If you need some help in finding the best cheese shops in Michigan, we’ve put together the following handy list for you.
1. The Cheese Lady
The Cheese Lady is a well-known name in Michigan. They have nine locations across the state, each offering a delicious combination of local and international cheese along with various charcuterie additions. The Cheese Lady is open from11-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, from 10-4 p.m. on Saturdays, 12-5 on Sunday, and closed on Monday.
The food on offer at Cheese Lady is simple and relatively self-explanatory – they sell cheese! Whether you want something simple and accessible like cheddar, or a more “out there” option from their cheese of the month selection (August’s is Cambozola), Cheese Lady has you covered. And they even sell wine and little extras to accompany your tasty dairy masterpieces.
Head to The Cheese Lady’s contact page to learn more.
2. Frankenmuth Cheese House
Frankenmuth Cheese Haus is an excellent stop to discover new cheeses and stock up on familiar favorites. They sell a shockingly broad selection of European and local cheese, each brimming with personality and flavor. Frankenmuth Cheese Haus is open from 10-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and closes an hour later Friday-Saturday.
Frankenmuth truly has the goods when it comes to cheese. Visitors can peruse selections from Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and dozens of classic American cheeses. You can also find cheese curds, aged cheese, cheese spreads, and even sign up for a cheese gift box! Frankenmuth is likely to be heaven on earth for you if you love dairy.
Swing by Frankenmuth Cheese Haus’s contact page to get in touch.
3. Cheese Shoppe
Cheese Shoppe, not to be confused with Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe farther down the list, is a quaint little building that’s brimming with personality. Cheese is visible in every nook and cranny, and the adorable facade belies the refined interior. Cheese Shoppe is open from 12-5 Wednesday-Thursday and on Saturdays, from 10-6 on Fridays, and from 11-3 on Sundays. They’re closed Monday-Tuesday.
Whether you want to stock your personal store of cheese (who can blame you) or you need a charcuterie or gift board, Cheese Shoppe is the stop. They offer absolutely adorable boards, platters, and a wide selection of individual cheese. From imported Spanish cheese to classic Wisconsin cheese curds, they really do have it all.
Head to Cheese Shoppe’s Facebook page to learn more.
4. Williams Cheese Co.
Williams Cheese Co. is something a bit different. They’re a family-owned and operated cheese business that produces, ages, and packages well over 5 million pounds of cheese annually. They’ve been around since 1945, too – so you know the cheese is top-tier. Williams Cheese Co. is open from 8-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, opening an hour later Saturday-Sunday.
Williams Cheese is known for a handful of particular things. Specifically, their cheese spreads and their cheddar, Colby, and Swiss cheeses have each earned a great deal of local love and international recognition. If you want an all-American, local, family-owned joint to support, there are few better than Williams Cheese Co.
Head to Williams Cheese Co.’s contact page to get in touch.
5. Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe
Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe is an even older joint in Michigan, having opened its doors in 1939. While they’re a Pinconning staple, they’ve built a name as one of the best places to get tasty cheese in the state – and for a good reason. Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe is open from 9-8 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday when they open at 10 a.m.
Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe primarily focuses on cheese (duh) – specifically, cheese from Pinconning. You’ll discover cheese curds, various “old-fashioned” local kinds of cheese, and a superb selection of smoked, aged, spicy, and other creative newfangled cheese. Ultimately, Wilson’s is the best one-stop-shop for cheese in the area, hands down.
Head to Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe’s contact page to learn more.
6. Artigiano, Artisan Cheese Shoppe
Artigiano Artisan Cheese Shoppe is a new entry into the cheese scene in Michigan. They’re a hip, trendy little joint that’s established a name for having an absolutely massive selection of traditional European cheese and cured meats. Artigiano is open from 11-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, from 11-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and from 11-5 p.m. on Sunday, and is closed on Monday.
Artigiano is primarily known as a place for finding your new favorite cheese, though they also offer exemplary charcuterie boards made with their top-notch cheese accompaniments on offer. It’s highly recommended that new visitors check out their cheese by the animal selection, as there are dozens of styles of cheese from cows, sheep, goats, and more.
Swing by Artigiano’s Facebook page to get in touch.
7. Petoskey Cheese
Petosky Cheese is a simple place in the simple town of Petosky, Michigan. They obviously serve cheese, but many don’t know that their selection is unique. Visitors can order artisanal, hand-cut cheese, charcuterie and its accouterments, and more. Petosky Cheese is open from 10:30-3:30 p.m. seven days a week.
While Petoskey certainly has a massive selection of cheese to choose from, they also offer a very limited dine-in menu. You can sample cheese and grab a cup of coffee in their quaint little cafe, peruse hard-to-find cheese, or just hang out – they don’t bite! Ultimately Petoskey Cheese is an excellent stop for those who want to discover something new and artisanal.
Go to Petoskey Cheese’s contact page to learn more.
8. Leelanau Cheese
Leelanau Cheese is a very focused business. They make raclette and fromage blanc in traditional style with local milk. They’ve been in the area for over 25 years and have won numerous awards for their top-notch traditional cheese recipes. Leelanau Cheese is open from 10-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays.
The cheese that Leelanau offers is pretty limited – but good lord, is it world-class. They specialize in raclette and fromage blanc and nothing else. This means that visitors have between 2-4 variants of each to select from – but don’t forget that these are multi-award-winning cheeses. While their selection is small, it’s truly world-class.
Head to Leelanau Cheese’s Facebook page to get in touch.
9. Zingerman’s Creamery
Zingerman’s Creamery is something extra special. While they’re a cheese shop at heart, they also offer handcrafted gelato! Founded in 2001, Zingerman’s has built a name for creating some of the best cheese (and gelato) in Michigan. Zingerman’s is open from 11-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Zingerman’s makes a broad range of cheese, ranging from classic Italian mozzarella and burrata to English Manchester and farm cheese. They also craft a selection of tasty goat’s milk cheeses, cheese spreads, and a few extra surprises. While their gelato is quite famous too, this list is about cheese – so that’s where our focus will remain.
Head to Zingerman’s Creamery’s Facebook page to find out more.
10. Amish Country Cheese
And last but certainly not least is Amish Country Cheese. They’re yet another creamery founded in 1945 that’s established a name for making cheese in line with tradition. Family-owned, family-operated, and tasty cheese – what more could you need? Amish Country Cheese is open from 8-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and opens an hour later on Sundays.
Amish Country Cheese specializes in four styles of cheese: Half moon cheese, block cheese, Limburger, and hoop cheese. They make Colby, Swiss, Jack, Havarti, and more – each coming in its tastiest, most luxurious form possible. Ultimately, Amish Country Cheese is some of the best Michigan-local cheese you can find – so don’t ignore them.
Swing by Amish Country Cheese’s contact page for more information.
