Restored Cheese Factory
Rare Historic Gem
Museum & Welcome Center Hours
Open May 1 – October 31
Thursday – Friday – Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory
Visit the National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum and take a step back in time as you enter the century old restored Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. Lost in history for almost 100 years in the late 1800’s on the original homestead farm, this rare historic gem was found as it was left in 1917, with the original equipment totally intact. In 2010, the authentic cheese factory was relocated on the National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum campus and then restored. All the original equipment can be viewed in this factory that was once used for producing Brick, Swiss, and Limburger cheese using the milk from the 40 cows at the Imobersteg Farm, just over the border into Illinois.
Discover the legacy of cheesemaking in Green County
The Imobersteg farmstead cheese factory began as a family operation in the late 1800’s by Alfred and Anna Imobersteg, who emigrated from Switzerland in 1890. A short time later, area farms were included in the operation, making Swiss, limburger and brick cheese. The factory ceased operation in 1917, at which time the farmers realized an increase in income by transporting their milk to the Pet Milk Condensary in Orangeville, Illinois, providing canned milk for the soldiers during the war. The factory sat dormant for over 90 years, until its discovery in 2009.
The factory, with original equipment, was brought to the attention of National Historic Cheesemaking Center late in 2009, and donated by Arnold Imobersteg, son of Alfred and Anna. The structure was moved to the National Historic Cheesemaking Campus in June 2010, completely restored and dedicated five months later.
Retired cheesemakers team with master cheesemakers to make a 90-pound wheel of Swiss cheese as it was done over a century ago, using the factory’s equipment! Please refer to the “Events” page of our website for the next scheduled Cheesemaking Day.
“………Recalling an era that was, And will never be again!”
The National Historic Cheesemaking Center is a tribute to those who have gone before…and is dedicated to the hard work and sacrifices of all those in the dairy industry who have made this area of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois internationally famous.
The unique center recalls the rich heritage of the area and is illustrative of the lively cheese industry which still flourishes today.
Center Hours & Tours
Immerse yourself in a time before the days of automation and experience a fun and informative tour tailored to your time frame. Explore the areas compelling cheese and dairy history and how our local community has evolved into a top destination.
Bus & Group Tours
Group tours are offered year round and to offer the best experience possible, we recommend that groups of ten or more schedule the tour in advance. Tours in the off season (November through April) must be scheduled in advance.
Directions & Maps
Discover the National Historic Cheesemaking Center and Green County Welcome Center located in Monroe, Wisconsin, a friendly historic community surrounded by the rolling hills of dairy farming and cheesemaking in the Heart of America’s Dairyland
Things To Do
in the Green County Communities
