Road trip through the Midwest for the best cheese spots
We recently got back from an epic road trip through the Midwest. We explored some of the best cheese spots on a 7 day trip through the Midwest. We got to experience some unique destinations, along with known favorites.
Did you know that there are over 600 types of cheese in Wisconsin?
We went on a mission to find the best cheese spots. Many of the spots we discovered we stumbled upon from signs on the road!
Our road trip through the Midwest took us to the best cheese spots, amazing nature views, and popular tourist attractions.
This post is in paid partnership with AmericInn by Wyndham. I received compensation after entering a contest. All opinions are my own.
Here’s why you should take a road trip through the Midwest
We love to travel and the best ways to see multiple destinations on one trip is by taking a road trip. The Midwest is beautiful in every season. Each season brings different scenery and has so much to offer.
We were so excited when we were selected by AmericInn by Wyndham as AmericInn’s Cheesiest Family. We were given the opportunity to fly into the Midwest and spend 7 days finding the best cheese spots.
Our Midwest road trip started in Wisconsin and ended in Minnesota. It was jam packed with activities and a lot of cheese. We tried so many different kinds of cheese and learned about the history of cheesemaking. It was such a unique experience for the entire family.
The Midwest is also filled with so much beautiful nature. We made time to stop by some beautiful lakes. We love enjoying each region’s natural beauty!
Where to stay when taking a road trip through the Midwest
We stayed at AmericInn by Wyndham properties throughout our entire trip. We visited a total of 4 hotels in 2 states. Each property made it easy to access our destinations with just a short drive. The nice thing about AmericInn by Wyndham is they offer warm hospitality in a cozy setting.
We felt at home coming to our room after a long day of exploring. The kids enjoyed the indoor pools at the properties. We were all a big fan of their homestyle breakfast, especially the waffles.
AmericInn by Wyndham has many properties through the Midwest. This made it easy to visit a dozen destinations in just a 7 week road trip. It’s budget friendly and makes traveling a breeze.
Road trip through the Midwest: Part 1 in Wisconsin
Day 1- Green Bay, Wisconsin
We started our trip in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Green Bay, Wisconsin is known for their cheese curds.
Scray Cheese
Our first stop of the day was to Scray Cheese. The cheese factory and shoppe has been around for multiple generations. They specialize in cheese curds, and I can see why! You can watch the factory through a window and sample all the delicious cheese!
Green Bay Packers Game
Our next stop was to uncover the best cheese spots at Lambeau Field.
Fun fact about Lambeau Field- it is the coldest football stadium in the country!
It was no surprise that when we arrived at the stadium we were greeted with cheese heads. We were on a mission to find the best cheese spots at Lambeau Field.
Here’s what we tried:
- Pretzel with cheese 18/10
- Cheese curds 9/10
- Mac n’ cheese 8/10
There were tons of more food to try but we had to tap out after getting full. Afterall, it was only day 1 and had just started our road trip through the Midwest and still have to uncover the best cheese spots through the state!
Day 2- Sister Bay, Wisconsin
We took an early 45 minute drive to Door County where we checked into our next stay at AmericInn by Wyndham. From there, we road trip into Sister Bay.
Door County was beautiful. We took a scenic drive through small towns. If you want a road trip through the Midwest filled with nature, this is a must stop.
Wisconsin Cheese Masters
Our first stop was at Wisconsin Cheese Masters. We stumbled upon this place after seeing a cheese tasting sign. The small shop was filled with customers so we knew it was going to be one of the best cheese spots.
The owner took her time to explain all the various cheese to us. Every cheese at the shop was from a local cheese factory. She was so knowledgeable, and we purchased a few to take home too.
If you want to try some delicious local cheese, this is without a doubt one of the best cheese spots.
Al Johnson’s
Our next stop on our cheese tour was Al Johnson’s. This Swedish restaurant is known for cheese curds and for goats on the roof. Yes, you read that correctly. The restaurant has a grass roof where goats roam around during the day.
The outdoor beer garden was a great place to hang out as a family. We of course had to try the cheese curds and the mac n’ cheese. Both were delicious!
After Al Johnson’s we took the kids for a swim. Sister Bay is known for its picturesque village and beautiful bay. The water was crystal clear and the kids loved it.
Peninsula State Park
We visited Peninsula State Park. I love checking out state parks when traveling. Visiting Peninsula State Park is a must for any road trip through the Midwest. The park has amazing views of the Green Bay shoreline.
It’s a great place to visit for the day, or you can camp here. You can take out your paddleboard on the bay. Or you can rent a bike through the park. We made our way up to Eagle Tower. Here we saw some of the best views of all of Sister Bay.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
We ended our day with ice cream at Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor. The landmark has been around for over 100 years and serves up some delicious ice cream. There’s so many flavors on the menu, choosing is the hardest part.
This was a 10 hour day on our road trip through the Midwest. After this, it was time to head back to our hotel to rest for the next day.
