factory tours portland or

Family-Friendly Oregon Factory Tours

Is your kid a chef-in-training? A budding scientist? Or someone who just likes to see where their food comes from? Learn about the delicious inner workings of the food industry with one of these guided factory tours. Visit a local one, or add one of these on during a road trip!

Franz Bakery

Groups between 10 and 40 people are welcome to see what a working bakery looks like, and how it works. You will learn a bit about Franz bakery, and then take your tour. You can enjoy a snack of bread and butter and juice, plus take home a free sample. They also offer virtual tours!

Franz Bakery offers tours of its bakery from Labor Day until summer break in June. Schedule your tour by contacting [email protected] . Children must be 7 years or older to take the tour. Each tour lasts about 30 minutes. 340 NE 11 th St., Portland

Creo Chocolate

A tour with a delicious twist! Creo offers tours where you can design and take home your very own chocolate bar.

Paid tours are $25+. Tours are appropriate for children ages 8+, but all supervised children are welcome. Length varies based on the tour. You must sign up in advance. 122 NE Broadway, Portland

Tillamook Cheese Factory

No trip to Tillamook is complete without a stop at the cheese factory. Free self-guided tours are available daily. You can see get a birds-eye view of the cheesemaking and packaging rooms, learn about a dairy farm and sample many different kinds of cheese. 

Self-guided tours are free, and include lots and lots of cheese. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm Labor Day through mid-June; 8 am to 8 pm mid-June through Labor Day. 4175 Highway 101, Tillamook .

Ranger Chocolate

If you’re looking for the perfect rainy day activity, look no further than a Ranger Chocolate’s Build Your Own Bar activity and tour. Participants build 4 chocolate bars topped with any of their creative made-in-house goodies, and the event includes a “behind the bar” Q&A with drum tastings.

The class and tour are for ages 9+, but children as young as 6 may participate if a private session is booked. The cost for one participant is $75 for the tour and class.

Yamasa Soy Sauce

The fermentation of soy sauce is actually a lot like beer making—and you can learn all about it during a 50-minute tour of the international Yamasa Soy Sauce company. Start with a short video, and then move on to tour the vast Salem factory and the huge working machines inside. Expect to take home some treats as well.

Gather a group and call to secure your reservation. 503-363-8550. 3500 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem

Pacific Hazelnut – Tours temporarily postponed

Go nuts with a tour of Pacific Hazelnut Farms. Take a guided 20-40 minute tour, get your questions answered, and enjoy some samples of many of the farm’s products.

Tours are temporarily suspended during factory renovations, as of this writing. Tours run from January through mid-September. Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 503-678-2755. Cost is $3. Children must be over 8 years old to participate.   14673 Ottaway Rd NE, Aurora 

Harry & David – Tours temporarily postponed

Yes, the creators of that magical stuff Moose Munch are located in Oregon. And now you can see it being made! Harry & David offers guided tours, where you will learn about the company’s history, and then watch as the culinary team creates baklava, cheese cake, truffles, and yes—Moose Munch. You can also watch the team assemble those yummy gourmet gift towers. You will see big machines at work, and also walk on a wide, sturdy catwalk (beware those with a fear of heights). The tour includes a bakery treat and a chocolate.

Tours are temporarily postponed as of this writing. Tickets are $5 per person. You can get your tickets on site, or by calling. Advance reservations are not required, but you may have to wait during busy season. 877-322-8000. 1314 Center Dr. Suite A, Medford OR

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CHOCOLATE TOURS

Make-a-bar tour book online now.

Take a unique peek behind the scenes of one of Portland's very own award-winning chocolate makers. This is approximately a 1.5-hour informative tour guided by one of our chocolate makers.

As a favorite Portland food tour, you will learn where chocolate comes from and how we make it here at Creo, then design a dark chocolate bar to take home. Please note: we will provide a hairnet for you to wear. Tours are appropriate for children 8+ years old but all supervised children are welcome. Tickets are required for all participants, including children. Infants may accompany adults in a baby sling or stroller.

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Make a Bar - Team Edition

Are you looking for a unique team building activity? Here is an opportunity for your team to create something delicious together. We will work with you to help build a great team experience to help bring your team together.  In Spanish, Creo means “to create” and in this behind-the-scenes factory tour, participants creatively design their own personalized dark chocolate bar to take home.

Tours last approximately 1.5 hour, and include a multimedia presentation of the story behind our chocolate. This is a great icebreaker activity and opportunity for team bonding and creativity.

Please call our factory or email us at [email protected] to reserve a date for your group. There is a $360 minimum

Make a Bar - Private Edition

Are you looking for a unique activity to bring your family or group of friends together? Let us work with you to help make this happen. Here is an opportunity for your team to create something delicious together.

