Why Plymouth, Wisconsin Is the Cheese Capital of the World
Plymouth, Wisconsin earned its "Cheese Capital of the World" title through its profound dairy heritage dating back to the mid-19th century. You'll find industry giants like Sargento, Sartori, and Masters Gallery Foods headquartered here. The city's influence soared when it established the National Cheese Exchange in 1918, which set nationwide cheese prices. Today, over 14% of all U.S. cheese passes through this small Wisconsin city, where tradition and innovation continue to shape America's dairy landscape.
Plymouth's Rich Cheese-Making Heritage Since the 19th Century
While many cities claim food fame, Plymouth, Wisconsin genuinely earned its title as the Cheese Capital of the World through generations of dedicated craftsmanship. The city's cheese-making history began in the mid-19th century when early cheese makers established operations in and around Plymouth, setting the foundation for its dairy dominance.
By 1918, Plymouth hosted the National Cheese Exchange, which determined commodity prices for bulk cheese nationwide. This pivotal institution cemented the city's status in the cheese industry.
Today, you'll find industry giants like Sargento, Sartori, Masters Gallery, and Great Lakes Cheese operating in Plymouth.
You can explore this rich heritage at the Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center downtown, where the city's cheese legacy comes alive through both historical exhibits and fresh, local products.
The center showcases how Wisconsin's family-owned farms continue a tradition that has helped the state maintain its position as the largest cheese-producing state since 1910.
The Historic National Cheese Exchange: Setting the Standard
The National Cheese Exchange stands as Plymouth's most influential contribution to America's dairy industry. Established in 1882, this revolutionary platform allowed small dairy farms to participate in weekly cheese auctions that ultimately set the national commodity price for bulk cheese.
You can appreciate Plymouth, Wisconsin's status as the "Cheese Capital of the World" through the Exchange's legacy:
- It created the fair pricing model that transformed how cheese was valued across America
- It established Plymouth as the epicenter of cheese production, storage, and distribution
- It built a cheese heritage that continues to define the city's identity today
Though the Exchange eventually relocated to Green Bay and Chicago, its foundational role in Plymouth's cheese history remains an indelible part of Wisconsin's dairy story. Like the artisanal cheese renaissance sweeping across America today, Plymouth's historic exchange represented a pivotal moment in honoring the craftsmanship and economic significance of quality cheese production.
Major Cheese Brands That Call Plymouth Home
Despite its modest population of less than 9,000 residents, Plymouth boasts an impressive concentration of cheese industry giants that have established this small Wisconsin city as a powerhouse in American cheese production.
Sargento, founded in 1953, planted its roots in Plymouth and has maintained its headquarters there ever since. Just fourteen years earlier, Sartori began operations in the city, later becoming famous for its award-winning BellaVitano cheese.
The 1970s saw Masters Gallery Foods join Plymouth's cheese community, establishing its base in 1974. By 1982, Great Lakes Cheese, now one of the nation's largest natural cheese packagers, had also opened a production facility in the city.
The remarkable clustering of these industry leaders has rightfully earned Plymouth its title as the "Cheese Capital of the World."
The Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center: Preserving Tradition
Nestled in the heart of Plymouth's historic downtown, The Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center serves as both a culinary destination and a living museum dedicated to preserving the city's dairy legacy. This essential stop fully embraces Plymouth's title of Cheese Capital of the World through educational exhibits and mouthwatering experiences.
When you visit the Counter, you'll discover:
- Authentic Wisconsin cheese varieties waiting to be consumed alongside delicious menu items like the Triple Cheese Temptation panini
- Fascinating true stories documenting Plymouth's journey to becoming America's Cheese Capital
- A unique shopping experience featuring dairy-themed merchandise that celebrates the rich heritage of local cheesemaking
The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center isn't just a tourist attraction—it's the embodiment of Plymouth's proud cheese-making tradition and cultural identity.
Impressive Statistics: 14% of U.S. Cheese Passes Through Plymouth
While many small towns boast unique local attractions, Plymouth's cheese credentials are backed by jaw-dropping numbers that truly validate its "Cheese Capital" title.
When you learn that over 14% of all cheese consumed in the United States passes through this small Wisconsin city, the magnitude of Plymouth's cheese influence becomes clear. This remarkable statistic isn't coincidental - major processors like Sargento, Masters Gallery and Great Lakes Cheese have established significant operations here.
The city's cheese dominance began in 1918 when Plymouth became home to the National Cheese Exchange, establishing it as the place where commodity cheese prices were set nationwide. This deep-rooted Heritage, combined with these impressive production numbers, solidifies Plymouth's rightful claim as the Cheese Capital of the World.
Celebrating Cheese Culture: Annual Events and Traditions
Plymouth's cheese dominance extends beyond impressive production statistics into vibrant community celebrations that bring its dairy heritage to life throughout the year. The Cheese Capital Festival in June embodies this spirit, offering a free family-friendly event featuring cheese-eating contests, foam cheese wedge races, and demonstrations from local cheese makers like Masters Gallery.
You'll find Plymouth's cheese culture proudly displayed through:
- The iconic Antoinette—a massive 20-foot, 1,000-pound fiberglass Holstein cow statue symbolizing the city's 100+ years of dairy excellence
- Colorful murals throughout downtown depicting the rich cheesemaking history that shapes the community's identity
- The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center, where you can taste fresh cheese curds and experience Wisconsin's dairy legacy firsthand
Beyond the Factory: Plymouth's Cheese Tourism Experience
Visitors seeking a hands-on dairy adventure will find Plymouth's cheese tourism scene offers more than just factory viewing windows. The Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center downtown serves as your gateway to the city's rich cheesemaking history, where you'll discover Plymouth's evolution into a dairy powerhouse.
Don't miss the annual Cheese Capital Festival in June, featuring cheese-eating contests and demonstrations from local producers like Masters Gallery, Sargento, and Sartori. You can join guided cheese tasting tours year-round to sample artisanal creations while admiring Antoinette, the towering 20-foot Holstein statue symbolizing Plymouth's dairy heritage.
Beyond cheese, Plymouth's charming downtown invites you to explore quaint shops and historical sites—from summer festivals to New Year's Eve celebrations, you'll experience Wisconsin's authentic cheese culture throughout the year.
