Profile

Discover the Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy Tour in Wisconsin

Experience one of Wisconsin’s most advanced and largest family-owned dairy farms at Pagel’s Ponderosa in Kewaunee. This state-of-the-art operation blends modern robotic technology, sustainable practices, and traditional farm values. Visitors tour massive freestall barns, watch cows being milked, and learn how one of the Midwest’s premier dairies produces high-quality milk every day.
Why it’s special:
Pagel’s Ponderosa offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to a large-scale dairy using cutting-edge equipment—showing how technology, animal care, and sustainability come together on a modern working farm.

History/Story of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy

Founded by the Pagel family in 1946, the dairy began as a small herd operation and now spans thousands of acres with thousands of cows. Despite its scale, the farm remains family-operated and deeply committed to innovation, animal comfort, and community education. Over the decades, it has become a national model for modern dairy farming.

What You’ll See & Do at Pagel’s Ponderosa

Tour massive freestall barns housing the dairy’s milking herd
Watch high-tech rotary or parlor milking systems in action
Learn how cows are fed, monitored, and kept comfortable around the clock
See calf barns and learn how Pagel’s nurtures newborns
Explore how feed is mixed, milk is stored, and sustainability practices are implemented
Visit the farm store for dairy products and locally made items

Hands-On Elements: Petting calves (in supervised areas), touching feed components, interactive barn displays.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in visitor-safe areas; some sections may have restrictions due to equipment.
Souvenirs & Extras: Farm store dairy products, snacks, apparel, local goods, and farm-themed items.

Pricing of the Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy Tour

Guided Farm Tour: $10 per person
Children under 5: Free
Group tours: Special pricing available for school and large groups

Practical Info for Visiting Pagel’s Ponderosa

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Guided walking/vehicle tour across barns and facilities
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round by appointment
Working Hours: Typically Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (appointment required)
Audience: Families, school groups, agricultural students, tourists
Accessibility: Main areas accessible; barns and gravel paths may have uneven footing
Safety & Restrictions:

Closed-toe shoes required
Children must stay with adults
No touching equipment unless instructed
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Very popular for FFA, 4-H, classrooms, and farm-focused learning
What to Bring/Wear: Weather-appropriate clothing, boots or sturdy shoes, camera
Facilities: Restrooms, visitor center, farm store, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed Sundays and major holidays; some barn areas off-limits during weather or feeding cycles