On this behind-the-scenes factory tour, participants creatively design their own personalized dark chocolate bar to take home. Tours last approximately one hour, and include a multimedia presentation of the story behind our chocolate. This is a great icebreaker activity and opportunity for team bonding and creativity.

TOUR – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

8 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Oregon

Tessa Metcalf

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From mouthwatering chocolates to beautiful wool blankets, many amazing products are made right here in Oregon. There are a number of local factories that invite visitors to come see how their unique products are made in person. For a fun, educational outing, take a tour of one of these wonderful Oregon factories; you’ll be blown away!

(P.S. — many of these tours are 100% free!)

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Have you toured any of these wonderful places in Oregon? What did you think? Are there any other cool factories in Oregon that let you tour the facility? Let us know in the comments.

Find out about the spooky-yet-amazing Pendleton Underground Tour here .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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6 Must-Do Food Factory Tours

There’s no bigger thrill for the young foodies in the family than seeing how their bites are made for real. Portland provides families with several opportunities to learn how food is made at local food factories. These tours serve kids up a tasty good time with a side of education. From freshly baked bread to artisan chocolates, these working factories welcome families to tour their facilities. Read on to find out more.

photo: Carrie Uffindell

Bob’s Red Mill At Bob’s 300,000 square foot facility, you and the kids will learn all about stone-milling and healthy whole grains. After a short video, watch the mill in action from a set of viewing windows. There’s hands-on activities as well, including a grain grinding table. All visitors get samples to take home. Afterwards, head to Bob’s Whole Grain Store and Visitors Center, located about two miles northwest of the factory, for lunch and/or baked goods.

Cost: Free Details: Tours offered Mon.-Fri. at 10 a.m., except on major holidays, and run 60-75 minutes. Groups of 10 or more can arrange a private tour. All ages welcome. 13521 SE Pheasant Ct. Milwaukie, Or 503-654-3215 Online: bobsredmill.com

Franz Bakery The 50-minute tour kicks off with a brief presentation on the Franz Family Bakeries, followed by a walking tour of the facility, which is the real highlight of the trip. Kids will be fascinated by the giant mixer stir up enormous batches of dough and the cooling buns zooming around the building on a metal track. The tour ends with a snack of bread, butter and apples juice, as well as a special gift to take home.

Cost: Free Details: Tours are offered throughout the school year, from Labor Day until summer break in June, and must be scheduled in advance. Only children seven years of age or older can attend. Franz is a working bakery so there’s a strict dress code for visitors. Visit the website for more details. 340 NE 11th St. Portland, Or [email protected] Online: franzbakery.com

photo: Jln_lunasea via Flickr

Tillamook Cheese Factory Oregon’s iconic dairy factory is currently building a brand new 38,500 square foot visitors center, which is slated to open this summer. In the expanded factory viewing area, watch 40-pound blocks of cheese whiz by on a conveyor belt before being cut into smaller pieces, wrapped and vacuum sealed by a machine that looks like a gigantic octopus. Then score some delicious samples, like squeaky cheese curds and ice cream.

Cost: Free Details: Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Labor Day through mid-June, hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mid-June through Labor Day, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Note: The temporary visitors center has no factory viewing gallery since it’s located in a separate building. See the website for more details. 4175 N Hwy 101 Tillamook, Or 503-815-1300 Online: tillamook.com

Fish Peddler Market & Restaurant at Pacific Oyster For a look inside Pacific Oyster Company’s operations, head to the Fish Peddler in Bay City. Though it’s more observation window than traditional tour, seeing the skilled shuckers speed through thousands of pounds of oysters is truly impressive. Hungry for more? Snag a table near the window so you can enjoy the entertainment while you nosh on fresh seafood.

Cost: Free Details: Open daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The shuckers usually work weekdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 5150 Hayes Oyster Dr. Bay City, Or 503-377-2330 Online: pacificseafood.com

photo: Creo Chocolate

Creo Chocolate This bean-to-bar craft chocolate factory and cafe offers a sweet kid-friendly tour. Expect lots of interactive experiences, from watching how chocolate is made to tasting freshly roasted cacao beans. Then, during the second half of the tour, you and your little chocolatier will create, design and package your very own chocolate bar to take home.

Cost: $20 Details: Tours run Tues.-Sun and is about an hour long. You must sign up in advance online. Hairnets provided, closed-toe shoes required. Children must be 8 years or older. 122 NE Broadway Portland, Or 503-477-8927 Online: creochocolate.com

photo: via Goody’s Chocolates

Goody’s Chocolate and Ice Cream All ages are welcome at Goody’s headquarters, which has been crafting chocolate, candies and ice cream in the Bend area for over 30 years. On both tours, big windows let you will peek inside the commercial kitchen, where some 20 tons of gourmet chocolates – as well as toffee, caramel corn and ice cream – are made every year, mostly by hand. After a sweet sample, head to the factory retail store to pick up your favorites.