Day 3- Monroe, Wisconsin
We woke up early to head out on a 4 hour drive to Monroe, Wisconsin. Monroe, Wisconsin is considered the gateway to “cheese country.” The area is rich in dairy farming and has a lot of history.
There was no better place to continue our road trip through the Midwest. We took a scenic drive passing countless farms along the way.
National Historic Cheesemaking Center
Our first stop upon arriving was the National Historic Cheesemaking Center.
The museum is run by volunteers to share the history of cheesemaking. It was an incredible experience to learn about cheesemaking in the early days. We even had the opportunity to step inside an old cheesemaking factory.
The National Historic Cheesemaking Center was the perfect stop on our road trip through the Midwest to learn the history of it all. We also learned about Wisconsin’s high standard of cheese making. Every cheese factory needs to have a Master of Cheese present, at all times!
Hawk’s Mill Winery
After learning about cheese we stopped at Hawk’s Mill Winery.
We tried some local wine and local cheese from factories in Monroe. Not only was it one of the best cheese spots, it also had some of the best views. The winery was so beautiful. It’s a great place to visit after learning about cheese.
Road trip through the Midwest: Part 2 in Minnesota
Day 4- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Plan for a lot of driving as you road trip through the Midwest. We started our day early and took a 5 hour drive into Minneapolis.
After a long drive, we surprised the kids with a trip to the Mall of America. While we were on a mission to uncover the best cheese spots in the Midwest, the kids needed to run around.
Nickelodeon Universe
We visited Nickelodeon Universe. It was such a fun family outing and the kids had a blast on the rides. Nickelodeon Universe has rides for kids of all ages. The girls are 7 and 10 and love a thrill. They had plenty of roller coasters for them to enjoy.
Mall of America has a lot to do for family fun. You can also visit Wink World or the Crayola Experience. There is a huge LEGO store and plenty of shopping for everyone.
This was a long driving day on our road trip through the Midwest. Luckily, the AmericInn by Wyndham was a short drive from the Mall of America.
Day 5- Northfield, Minnesota
We took a one-hour drive to Northfield, Minnesota to visit a pizza farm!
What is a pizza farm? A pizza farm is a farm that grows their own ingredients for their pizza.
Red Barn Farm
I stumbled across Red Barn Farm when doing my research and I knew we had to visit. The farm is a must stop if you are looking to incredible pizza as a part of the best cheese spots in the Midwest!
Red Barn Farm grows most of their own ingredients and sources the cheese from neighboring farms. The menu rotates based on what ingredients they have in season and is open through the end of October.
We were blown away by the concept of a pizza farm, but there are several throughout the state. Red Barn Farm is a must stop as you road trip through the Midwest.
Wednesdays are pizza night. Reservations are made the Friday prior, and you are given a time slot.
Bring a blanket, board games or a soccer ball. The kids will love the farm. They can pet the horses and see the chicken running around. We also ate an apple right off the apple tree.You can purchase cocktails or try the wine from the farm’s vineyard.
Day 6- Minneapolis, Minnesota
It was so exciting to be in town during the Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest stare fair in the U.S. by daily attendance.
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is an incredible atmosphere. Here you will find rides, games, animals and tons of food.
We took a food tour with some amazing cheese options through the Minnesota State Fair. These are some of our top picks:
- Garlic cheese curds 10/10 *seriously they are that good
- Fried ranch 9/10
- Mac n’ cheese on a stick 7/10
- Fried pickles 7/10
- Root beer float 10/10
There were so many food options, which made it hard to pick. Minnesota State Fair has hundreds of vendors and some of the best cheese spots in the Midwest.
We all enjoyed seeing all the farm animals at the Minnesota State Fair. Our favorite was the baby animals. They had a special section catered towards newborn babies. We saw goats that were hours old and piglets that were days old. We also saw a calf with its mom right after birth.
The Minnesota State Fair also had a beauty pageant for cows. There was another dedicated arena just for horses.
It’s an incredible experience to visit the Minnesota State Fair. It’s such a fun addition to a road trip through the Midwest.
Tip- try to line up your road trip through the Midwest with the Minnesota State Fair. You will not be disappointed.
Day 7- Minneapolis, Minnesota
We spent our last day on our road trip through the Midwest exploring downtown Minneapolis.
Mill City Museum
We came across Mill City Museum and so glad we had the chance to visit.
Mill City Museum is located in the ruins of an old mill. It’s a National Historic Landmark that sits right on the Mississippi River. We stepped back in time to learn about the history of wheat and flour product in Minneapolis.
The Mill City Museum has numerous hands-on exhibits.
We especially enjoyed the Flour Tower. The visual demonstration takes place in a freight elevator. The elevator visits many floors and shows what it was like to work in a mill. Once at the top, you get sweeping views of Minneapolis. It’s a sight to see!
Road trip through the Midwest
I hope this post has inspired you to take a road trip through the Midwest. Whether you are looking to uncover nature, history or discover the best cheese spots in the U.S., there is something for everyone.
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