There was a time when cheese factories were everywhere in Wisconsin – years before refrigeration was widespread, farmers made cheese because it kept better than milk or butter. Factories soon dotted the countryside and by the 1920s, Wisconsin had more than 2,800 cheese factories. While many of these old factories have disappeared and been torn down or converted into other uses, there are still many places where cheesemaking is alive and well. Union Star Cheese Factory is a place that’s been making wonderful cheese for a very long time and if you stop by, they’ll show you how it’s done.

In 1911, Henry Metzig bought out the other partners and founded Union Star. It’s still located in Zittau, an unincorporated Winnebago County community in the Town of Wolf River. It’s about 30 minutes west of Appleton and Oshkosh.

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The factory has always been a family business. Henry’s daughter, Edna, was one of the first women to become a licensed cheesemaker and work in a cheese factory. She took over the operation after marrying local cheesemaker Eugene Lehman. David Metzig and his wife, Jan purchased the factory in 1980 and continued the family tradition.

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The factory makes a wide varieties of cheese, including artisan offerings like Red Willow, American classics like colby, and specialty cheeses like white tomato and basil cheddar.

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The factory’s cheese is incredibly fresh and delicious. The factory makes cheese four days a week, starting at 4 a.m. The cheese is made with top-quality milk that’s purchased from local dairy farms.

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Factory tours take place during the week and on Saturday. The tours introduce guests to the cheesemaking process - there’s no charge and the tours run about 30 minutes. It’s a chance to get a behind-the scenes look at the factory.

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You can’t make cheese without cheese curds, and on this tour, you’ll get to sample some of the freshest cheese curds you’ve ever tasted!

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Learn more about Union Star Cheese and its second location in Berlin on the factory’s website. If you love Wisconsin cheese, this road trip might just make your mouth explode!

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Address: Union Star Cheese Factory, 7742 County Rd II, Fremont, WI 54940, USA