Cost: Free for self-guided tours, guided tours are $2 Details: Self-guided tours run Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m., no appointment required. The 15-minute guided tours are only for groups of 10 or more and must be scheduled two weeks in advance. Closed most major holidays.

1111 SE Division St. Bend, Or 541-385-7085 Online: goodyschocolates.com

What’s your family’s favorite food factory tour? Let us know in the comment section below. 

—Carrie Uffindell

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Taste and Learn!: Creo Chocolate Factory Offers Sweets and Tours

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Oregon factory, farm & maker tours near you.

Discover all the great factory and maker tours around you in Oregon (OR). Industrial and food factories, farm and maker tours are becoming more popular as they provide hours of entertainment and are cheap and often free. Tours are great for creative date ideas and family adventures with many factory production lines surprisingly kid friendly and educational.

01. Creo Chocolate

Portland, or.

Take a unique peek behind the scenes of one of Portland’s very own award-winning chocolate makers. This is approximately a 1.5-hour informative tour guided by one of our chocolate makers. You’ll learn where chocolate comes from and how they make it at Creo, then design a dark chocolate bar to take home.

02. Harry & David Bakery & Candy kitchen Tour

Watch as they craft many of their exceptional Harry & David products at their headquarters in Medford, Oregon. Tour the on-site facility, where you can see these delights come to life. From their entertaining tour guides, you’ll learn about the rich company history while you watch their dedicated culinary team create silky-smooth chocolate truffles, creamy cheesecakes, and baklava. See how they make their incredible Moose Munch Premium Popcorn, with buttery caramel, nuts, and chocolate. Watch packaging teams hand assemble gourmet gift towers and baskets, and view their famous Royal Riviera Pears as they are sorted and packed by hand.

03. Tillamook Creamery Tour

Tillamook, or.

Enjoy self-guided Tillamook Creamery tours. Get started in the Grand Entrance, learn more in the Farm Exhibit, explore the Viewing Gallery and finish off in the Dining Hall and Shop. You can start wherever you like, grab a lick of ice cream when the mood strikes, and set your own pace as you learn about their heritage. No reservations are needed for the self-guided Tillamook Creamery tours.

TILLA TIP:  Come during the week to see our employees working in the facility real-time!

Plan your next vacation!

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Visit Your Portland Bakery

To schedule a tour contact [email protected]

SCHOOL and COMMUNITY TOURS at the PORTLAND BAKERY

Join us to explore over 100 years of our heritage, culture, and life in the bakery. During your experience, you will have a guided tour and sample some of our delicious products. Tours are available from October through June. Please request your scheduled tour at least 4 weeks in advance of your preferred date. All guests must be at least 7 years old at the time of the tour.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUPS

We are excited to offer specially designed tours for second and third graders across the Portland Metro area. Each group must not exceed 32 guests, which includes teachers, chaperones, and students. Students will experience hands on interactive stations designed to enhance their knowledge of the baking process and history of Franz. In addition, groups can take photos and sample our delicious products.

GENERAL TOUR GROUPS

Meet us on the first Thursday of every month! We offer tours for groups of up to 20 guests. If you would like to attend, please reserve your spot as space is limited and fills quickly!

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Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: Tips, Tricks & What You Need to Know 

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Did you know that during a trip to Portland, you can visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Creamery on the Oregon Coast to learn how cheese and ice cream are made? 

My husband is a self-proclaimed “cheeseaholic,” so we knew that a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory during our trip to Portland, Oregon, was a must. And wow, we are so glad we prioritized the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour during our trip — it honestly exceeded our expectations! 

In this post, I will explain some of the basic information you need to know about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour when planning your trip, what to expect during the tour, and some tips to make your experience memorable and seamless. 

FAQs: Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour in Oregon  

Where is the tillamook cheese factory.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is in Tillamook on the Oregon Coast. If you are driving to Tillamook Creamery from Downtown Portland, it is about a 75-mile drive and takes roughly an hour and a half to get there, depending on traffic.

What are the Tillamook Cheese Factory hours and days?

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is open seven days a week from 10 AM – 6 PM. They do occasionally close early for holidays or private events, so check the website ahead of time to ensure they are open on the time and day you are planning your tour.

Does it cost money to go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

The best part about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is that it is completely free, making it one of the best things to do in Oregon on a budget. The self-guided tour also includes free cheese samples — just save some money in your budget to buy lunch or ice cream in the dining hall after your Tillamook Cheese Factory tour.

Does the Tillamook Cheese Factory have a gift shop?

The Tillamook Creamery has a fabulous gift shop to explore after your tour. 

