Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center
Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center
9001 Lander Avenue
,
Hilmar
,
CA
95324
Click The Address To Open Directions In Google Maps
Merced
County
(209) 656-1196
Open To The Public
Order Online
.avif){kind=icon}
.avif){kind=icon}
Founded in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company's California site has grown to produce more cheese and whey from one site than any other processor in the world. The Central Valley location receives milk from more than 200 local dairies and produces more than 1 million pounds of cheese each day. Much of their cheese is found in stores under other name brands. This is a great example of a large facility. The Visitor Center is full of educational opportunities from viewing the cheese packaging to hands-on exhibits. Educational activities include ice cream making (and eating) and a new AgXscape game (similar challenge to an escape room). Free cheese samples and fresh cheese curds called SqueakersTM. Enjoy the best grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese chowder soup and cream cheese brownies in the cafe. Cheese store, gift shop and ice cream counter. Great for groups and also individuals just stopping by.
Hours
Monday through Friday: 7am-6pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Certifications
Milk Types Offered
Cow
Classes Offered
Ice Cream Making activity 11 am Saturdays, school holidays and M-F during summer.
AgXscape Game similar to an escape room 12:30 Saturdays, school holidays and M-F during summer.
Tours Offered
Free Cheese Tours. Learn how cheese is made. Tour the Visitor Center (4 miles off Highway 99 in Turlock), and explore interactive, hands-on exhibits about cows, dairies and cheesemaking. Watch Daisy's moooovie. See employees package the "big cheese" - 640-pound crates of cheese.
Admission and Hours
Open 7am to 6pm Monday - Friday, and Saturday 10am-2pm. Closed on Sunday.
A fun family adventure. The upstairs exhibit area may be closed Saturday or Sunday after 11:30 a.m. for private events.
There are several tour options:
Free Self-Guided Tours: Self-guided tours of the California Visitor Center are available anytime.
Free Guided Visitor Center Tours:
- Weekend Tours start at 11 a.m. The upstairs viewing windows and exhibits are subject to closure for special events after 11:30 a.m. until closing.
- Summer Weekday Tours - June - August at 11am and 1pm.
Family Fun Ice Cream Activity: Come create (and eat) your own ice cream. Take the tour followed by the ice cream activity. Join the fun as you "shake, rattle and roll" to create your own homemade individual frozen dairy dessert. Fun for all ages, especially those "young at heart."
Dates for this special tour all take place at 11am:
+ June-August, Monday-Friday at 11am (except for July 4)
+Thanksgiving holiday - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on Black Friday afterward.
+Holiday tours - the week of Christmas and week of New Year's Day.
$4.00 per participant
Sign in at the Peet's Espresso counter at 10:45 a.m.
Tour begins at 11 a.m. followed by ice cream activity
Reservations recommended for groups of 10 or more, please call 209.656.1196
Holiday Extravaganza:
Enjoy shopping in a beautiful winter wonderland filled with delightful gifts, cheese baskets and packages for everyone. Special events are planned during this time. Check Hilmar's calendar of events for the schedule.
Cheeses Produced
Available At Participating Retailers
