Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center
There’s only one spot along the Tillamook Coast where you can indulge in an ice cream cone, taste an award-winning grilled cheese sandwich and bring home a bag of "squeaky cheese," all while learning what goes into making world-famous Tillamook medium cheddar cheese.
Tillamook, OR 97141
At the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center, you’ll meet people from all around the world who gather to learn about the cheesemaking process. During the free self-guided tour, you will discover why our region has such a deep connection to its cheese and understand the history that has gone into making the famous baby loaf. Learn about the dairy cows and why the Tillamook Valley is such an opportune place to raise them. Test your knowledge on the differences among Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Dutch Belted cows, and read about some of the first dairy farms in the area.
Reinventing the (cheese) wheel
In 2018, the facility underwent a major renovation. The newly upgraded factory features more interactive exhibits, a refreshed interior aesthetic and a better behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite cheese is produced. As you go through the tour, you’ll learn about life on a dairy farm and follow milk’s journey from farm to factory. Explore multimedia stations and interactive features that explain the process (perfect for the young and young at heart!). Brush up on the basics of cow care—and even hone your milking skills a (fake) cow. Then, peek at the machinery and the staff at work, via a long hall of windows with lively captions that explain the cheesemaking process.
Get the inside scoop
After the tour, you’ll have a chance to sample Tillamook cheese and enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream—there are plenty of flavors, so don’t be surprised if it’s a tough choice! Or maybe you’d rather stop by the Creamery Café for a delectable grilled cheese sandwich. There’s even a fudge counter featuring more than thirty different types of old-fashioned fudge made with creamy Tillamook butter.
Souvenirs
Once you’ve filled up on tasty treats, don’t miss out on the gift shop. Pick out some “Tillamook flavored” souvenirs and ensure you never forget your trip to this renowned coastal landmark. Bring a taste of the region home with you when you buy a cheese block, frozen cheese curds or a pint of ice cream. Or, pick up fun merchandise as gifts for loved ones (or yourself!).
Before you leave, get your picture taken in the adorable Baby Loaf Bus, which travels on the Loaf Love Tour and brings the naturally aged cheeses to people all across the country. In Tillamook, cheese is a tradition, and cows are treated like family. So, why wouldn’t we want to spread the love around a bit?
