The Original Nelson Cheese Factory

Nelson' s has always been a travel favorite of ours. Great place to get ice cream, cheese curds, and many other kinds of cheese. I haven't been there since they added a wine room and a dining room. We didn't stay long because it was quite crowded. Everyone had masks on but it was hard to stay 6 ft apart.

One of my favorite places, an unexpected gem on the beautiful Great River Road Scenic Drive. A must-stop whenever I am in the area. Seating choices include tall wooden booths among the original stone walls of the west side, with exposed beams and tall multi-paned windows. Or choose the sophisticated wine room with fireplace and arched windows facing the river to the south, or step outside to enjoy the secluded patio hemmed in by hedges, ivy-covered brick, magnolia and willow. Guests can often find a number of friendly cats here. The market in the center features hand cut blocks of 15yr old cheddar next to packages of fresh squeaky cheese curds, a wide assortment of hard to find imported cheeses next to local or unusual cheese you may not find anywhere else. Of course there are countless crackers, jars of preserves, and pickled vegetables to complete your cheese plate, along with an additional room of wine and beer for every taste. In the middle of it all you can find an energetic crew serving up hand-scooped ice cream cones, excellent deli sandwiches and soups, and thin crust gourmet pizza.

Great selection of cheeses and specialty meats and sauces. Ice cream cones served. Also serve lunch. The o ly reason that I didn't give five stars is that we stopped on a day when it was barely above freezing and we ate our ice cream outside because they had signs posted saying that the tables were only for use by lunch customers.