LaClare Family Creamery Tour — Malone, Wisconsin

Discover the LaClare Family Creamery Tour in Wisconsin

Visit LaClare Family Creamery in Malone, Wisconsin, and explore one of America’s premier farmstead goat dairies. This award-winning creamery produces nationally recognized goat cheeses and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the goats, the milking parlor, and the cheesemaking process.
Why it’s special:
LaClare is one of the few U.S. creameries where visitors can see the entire cycle—from goats grazing to cheese aging—all in one scenic, family-owned operation overlooking Wisconsin farmland.

History/Story of LaClare Family Creamery

Founded by Larry and Clara Hedrich in 1978, LaClare started as a small family goat farm and gradually expanded into one of the country’s most respected goat cheese producers. Today, the creamery is known for handcrafted cheeses, sustainable farming, and winning prestigious national awards for their fresh and aged goat cheeses.

What You’ll See & Do at the LaClare Family Creamery Tour

• Walk through the visitor-friendly dairy barn to see LaClare’s goat herd

• Watch live goat milking sessions in the modern milking parlor

• Learn about raising dairy goats and the science behind goat milk production

• View cheesemaking areas where milk is transformed into fresh chèvre, cheddar, feta, and aged varieties

• Explore the award-winning retail market and cheese shop

• Enjoy samples, seasonal treats, and optional add-on tastings

Hands-On Elements: Petting and feeding goats (in designated areas), interactive learning boards, tasting flights.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged in barn and viewing areas; restricted in production rooms.
Souvenirs & Extras: Fresh goat cheese, aged cheese wheels, gift boxes, ice cream, local artisan goods.

Pricing of the LaClare Family Creamery Tour

• Self-Guided Tour: Free

• Guided Dairy Barn & Creamery Tour: $5 per person

• Deluxe Cheese Tasting Flight: $12–$15 (varies by seasonal selection)

• Children under 3: Free

Practical Info for Visiting LaClare Family Creamery

Duration: 30–60 minutes for self-guided; 60–75 minutes for guided tours
Format: Self-guided or guided (depending on booking)
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round; guided tours scheduled on select weekdays and weekends
Working Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (tour times vary)
Audience: Families, foodies, school groups, animal lovers
Accessibility: Main creamery, shop, and viewing areas accessible; barn floors may be uneven
Safety & Restrictions:

• Wash hands after animal contact

• Supervise children around goats

• No entry into restricted production areas
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Group tours available; reservations required
  What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe shoes recommended, weather-appropriate clothing for barn visits
  Facilities: Retail market, café, restrooms, picnic tables, ample parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays; barn access may vary during extreme weather

Nearby

• High Cliff State Park – scenic bluffs and trails overlooking Lake Winnebago

• Mulberry Lane Farm – hands-on children’s farm attractions

• Fond du Lac Downtown – dining, boutiques, and seasonal events

FAQs About Visiting LaClare Family Creamery

Do I need reservations for the guided tour?
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or large groups.

Can I see goats being milked?
Yes—milking sessions are viewable during scheduled times in the parlor.

Are children allowed in the barn?
Yes—this is a family-friendly tour with supervised access to goats.

Is cheese sampling included?
Basic samples are available; premium flights cost extra.

Is the creamery open year-round?
Yes—LaClare is open daily with seasonal adjustments for tours and events.