Oakdale Cheese Factory Tour — Oakdale, California

Discover the Oakdale Cheese Factory Tour in California

Experience the charm of handcrafted cheesemaking at the Oakdale Cheese Factory Tour in Oakdale, California. This free self-guided tour invites visitors to peek through viewing windows to see the process of traditional Dutch-style Gouda being made by hand. Enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by the smell of fresh cheese, a welcoming market, and friendly farm animals.

Why it’s special:
Oakdale Cheese is a family-owned business rooted in Dutch tradition, bringing authentic cheesemaking methods to California. The combination of live production views, tasting opportunities, and peaceful picnic grounds makes this stop a favorite for families, travelers, and food lovers.

History/Story of Oakdale Cheese

Founded by Dutch immigrants with generations of cheesemaking experience, Oakdale Cheese has been crafting award-winning Gouda since the 1980s. Built on family heritage and time-honored techniques, the company continues to make cheese the traditional way—slowly, naturally, and with simple ingredients. Visitors can see this dedication firsthand at their working factory in the heart of the Central Valley.

What You’ll See & Do on the Oakdale Cheese Factory Tour

• Watch cheesemakers at work through the viewing windows

• See milk transformed into curds, pressed, and aged into Gouda

• Explore the Specialty Market and Bakery for cheese, bread, and gifts

• Visit the picnic area with koi pond and friendly goats

• Sample fresh and aged cheeses made on-site

Hands-On Elements: Cheese tastings, farm animal area for kids
Photo/Video Policy: Allowed in public areas only
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop, bakery, cheese tastings, picnic area

Pricing of Oakdale Cheese Factory Tour

The self-guided tour is free for individuals and small groups.
For school groups or presentations (10–25 people), there’s a small fee of $0.50 per child, while teachers and chaperones are free.

Practical Info for Visiting Oakdale Cheese

Duration: 20–30 minutes self-guided; 30 minutes for group presentations
Format: Self-guided; guided tours available for groups by appointment
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed on major holidays)
Audience: Families, students, and cheese enthusiasts
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; easy walking paths
Safety & Restrictions: Stay within designated viewing areas; production schedule varies
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Groups over 10 people should schedule at least 72 hours in advance
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable attire and shoes for walking and picnicking
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, bakery, market, animal area, and on-site parking
Closures & Downtime: Cheese production not active every day; best viewing midweek mornings

Nearby

• Downtown Oakdale – local shops and cafes

• Stanislaus River Park – great for a scenic picnic or walk

• Oakdale Cowboy Museum – celebrates the town’s western heritage

FAQs About Visiting the Oakdale Cheese Factory

Do I need to book a tour in advance?
No. The self-guided tour is open to the public during regular hours.

Is there a cost to visit?
The tour is free for individuals. Group tours for schools have a small fee.

Can I see live cheesemaking?
Yes, especially on weekday mornings when production is running.

Are there activities for kids?
Yes. Children enjoy feeding the goats and exploring the pond and picnic area.

Can I buy cheese and snacks on-site?
Yes, the market offers cheeses, baked goods, and other specialty foods.