Factory or dairy visit · Arena
Arena Cheese, Home of the Original Colby Jack
Arena Cheese at 300 US Highway 14 is open every day from 8am to 6pm. Cheese and fresh curds are made on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and a viewing area lets you watch the cheesemaker on weekdays. Look for the giant mouse out front. Watching is free.
- Store
- Daily, 8am to 6pm
- Cheesemaking
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
- Known for
- Colby Jack
- Price
- Free
What You See
Arena calls itself the home of the original Colby Jack, and its cheesemaker Bill Hanson holds a Master Cheesemaker certification for the style. The viewing area looks onto the make room on weekdays, and the store puts out samples. The factory has won medals 34 times at US, world and American Cheese Society contests.
The Store
Fresh curds come straight from the vat on make days. The shelves also hold brick, cheddar aged up to ten years, colby, gouda, havarti and Swiss, plus cheese spread, cheese fudge, sausage and gift boxes.
Getting There
Arena is in the Wisconsin River valley on Highway 14, about 35 minutes west of Madison. The store is right on the highway, so it is an easy stop on the way to Spring Green or the Driftless.
Nearby
Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain gives tours by appointment, about 20 minutes north-west. In Madison, Fromagination stocks cheeses from all over the state.
Cheeses to Taste Here
Where to Stay near Spring Green
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Questions People Ask
Can you watch cheese being made at Arena Cheese?
Yes, from the viewing area on weekdays. Cheese and curds are made on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Who invented Colby Jack?
Arena Cheese bills itself as the home of the original Colby Jack, a marbled mix of colby and Monterey Jack.
Official site: arenacheese.com/. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese factory tours.