7 Cheese Wonderlands In Minnesota That Are Worthy Of A Pilgrimage

Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we may not be super-famous for our winning cheese like our neighbors to the east. But that doesn’t mean Minnesota doesn’t have a few cheese wonderlands of its own. If you’re a Minnesota cheese lover, these 7 cheese stores, restaurants, and creameries are worthy of a pilgrimage – and you won’t even have to go to Wisconsin. Check it out:

Redhead Creamery/TripAdvisor

In the little town of Brooten, Minnesota, Redhead Creamery is one of the most fun day trips in the entire state. Visitors can take a tour of the farm and creamery where their delicious cheese is produced. Say hi to the cows, peek at the equipment, and - best of all - try the cheese! There's a cheese shop on site that specializes in brie, aged cheddar, and even cheese curds! Address: 31535 463rd Ave., Brooten, MN 56316.

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You've heard of cheese stores. But have you heard of a cheese cave? Caves provide the perfect environment for cheese, and they've been used to produce cheese for centuries. Minnesota's own cheese cave is in Faribault, famous for its award-winning blue cheese. Though you can't visit the caves themselves, you can check out the next best thing. The Cheese Cave restaurant has many fantastic items, such as soups, pastas, and more. On your way out, grab some Faribault cheese to take home - or one of the many other cheeses up for grabs. Address: 318 Central Ave N, Faribault, MN 55021.

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One of the most charming cheese stores anywhere, the Hastings Dairy Store is a simple spot stocked with all the cheese you could ever want. The creamery gets milk from around the area, so you now the cheese will be as fresh as can be. You can get milk, cheese curds, and even soft-serve ice cream. And if you'd like to try cheeses from other creameries, there is a good selection of shredded, sliced, and block cheese from around the country. If you're a cheese lover in the Hastings area, don't hesitate to stop here. Address: 1701 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033.

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Here's another St. Paul cheese destination that is well worth stopping for. This historic deli has been making cheese since the 1850s, so they know a thing or two about delicious dairy. The store started as a handmade cheese shop, and now they sell cheeses from around the country. Order your favorite variety on a sandwich, and you'll never need to search for a lunch spot again. This will become your go-to cheese and sandwich spot every time you're in St. Paul. Address: 1562 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

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Though Surdyk's doesn't make its own cheese, it's still a must-stop cheese destination in the Twin Cities. This store imports 350 varieties of cheese from all around the world. It's the best place to go if you want to try something new, or if you're looking for a rare favorite. While you're there, grab a few bottles of wine to pair with your new cheeses. A visit to Surdyk's is a great way to add something fancy to your next dinner party - or to your next cozy night at home. Address: 303 E Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414.

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Like Surdyk's, Lake Wine & Spirits is a liquor store that also specializes in cheese. The selection is not as wide as the one at Surdyk's, but it does vary based on the best cheeses on the market at any given time. That makes a visit to Lake Wine & Spirits an adventure from the moment you step inside until the moment you slice into a new block of cheese. The store also has made-to-order sandwiches, giving you a chance to sample your next favorite before you even purchase it. Address: 404 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

These 7 cheese wonderlands are some of our favorites in Minnesota. Do you know of any other cheese stores, restaurants, or creameries we haven’t mentioned? Let us know your favorites in the comments below.