You can find tons of mementos to bring home, like shirts, hats, ornaments, and cute stuffed animals. There is also a grocery section with limited edition cheeses, ice creams, dairy products, and other Oregon-made products that you can’t find in your grocery store back home. 

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour good for kids?

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is one of the best things to do in Portland with kids! 

Not only will kids love watching how cheese and ice cream are made, but there are tons of interactive, kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits that will teach them how to “feed” a calf, milk a cow, the differences between different types of cows, and more. 

Do you need reservations for the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour?

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, so you do not need to make tour reservations. You can begin your tour right when you show up, or you can grab food in the dining hall first and complete the tour before you leave — it is up to you.

How long does the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour take?

Since the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, you can spend one hour or all day here. However, most people probably spend between 2–3 hours at the Tillamook Creamery. 

Personally, we arrived around 11:30 AM and left around 2 PM, so we spent a total of 2.5 hours at the Tillamook Creamery. We arrived, took the tour, browsed the gift shop, ordered food, and then enjoyed it in the dining hall before leaving. 

Do they serve food at the Tillamook Creamery in Oregon?

Yes, in addition to the free cheese samples, Tillamook Creamery has tons of food to purchase. You can buy grocery items in the gift shop, or you can order meals to eat in the dining hall. They also have an ice cream bar if you are craving a sweet treat.

Can I visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory with a food allergy?

It is possible to visit Tillamook Cheese Factory with a food allergy. While you might have trouble finding much to eat with a severe dairy allergy (though it is possible!), there are plenty of options for gluten-free, nut-free, and other food allergies. 

To better understand how Tillamook Creamery handles allergens before visiting the factory, please read the company’s allergen statement .

Does Tillamook Cheese Factory have samples?

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour offers samples, and you can grab as many as you want (within reason, of course). I grabbed a Colby Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar to try. They were all amazing, of course!

What to Expect During the Tillamook Creamery Tour  

During the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, you will learn so much information about the company’s history, business model, how cheese is made, and how to care for cows. There is truly something to learn that will interest everyone — from young kids to adults! 

During the self-guided tour, you will be able to explore the following exhibits and stops at your own pace: 

Grand Entrance  

The Grand Entrance is the first thing you will see when you walk into the Tillamook Cheese Factory. You will be greeted by a massive photo of Flower, one of Tillamook’s cows, at the entrance, and when you walk inside, you will see a sculpture of floating cheese loaves. 

To the left, you will see a timeline that details the milestones that have happened in the company since 1851 — when it all began — to 2018, when the new Tillamook Creamery opened (the one that you will tour when you visit). If you want a sneak peek at some highlights on the timeline, you can view them on Tillamook’s website here . 

Farm Exhibit  

Next up, you can visit the Farm Exhibit. This exhibit is especially fun if you have children because they can learn about how cows are raised and how they produce milk. You will be able to learn how technology is improving the care of cows. In fact, cows are milked using a milking device that you can try your hand at in this exhibit. 

Something I didn’t realize about Tillamook Creamery until visiting is that they are a Dairy Co-Op committed to thriving farms and healthful cows. Tillamook has 80 farmer-owners, and some family farms have been providing milk to Tillamook for four generations! 

Viewing Gallery  

In the upstairs Viewing Gallery, you will be able to watch Tillamook employees in action as they turn milk into cheese (within 24 hours of the milk arriving — amazing!). 

Look through the glass panels into the factory to see the cooking vats, heat shrink tunnel, vacuum sealer, patching station, check weigher scale, and other tools and equipment in action that is used to make award-winning cheeses. And, of course, the cheese loaves! 

There are plenty of easy-to-read displays, so you can understand what is happening during each step of the process. This is the coolest part of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, in my opinion — it is amazing to watch how efficient, yet precise, the employees are at producing the perfect-sized cheese blocks before they are sent away to age for 3–5 years. 

Cheese Samples  

Once you watch how the cheese is made, why not try some to see how it tastes for yourself? You can stand in line for cheese samples and grab one of each type — they are pre-wrapped, too, so everything is super sanitary. I grabbed a Colby Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Smoked Black Pepper White Cheddar because that is what they had available that day. 

While you are snacking on your cheese samples, head downstairs to the gift shop — and don’t worry, there is plenty more cheese to be had! 

Gift Shop  

The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is free, but it’s worth bringing some extra money for the gift shop. While you’re here, you will find everything from food — from limited edition Tillamook cheeses and products — to mementos and souvenirs, like t-shirts, ornaments, hats, and stuffed animals (I mean, how could you resist this cute cow?). 

We would have loved to purchase some food or local Oregon goodies, but we were getting ready to fly home and didn’t think we’d have enough time to eat perishable items before our flight — but if you are in town for longer, cheese makes a great snack in the hotel! 

