Nelson Cheese Factory
A charming Wisconsin creamery offering artisan cheeses, delicious deli sandwiches, and famously good hand-dipped ice cream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for ice cream!
Nelson Cheese Factory
Best Time
Perfect for ice cream!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Wisconsin creamery offering artisan cheeses, delicious deli sandwiches, and famously good hand-dipped ice cream.
"This hoppin' spot is a MUST STOP along the Great River Road!"
🍦 Ice Cream Heaven
Don't leave without trying the ice cream! So many flavors, you might need multiple visits.
🍷 Cozy Wine Room
The wine tasting room is a hidden gem with a fireplace. Great for a relaxing break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Cheeses & Meats
Deli Counter
Explore a vast selection of local cheeses, smoked meats, and unique artisanal products. Perfect for sampling or taking home.
Hand-Dipped Ice Cream
Ice Cream Counter
Indulge in a wide array of delicious ice cream flavors, a consistent favorite among visitors. A sweet treat you won't want to miss.
Deli Sandwiches & Soups
Cafe
Enjoy tasty deli sandwiches and hearty soups, often served with incredibly delicious bread. A satisfying lunch option.
Wine Tasting Room
Wine Room
Sample local wines in a cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace. A relaxing and romantic spot for couples.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
A Great River Road Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍦 Ice Cream Heaven
Don't leave without trying the ice cream! So many flavors, you might need multiple visits.
🍷 Cozy Wine Room
The wine tasting room is a hidden gem with a fireplace. Great for a relaxing break.
🥖 Delicious Bread
The bread served with soups is amazing; consider buying a baguette to go!
🚗 Great River Road Stop
Perfect pit stop along the scenic Great River Road for food and treats.
Husband and I are driving through Wisconsin from Minnesota and looking for the best cheese curds on this route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍦 Ice Cream Heaven
Don't leave without trying the ice cream! So many flavors, you might need multiple visits.
🍷 Cozy Wine Room
The wine tasting room is a hidden gem with a fireplace. Great for a relaxing break.
🥖 Delicious Bread
The bread served with soups is amazing; consider buying a baguette to go!
🚗 Great River Road Stop
Perfect pit stop along the scenic Great River Road for food and treats.
🧀 Cheese Lover's Paradise
Huge selection of cheeses, from local to unique varieties.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nelson Cheese Factory for its delicious ice cream, extensive cheese selection, and tasty deli offerings. The charming atmosphere, especially the wine room, adds to its appeal as a must-stop destination along the Great River Road. While generally highly rated, some may find it busy during peak times.
"The ice creams are delicious, the service is fast, they have a good variety of local drinks as well as cheeses and fine meats, it is a must stop if you visit Nelson"
Gabriela Urbano
"The creamery is currently open for business. Please feel welcome to visit for all your desired treats. It consistently provides a delightful experience."
GP Minnesota
"Another stop along the great river road that cannot be missed. Nelson Creamery is so good. The food, the wine, the cheese, the drinks, and of course the ice cream were just amazing. We got soups (delicious) with slices of bread (which was so delicious we ended up buying a whole baguette which we ate in one sitting) and ice cream. Sitting in the wine room watching the woodpeckers and kitties outside was divine. Oh so peaceful and romantic. Even on a cloudy day Nelson’s creamery was dreamy. Very high quality food and goods and service. Another place I can’t recommend enough."
Avary Benavides Shefland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nelson Cheese Factory is located in Nelson, Wisconsin, along the Great River Road. It's about an hour's drive from La Crosse. 
Yes, it's a must-stop along the Great River Road, known for its beautiful views and charming stops.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Nelson Cheese Factory, especially if you're exploring the Great River Road.
Nelson Cheese Factory is a popular stop on the Great River Road, which offers many scenic overlooks and small towns to explore.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're coming from nearby cities like La Crosse or driving along the Mississippi River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there's no admission fee to enter Nelson Cheese Factory. You pay for the food, drinks, and products you purchase.
The creamery is open for business, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, they offer wine tasting, and you can also purchase glasses or bottles. The specific costs for tasting are usually available on-site.
Definitely! Nelson Cheese Factory has a huge selection of cheeses in various sizes, perfect for taking home.
While not explicitly mentioned, the wine tasting room and the general atmosphere suggest a focus on enjoying the products. Check their social media for any special announcements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer delicious deli sandwiches, soups, pizza, and homemade cookies, alongside their famous ice cream.
Yes, the ice cream is a major highlight! Visitors consistently praise its deliciousness and the wide variety of flavors available.
Don't miss the hand-dipped ice cream, artisan cheeses, deli sandwiches, and the bread served with soups.
While they offer sandwiches and soups, vegetarian options might be limited. The ice cream and cheese selections are generally vegetarian-friendly.
Yes, they serve espresso coffee, making it a great spot for a beverage break.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming exterior, the bustling ice cream counter, the cozy wine room with its fireplace, and of course, your delicious treats!
Absolutely! The rustic charm, the scenic location along the Great River Road, and the appealing food and products make it very photogenic.
Expect photos of delicious food (ice cream, sandwiches), artisanal products (cheeses, meats), the cozy interior (wine room), and the scenic surroundings.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcome. Be mindful of other patrons and ask if you plan to take extensive photos.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful, especially if you're capturing the exterior or enjoying ice cream outside. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The casual atmosphere means kids can enjoy their treats without too much fuss. Consider grabbing a sandwich or soup from the cafe for a simple family lunch. The open space outside can also be nice for kids to stretch their legs. 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Stock up on cheeses and meats for a picnic later, or indulge in a quick ice cream cone or a satisfying deli sandwich. The wine tasting room also offers a nice way to unwind before hitting the road again. couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nelson Cheese Factory Experience
The variety of offerings is a major draw. Beyond the namesake cheeses, you'll find artisan meats, jams, jellies, a curated wine selection, local beers, and of course, the highly praised hand-dipped ice cream.
The cafe serves up excellent deli sandwiches and soups, often accompanied by bread so good that people buy a whole baguette to enjoy later. Whether you're stopping for a quick ice cream cone, a leisurely lunch, or to stock up on provisions for a picnic, Nelson Cheese Factory offers a high-quality experience. The friendly service and the sheer diversity of goods ensure that most visitors find something to love, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone traveling through Wisconsin.
Culinary Delights: From Cheese to Ice Cream
For those seeking a meal, the deli sandwiches and soups are a hit, often lauded for their freshness and flavor, especially when paired with their exceptionally delicious bread.
However, the undisputed star for many is the hand-dipped ice cream. With a wide variety of flavors that change regularly, it's a treat that draws crowds, especially during warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit