Mayfield Dairy Farms Tour — Athens, Tennessee

Discover the Mayfield Dairy Farms Tour in Tennessee

Join a guided factory tour at Mayfield Dairy Farms in Athens, Tennessee, where you’ll see how milk and ice cream are produced in one of the South’s iconic dairies. The experience allows visitors to walk through the production plant—from jug manufacturing and filling to ice cream mixing and packaging—and ends with a scoop of complimentary ice cream in the visitor parlor. It’s a great stop for families, food-lovers, and anyone interested in food production with a fun twist.

Why it’s special:
This tour stands out because it highlights a working dairy and creamery that welcomes the public behind the scenes. You not only learn about modern dairy processing but you also get a real taste of the product—ice cream included—and a visitor centre set up for families and enthusiasts alike.

History/Story of Mayfield Dairy Farms

Founded in 1910 with just a small herd of Jersey cows in Athens, Tennessee, Mayfield Dairy Farms has grown into a major regional dairy and ice cream producer. Over the decades the company pioneered packaging innovations, expanded its production lines, and opened its visitor centre to give the public a window into dairy and ice cream manufacturing. The heritage and continuing local footprint make this an authentic “from farm to shelf” story.

What You’ll See & Do on the Mayfield Dairy Farms Tour

• Watch plastic jugs being formed and filled with milk and juice in packaging lines

• Explore the ice cream production area, where flavors are mixed, frozen and boxed

• Learn about dairy operations including pasteurization, packaging and distribution

• Enjoy a tasting scoop of ice cream in the visitor parlor after the tour

• Visit the gift shop for branded merchandise, nostalgic dairy items and seasonal flavors

Hands-On Elements: Tour participants receive a complimentary scoop of ice cream and see active production in operation.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography is allowed in visitor areas and publicly accessible factory corridors; certain sterile zones may restrict filming.
Souvenirs & Extras: On-site gift shop offers branded merchandise, novel ice cream flavors, nostalgic packaging items and a fun café area for families.

Pricing of the Mayfield Dairy Farms Tour

• Admission: approximately US $8 per person (adults; children may receive different pricing)

• The ticket includes guided tour + free scoop of ice cream

• Group rates or school tours available by arrangement; reservations may be required for large groups

Practical Info for Visiting Mayfield Dairy Farms

Duration: About 45-60 minutes, including factory tour and ice cream scoop experience
Format: Guided walk-through tour of production plant + tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last tour starts around 3:00 PM); closed Wednesday and no tours on Saturday/Sunday (visitor centre still may be open)
Audience: Families, school groups, food production enthusiasts, travelers; children welcome however tasting portion only for those eligible
Accessibility: Visitor centre is accessible; production floor has raised walkways and safety protocols
Safety & Restrictions: Hairnets required during tour; closed-toe shoes recommended; enter production area only with guide
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Available — schools and large visitor groups recommended to pre-book
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, camera (where permitted), cash or card for gift shop
Facilities: Visitor centre/ice cream parlor, parking lot, restrooms, gift shop, outdoor seating
Closures & Downtime: Closed Wednesday for tours and lunch production cleaning; holidays may alter schedule
Nearby:

• Big Frog Mountain and Cherokee National Forest — nature and outdoor recreation nearby

• Athens Historic District — local dining and shops

• Bald Rock Overlook scenic stop — short drive away

FAQs About Visiting Mayfield Dairy Farms

Do I need to book a tour in advance?
Reservations are recommended for large groups; individual visitors may walk in but last tour begins at 3:00 PM on tour days.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes—the tour is family-friendly and welcomes children, although tastings (ice cream) are included for all ticket holders.
Will I see the milk jug manufacturing during the tour?
Yes—you’ll view the jug forming and filling lines through glass corridors as part of the guided tour.
Can I buy ice cream after the tour?
Yes—you may visit the parlor and gift shop to purchase regular or seasonal ice cream flavors after the tour.
Is photography allowed inside the factory areas?
Visitors may photograph in public visitor zones; production corridors may restrict camera use for safety or privacy reasons.