Dining Hall  

Chances are, you have worked up an appetite while touring the Tillamook Creamery, so it’s time to head to the dining hall. The Dining Hall has two sections with two separate lines — one for dining and one for ice cream. 

On the dining menu , you will find every cheesy meal your heart desires, including cheese curds, mac ‘n’ cheese, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers (all made with Tillamook cheese, of course). However, there are some lighter options too, like salads and soups, which you can enjoy individually or pair with other items (grilled cheese and tomato soup, anyone?). 

We ordered cheese curds with sharp cheddar ranch and a delicious salad with smoked salmon, cheese, arugula, and dried corn (it was seriously SOO yummy!). 

Then, we hopped into the ice cream line. I recommend getting a sampler platter (like the one pictured below) that allows you to try three flavors. My husband and I split this and tried the Oregon Dark Cherry, Peaches and Cream, and Oregon Hazelnut, and they were all delicious. The flavors do sometimes change, so keep your eyes peeled for a new favorite! 

Tip: If both lines are long and you have multiple people in your group, have one person stand in each line and “divide and conquer,” so your ice cream and food are ready at the same time. 

Tips for Visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory  

Arrive early to avoid the crowds.  .

If you want to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory as close as possible to when the factory opens (10 AM) on a weekday. 

Come hungry.  

There are lots of opportunities to eat at the Tillamook Cheese Factory — free cheese samples, meals in the dining hall, ice cream, and more. Come with an empty stomach so you can enjoy as many of the goodies as possible! 

Grab more than one sample.  

When you get in line for cheese samples, know that you can grab more than one! I grabbed one of each type of cheese to try — just be respectful, and don’t grab more than you need. 

Pair a trip to Tillamook Creamery with a day on the coast.  

If you are planning a day trip to Tillamook Creamery from Portland, Oregon, you should plan to spend the rest of your afternoon driving up the Oregon Coast. 

After we left the Tillamook Cheese Factory, we drove to Cannon Beach and spent the rest of the afternoon there, which was tons of fun. If you are like most visitors, you will only spend a few hours at the factory, so make a plan for how you would like to spend the rest of your day. 

Take a photo by the Tillamook Creamery sign.  

Before you leave, be sure to grab a photo in front of the Tillamook Creamery sign! It is located just outside the dining hall’s outdoor seating area, so it should be easy to spot when you are finishing up your food. 

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour Worth It During a Trip to Portland?  

Yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is absolutely worth your time during a trip to Portland or the Oregon Coast! 

We were really impressed at the attention to detail and information packed into this free self-guided tour, and we loved browsing the gift shop and enjoying a meal in the dining hall as well. Regardless of your age, you are bound to have a wonderful time at the Tillamook Creamery. 

Save These Helpful Tips for the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour

Did you find this post about the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour helpful? If so, check out these other posts about things to do in Oregon during your visit:

• Perfect Cannon Beach Day Trip from Portland, Oregon
• 10 Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley (+ Map & Helpful Tips)
• Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Portland, Oregon
• Scenic Columbia River Gorge Day Trip from Portland

About the Author

Brittany Sawyer

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: A Perfect Indoor Escape in Oregon

The Tillamook cheese factory offers free tours of the process to create 171,000 pounds of cheese daily. A perfect stop along the Oregon coast.

We knew the name Tillamook from the award-winning cheeses we had purchased so many times when we lived in California. What we discovered was an ice cream, creamy fudge, and cheese factory tour that blew our mind. Each day they make 171,000 pounds of cheese.

Tillamook County is along the Oregon coast. Its high rainfall, rivers, and ocean create a fertile region that naturally grows nutrient-rich grass, perfect for dairy cows.

The first Tillamook County cheese to win an award did so at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Since that time, they have earned over 750 awards. Being farmer-owned, the milk goes from farm to cheese in less than 24 hours. The cheese is then aged from 60 days to over 3 years. And the best part, all products are made as naturally as possible.

Our Tillamook Cheese Factory tour

Stepping inside was a sharp contrast to the natural coastline we had been enjoying. It was bright, lively, and filled with happy people. No wonder it draws over a million visitors each year. The self-guided factory tour is fascinating. Best shared in photos (shot through the glass observation windows):

After the tour

The self-guided tour ends with samples. Then you are in the shop, more specifically, you are standing in front of a refrigerated cheese counter. You can pick up whichever cheeses have inspired you.

I imagine we are not the only ones who left that day with a sampling of cheeses and crackers. We also ordered sandwiches and enjoyed a picnic at our next coastal stop.

What you need to know for your free Tillamook Cheese Factory tour

• You can’t miss it if you are on driving along the Oregon coast on Highway 101 through Tillamook, but just in case, it does have an address: 4175 Highway 101 North.
• Open at 8 am every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), closing at 6 pm in the winter, 8 pm during summer.
• The factory tours are free and self-guided.
• There is plenty of free parking.
• Learn more at their official website .
• Cheese fans can pick up a copy of The Tillamook Cheese Cookbook: Celebrating Over a Century of Excellence .
• Tillamook can also be visited as a Portland day trip .

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These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights : we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

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Have you visited the Tillamook factory? Have you enjoyed any of their products?

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

July 14, 2016 at 12:26 pm

How cool! I didn’t know there were tours – but the samples are probably a bad thing as some of us (Rob!) have no self control. We’ll have to make the detour next time we’re in the area!

Rhonda Albom

July 14, 2016 at 12:40 pm

Free, self guided tours. And the sample bins have only toothpicks, so you can’t over eat. Of course the ice creams they sell are huge.

Suze - Luxury Columnist

July 11, 2016 at 10:17 pm

I’m a bit of a cheese fanatic so I’d love this, did you have a favourite?

July 12, 2016 at 8:06 am

The pepper jack was my favorite. I don’t know if they have any variety of pepper jack here in New Zealand, I should take look.

Barbara Radisavljevic

July 11, 2016 at 3:38 pm

I’ve missed this because I always stayed on I-5 on my way to Oregon. Looks like I’ll have to take 101 next time.

July 12, 2016 at 8:03 am

It is a fantastic drive, well worth the extra time, if you have it.

Elaine J Masters

July 11, 2016 at 12:55 pm

So many memories of visiting Tillamok cheese factory as a kid with my parents! In those days we were allowed on the factory floor. I can still imagine the smell! Thanks for taking me back.

Getting to go out on the factory floor would be so interesting, but probably dangerous with all those moving parts. I can see why they closed it off as they became more popular.

July 11, 2016 at 7:39 am

Love Tillamook cheese and YES! we have been to the factory! Have a lovely day!

July 11, 2016 at 9:51 am

Did you get ice cream when you visited?

July 11, 2016 at 6:33 am

What in interesting tour, Rhonda. I’ve always wanted to visit a cheese (or chocolate) factory, but never had a chance. This is most likely Cheddar cheese, isn’t it?

July 11, 2016 at 9:50 am

We lived in San Francisco for 15 years and never made it up here – don’t make our mistake, hope in the car on your next adventure and head north, at least to Astoria. It is incredible.

July 11, 2016 at 6:01 am

Wow, that’s something else such a cheese factory than my puppy little Swiss mountain cheese production rooms at the farmers which I visited 😉

July 11, 2016 at 9:49 am

LOL – I would imagine this is bigger than most cheese producing places in the world, however it is still farmer owned and operated. Amazing, isn’t it?

July 10, 2016 at 10:18 am

I love cheese. All kinds, shapes and sizes. I’m not sure I want to see it made though. Industrial cheese making, even on a small scales takes away the romance somehow.

July 11, 2016 at 9:48 am

LOL – Actually, it was pretty impressive, and then hubby and I purchased some cheese and crackers – bringing back the romance of it.

Rachael@safari254

July 10, 2016 at 5:37 am

I feel like I’ll be judged for this but I one of those people who only likes cheese when it’s on a pizza or in a burger or a sandwich

July 10, 2016 at 9:32 am

There is no judgement here. Since I have been loosing weight I barely eat any cheeses. But I do love them.

July 10, 2016 at 5:06 am

Kind of crazy to think those big block are cheese. That is fascinating! I would love to stop by the factory. I have tried TIllamok’s ice cream and it is delicious.

Can you imagine 42 pound blocks of cheese?

July 10, 2016 at 12:45 am

We fell in love with Tillamook cheese on a trip to Oregon years ago and always look for it when we are in the States.

July 10, 2016 at 9:31 am

I will be looking for it on my next trip to the states as well.

July 9, 2016 at 9:47 pm

I love watching food production processes especially when the outcome is so delicious. This cheese looks similar to a cheddar – delicious!

I am pretty sure it is cheddar.

July 9, 2016 at 2:42 pm

A cheese factory, woo hoo a girl after my own heart. It’s been a while since I’ve seen cheese made, and it wasn’t anything as fancy as this. There’s a shop that sells the best veggies and cheese not too far from here, I often go to “sample” the merchandise. Many samples, their cheese samples are the highlight.

July 10, 2016 at 9:30 am

I had never seen cheese made in this quantity before, it was pretty impressive.

