Marieke Gouda Cheese & Farm Tour — Thorp, Wisconsin

Discover the Marieke Gouda Cheese & Farm Tour in Wisconsin

Explore an award-winning dairy farm and creamery at Marieke Gouda in Thorp, Wisconsin. Known for world-class Dutch-style gouda, the farm offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at cheesemaking, dairy cow care, and the craftsmanship that has earned Marieke Gouda countless national and international awards.
Why it’s special:
This is one of the few U.S. creameries where visitors can tour an authentic working dairy farm, watch real-time cheesemaking, and taste cheeses crafted by a Master Cheesemaker using farm-fresh milk sourced just steps away.

History/Story of Marieke Gouda

Marieke and Rolf Penterman founded Marieke Gouda in 2006 after immigrating from the Netherlands and bringing traditional Dutch cheesemaking techniques to Wisconsin. Their commitment to quality, fresh milk, and authentic gouda craftsmanship has earned the creamery global recognition, including multiple World Championship Cheese Contest medals.

What You’ll See & Do at the Marieke Gouda Tour

• Watch cheesemakers craft traditional Dutch-style gouda through large viewing windows

• See dairy cows in the free-stall barn and learn how they are fed, milked, and cared for

• Gain insight into how milk travels from the farm to the creamery for same-day cheesemaking

• Visit the cheese aging cellars (viewable depending on production schedule)

• Enjoy tasting flights featuring Marieke’s award-winning gouda varieties

• Explore the farm store stocked with cheeses, gifts, and Dutch imports

• Seasonal events, kids’ activities, and special tastings offered throughout the year

Hands-On Elements: Cheese tastings; petting baby calves during seasonal farm activities.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in most viewing areas; restricted in production rooms.
Souvenirs & Extras: Fresh gouda wheels, aged gouda, cheese boards, Dutch foods, gifts, apparel.

Pricing of the Marieke Gouda Tour

• Cheese & Farm Tour: $10 per person

• Children 4 and under: Free

• Cheese tasting flights: $6–$12, depending on selection

• Group and school tour rates available upon request

Practical Info for Visiting Marieke Gouda

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Self-guided with large viewing windows + optional guided events (seasonal)
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round; tours available daily during business hours
Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Audience: Families, foodies, cheese lovers, agricultural students
Accessibility: Creamery and store accessible; farm areas include gravel and uneven terrain
Safety & Restrictions:

• Children must be supervised

• No entry into restricted production areas
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance reservation
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor viewing
  Facilities: Café, farm store, restrooms, picnic seating, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays; live cheesemaking varies by production day

Nearby

• Stanley Area Historical Museum – small-town Wisconsin heritage

• Dells Mill Museum – historic grist mill in nearby Augusta

• Foster Retreat – local trails, nature, and scenic views

FAQs About Visiting Marieke Gouda

Can I watch live cheesemaking?
Yes—cheesemaking can be viewed through large windows during active production days.

Are kids allowed on the farm tour?
Absolutely—Marieke Gouda is very family-friendly, with calf viewing and seasonal activities.

Is the cheese tasting included in the tour price?
No, but tasting flights are available for an additional fee.

Do tours require reservations?
Walk-ins are welcome during normal hours; groups should book ahead.

Can I see the cows up close?
Yes—visitors can view the cow barns and occasionally meet calves, depending on farm activity.