I was in Elkhart Lake over the weekend, and while researching area attractions, I discovered Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese in Kiel. Honestly, after my visit, I’m ashamed I had never heard of the place, which houses both a cheese factory and a museum.
Even on a Saturday morning, Henning’s was doing brisk business. It has multiple world championships for its cheeses, including a gold medal this year for its Reduced Fat Farmers, and it has been featured on Food Network and ESPN in an interview with the Packers about their favorite types of cheese.
The museum is pretty small–just one room–but it’s neat to see the old equipment used to make cheese. Through the windows you can see the factory, though it was not in operation when I was there.
I really enjoyed the six-year aged sharp cheddar, which is a bargain at only $7.89/lb. The chipotle and tomato basil cheeses also were good, though the fruit cheeses (e.g. caramel apple) were a little weird.
Any cheese you buy can be shredded or sliced on the spot. You also can buy wine and some meats (e.g. brats).
I’d love to buy a wagon wheel–maybe 75 lbs?–for a party some day. All of Henning’s products can be ordered online, so you don’t have to make the trip if you’re not in the neighborhood (about two hours from Madison).