July 9, 2016 at 2:33 pm

“Each day they make 171,000 pounds of cheese.” WHAT??? Holy cow!!!! (Didja get the pun? lol) I adore cheese! I’m a real Northern girl at heart and would put cheese on everything if I could. Those cheeses look fabulous. There are so few cheeses I can get in Egypt. And those that are marked as Cheddar or Gouda, really don’t taste like it. It’s kinda depressing. 🙁

July 10, 2016 at 9:29 am

That’s exactly what I thought, and yes I got the pun and even laughed. Sorry you can’t get good cheese. I am one of the lucky ones, I live in a dairy country.

Michelle | michwanderlust

July 9, 2016 at 1:52 pm

I’m not a fan of artisan cheese (the taste is a little overpowering for me) but I do like seeing how it’s made! I especially like supporting these traditional businesses. No food tour would be complete without samples!

July 10, 2016 at 8:44 am

The cheeses you are looking at here are everyday products, most likely a cheddar.

July 9, 2016 at 9:51 am

those blocks are huge!! in The Netherlands cheese are also huge, but instead of blocks, they are round. It seems less industrial 🙂

July 9, 2016 at 1:33 pm

Can you believe it, 42 pound blocks of cheese.

Yolanda Renee

July 9, 2016 at 9:02 am

The coast of Oregon is such a lovely, lovely place. And a place for cheese lovers too! We used to vacation there every summer. Miss it much!

July 9, 2016 at 1:32 pm

I was only there once, last month, and I already miss it.

Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor

July 9, 2016 at 5:58 am

I’ve been there a couple of times. It’s a fun and tasty outing!

It’s a perfect break for a tasty snack.

L. Diane Wolfe

July 9, 2016 at 2:31 am

We drove through Tillamook so many times but never stopped at the factory. How fascinating.

July 9, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Not even for ice cream?

Comedy Plus

July 9, 2016 at 2:15 am

Yes I have visited the cheese factory in Tillamook. Huge and wonderful place.

We eat a lot of Tillamook cheese too.

Have a fabulous day. 🙂

July 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm

I am glad you made it here. I can’t believe how long I lived in the SF bay area and never visited Oregon.

July 9, 2016 at 12:48 am

That is very cool…

I thought so too.

Paula McInerney

July 8, 2016 at 8:50 pm

You did do well shooting through glass, which is never easy. I love, love, love cheese and have been through factories in Emmental in Switzerland.

Mary {The World Is A Book}

July 8, 2016 at 6:41 pm

I love Tillamook cheese and ice cream. Would love to visit this great factory one of these days. Factory tours are so fun to do to get the behind the scenes stories. I know I wouldn’t have left empty handed.

There was a queue for ice cream the entire time we were there, the cones looked huge, and everyone looked like they were really enjoying it.

kelleyn rothaermel

July 8, 2016 at 6:37 pm

My favorite! So delcious!

July 9, 2016 at 1:29 pm

You would love the sample line at the end 🙂

July 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm

This was great to see, and it looks like it would be delicious tasty cheese. My favourite! I’ve seen cheesemaking at a local NSW University and it was ‘not behind a glass wall’ so it was very mmmmm ‘stinky.’ I love cheese!!

July 9, 2016 at 1:03 pm

The cheese was smooth and creamy, and I hadn’t thought about the smell, so I am guess I am no thankful for the glass.

Cascia Talbert

July 8, 2016 at 12:58 pm

We used to get Tillamook cheese all the time when we lived out west. It looks like you had a lot of fun touring the plant. Have a terrific weekend.

July 9, 2016 at 1:02 pm

I am sure I would visit again if I lived nearby.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

July 8, 2016 at 11:54 am

I’d want one of those big blocks of cheese! Really cool shots of the factory.

July 9, 2016 at 1:01 pm

LOL – Could you eat it all before it goes off? It’s 42 pounds of cheese.

July 8, 2016 at 11:15 am

I wonder how much one of those super big blocks would go for?

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Factory Tours

Celebrating american imagination and industry, 17 tours in oregon.

Bob’s Red Mill Factory Tour

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Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: This is What You Need to Know

Cheese, please!

Several years ago, during an anniversary trip, John and I visited the Tillamook Cheese Factory without the kids. We’ve told them about it several times, and they’ve always wanted to go. And, really, can you blame them? You get to eat cheese (maybe even ice cream) and count it for school! 

For a true glimpse of how the production of cheese happens, all the way from the dairy farm to your table, nothing is better than a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, Oregon. We recently had the chance to visit the creamery with the kids and everyone loved learning about how cheese (and ice cream!) are made. 

Recently, my parents were in town, and we were looking for things to do in Tillamook, on our way to Cape Lookout State Park . We decided that a Tillamook Creamery Tour was a perfect choice. It was pretty cool a few years ago, but let me tell you! They have made some serious upgrades since our last visit!

Things to know before you visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour

What are the Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour hours and days?

