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Discover the Milwaukee Pretzel Company Tour in Wisconsin

Get a delicious behind-the-scenes look at how authentic Bavarian-style pretzels are made at the Milwaukee Pretzel Company. This hands-on, flavor-filled tour shows visitors how dough is mixed, rolled, twisted, boiled, baked, and salted using traditional German methods—and ends with a fresh, warm pretzel straight from the oven.
Why it’s special:
Milwaukee Pretzel Company produces genuine Munich-style pretzels, with recipes rooted in Bavarian tradition and crafted using simple, high-quality ingredients.

History/Story of Milwaukee Pretzel Company

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Matt and Katie Wessel, the Milwaukee Pretzel Company grew from a love of authentic German pretzels discovered while living abroad. They brought those flavors back to Wisconsin, supplying restaurants, breweries, festivals, and sports venues with high-quality pretzels. Their facility now produces thousands of pretzels daily for customers nationwide.

What You’ll See & Do on the Pretzel Tour

Learn the secrets behind mixing and fermenting Bavarian pretzel dough
Watch bakers roll and twist pretzels by hand or on semi-automated lines
See pretzels dipped in the signature alkaline bath for a golden finish
Observe the massive ovens baking soft pretzels to perfection
Smell warm pretzels, butter, and malt throughout the facility
Enjoy a fresh pretzel at the end of your tour
Sample flavored dips and pretzel sticks (seasonal)
Shop the Pretzel Store for take-home snacks and merch

Hands-On Elements: dough-touch stations, shape-your-own pretzel (select tours), tasting.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed; no video near production equipment.
Souvenirs & Extras: Frozen pretzels, giant pretzels, pretzel buns, dips, mustard, apparel, gift packs.

Pricing of the Milwaukee Pretzel Company Tour

Factory Tour: $10 per person
- Includes one fresh pretzel
Kids (ages 5–12): $6
Children under 5: Free
Group tours: Available with reservation

Practical Info for Visiting Milwaukee Pretzel Company

Duration: 30–45 minutes
Format: Guided tour through production areas + tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Offered on select days; reservations required
Working Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–3:00 PM for tour times
Audience: Families, foodies, brewery tourists, school groups
Accessibility: Mostly accessible; production floor has some tight walkways
Safety & Restrictions:

Closed-toe shoes recommended
No touching equipment without permission
Languages: English
Group Visits: Great for corporate outings, school groups, and brewery tour combos
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, appetite for pretzels
Facilities: Retail store, tasting counters, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: Production may vary depending on order volume

Nearby

Lakefront Brewery
Third Ward shopping district
Milwaukee Public Market
Harley-Davidson Museum

FAQs About Visiting Milwaukee Pretzel Company

Do I get a free pretzel?
Yes—every tour includes a freshly baked pretzel.

Can I make my own pretzel?
Some tours allow guests to shape their own pretzel—check availability when booking.

Are the pretzels made with traditional Bavarian techniques?
Absolutely—dough fermentation, rolling, lye bath, and baking follow classic German methods.

Do they sell giant pretzels?
Yes—the giant Bavarian pretzel is one of their best-selling items.

Is the tour kid-friendly?
Very—kids love watching the dough machines and tasting warm pretzels.