way to avoid altogether. While some love the complex character of this smooth and creamy cheese, others compare it to stinky feet or body odor. Love it or loathe it, there’s just one place left in the entire country to find this unique cheese: the Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Green County, Wisconsin—the true cheese capital of America's Dairyland. As the absolute final remaining Limburger cheese factory in North America, it's a legendary stop on any proper Wisconsin cheese tour. I got a behind-the-scenes tour of this rare and amazing cheese factory and saw this iconic cheese coming to life. I even got to try some of Chalet’s famous Wisconsin cheese. Here’s what I found—and smelled.

Chalet Cheese Cooperative is located just outside of Monroe, an area that’s the historical heart of Wisconsin’s cheese country. The company’s origins date back to the late 19th century, when a wave of Swiss immigrants flooded into the United States. Chalet operates on the principles of shared success and helps to bolster the fortunes of local farmers. The cooperative began when local dairy farmers started pooling their resources and the milk they produced to make cheese, which helped to ensure a more stable income for everyone. The tradition continues today, with 11 member Wisconsin dairy farms sending all of the milk they produce to the co-op’s factory so it can be turned into award-winning cheese.

Chalet Cheese Cooperative makes a lot of great cheese, but it's perhaps best known for its production of the most iconic Limburger cheese Wisconsin has to offer, a variety that has become almost synonymous with the cooperative itself.

Limburger, famous for its pungent aroma and creamy texture, is a cheese that holds a unique position in the market. When you visit Chalet, the unique, funky scent hits you as you pass by aging rooms where the surface-ripening bacteria works its magic on the cheese bricks.

Why Monroe Is Known As Wisconsin's Cheese Capital

Monroe is the seat of Green County, which is legendary for its dairy products, largely thanks to the Swiss immigrants and their old-world traditions. To learn more about cheese production in the Badger State, visit the nearby National Historic Cheesemaking Center, which is one of the top historic attractions in Monroe. You'll learn how cheesemaking was the heart of the local economy, and how Chalet remains a living testament to this history.

After seeing the cheesemaking process in action, I purchased several amazing varieties to bring home. If you're wondering which side of the debate I come down on, yes, I am a fan of Limburger cheese. I like to make a classic Limburger sandwich with it, along with some rye bread, mustard, and onion. It's delicious—trust me!

What To Buy When Visiting Chalet Cheese Cooperative

Chalet produces many other types of cheese, as well, and it has a well-stocked case that’s loaded with unique varieties. Beyond their signature Limburger, you can load up on aged, smoked Swiss, their highly acclaimed Le Bec variety, and a German-style, foil-wrapped brick. They are all awesome! If you visit the factory in the warmer months, you might want to bring a cooler so you can bring lots of things home safely. You can also track down their seasonal inventory on the Wisconsin Cheese organization resource page or visit the official Chalet Cheese Cooperative website to see what's fresh in the retail shop.

Other Cheese Stops Near Chalet Cheese Cooperative

The cooperative also has a retail store presence in nearby New Glarus, where my wife also found some interesting wine. While in the area, you'll want to try some of the authentic Swiss-inspired dining in Monroe. Outdoor enthusiasts can also check out the beautiful Cheese Country recreation trail that winds through Green County. For more trip ideas and maps of the region, take a look at some of the Green County Tourism travel suggestions.