You can visit the Tillamook Creamery and get your cheese fix almost any day! They’re open from 8 am-6 pm Sunday-Thursday and 8 am-8 pm Friday and Saturday, except for a few major holidays. They do close early or open late on others (like New Years), so be sure to check before you head out if it’s a holiday .   

What is the cost of the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour?

Here’s the best part when you’re on a budget. The Tillamook Cheese Factory tour will set you back exactly $0. 

Yup, it’s totally free. And it includes cheese samples. 😋 Win-win!

Is the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour good for kids?

Yes! Kids of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to “feed” a calf, try their hand at milking, and watch the process of cheese being made from the viewing deck. Because the tour is self-guided, you can adjust the time at each station according to the interest and ages of your kids.

Is there a gift shop or ice cream shop?

Yes! There are actually both. After you’ve taken the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, head back downstairs where you can browse the gift shop.

Then, if you like, head to the Dining Hall for food and ice cream!

How long does the Tillamook Creamery Tour take?

Because the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour is self-guided, it can take as little or as long as you’d like. However, I’d plan on spending an hour or two to enjoy your time fully.

What about visiting the Tillamook Creamery with food allergies?

If you have a food allergy, you’ll have to read their allergen statement   and decide for yourself if you feel comfortable. In general, we steer clear of the ice cream because Garrett has a peanut allergy, and they do use the same equipment for all their flavors, although they do sanitize between. But, we totally feel comfortable with their cheeses and eat them all the time.

What do you learn during a Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour?

During a Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, you can expect to learn everything about how the creamery is run. You’ll find out how the cows are cared for, the process of making cheese and ice cream, and even get some hands-on learning in the Farm Exhibit.

What is there to see during a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

The Tillamook Creamery Tour starts with displays featuring their history as well as some interesting facts, such as the fact that they get about 1.6 million pounds of milk a day. And, that that milk is all made into cheese or ice cream within 24 hours. 🤯

Farm Exhibit

At the Farm Exhibit, you’ll learn about how the farmers care for the cows, how much milk is obtained, and the technology they are using to improve the care of the cows.

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Next up, the kiddos can enjoy “feeding” a baby calf and trying their hand at milking a cow.

Did you know that it takes approximately 21 seconds for a professional to clean the udders of a dairy cow and attach a milking device? It doesn’t seem like it would be possible to do that fast, but our kids gave it a valiant try and proved that it is!

Viewing Deck

Down the hall from the farm exhibit is the viewing gallery, where you can learn about the actual process of cheese production.   From how the cheesemakers test the cheese for quality to how they weigh and seal them for transport to the store, you’ll see the entire process in action here.

You can also take a few moments and watch two short videos, one on the production of cheese and one about ice cream, that share even more information. 

Sample Area

After you’ve seen how cheese is made, why not try some free samples? Head to the cheese sample area before heading back downstairs to pick your favorite.

Head down the stairs to the new gift shop to find yourself some treats to take home or just to ogle this custom Tillamook snowboard by Deviation . 

Dining Hall

If everyone’s getting a little hangry or the thought of a fresh grilled cheese and ice cream is perfect, your next stop should be the Dining Hall. With everything from Tempura Battered Cheese Curds to Classic Tomato Soup and a Green Salad, chances are you can find something for everyone.

Last but not least, you really can’t finish a Tillamook cheese factory tour without letting your kids pretend to drive away, can you? Our boys said they were headed to New York…I’m not sure they realize just how long that drive would be! 🤣

There you have it! Our Tillamook Creamery tour review.

What do you think? Does it sound like something you would do?

5 Cheesy Reasons You Need to Tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory

If you still aren’t quite sure if you should do the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, maybe these cheesy reasons will help you decide. 😉

• It’s a gouda field trip activity near Portland.
• You’ll have a grate day. 
• Their new Visitors Center is looking mighty sharp. 
• Don’t forget your cheddar at home! You’ll want it at The Dining Hall !  
• Cheese Samples?! Yes, please!

Okay, okay, we’ll stop. Do you still wheely like us? 🤪

Seriously, though. The Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour is a great day trip to do with the family for a little bit of fun, some education, and a whole lot of tastiness! 

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Tiffany is co-founder of The Stoke Fam. She has been adventuring outdoors with her family since her oldest child was born 13 years ago, and has loved traveling both near and far since she caught the travel bug as a teen. She moved to the Pacific Northwest with her family in 2012 where they first lived in Washington for 5 years before settling in Oregon in 2017.

Tiffany has spent years exploring the PNW. She helps over 20,000 tourists and locals plan their outdoor adventures and family travel each month by sharing things to do and outdoor adventures in the Northwest and beyond.

When she isn't working on The Stoke Fam, you'll likely find her paddleboarding, snowboarding, hiking, camping, or planning her next trip.

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