Touring the Tillamook Creamery: A Must-Do Stop on the Oregon Coast
If you’re traveling the Oregon Coast, there’s one place that belongs on every itinerary: the Tillamook Creamery. This beloved destination is more than just a dairy factory—it’s a full sensory experience that blends local history, family-friendly fun, and, of course, world-famous cheese and ice cream.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Tillamook Creamery—from where to park and what to eat, to interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes factory views, and tips for beating the crowds.
What Is the Tillamook Creamery?
The Tillamook Creamery is the visitor center and production hub for Tillamook County Creamery Association, a farmer-owned co-op that’s been producing dairy products since 1909. It’s best known for its sharp cheddar cheeses and creamy ice creams, but the visitor center offers so much more than just a food sample.
Located in the town of Tillamook, Oregon, just 10 minutes inland from the Pacific coast, the creamery draws over a million visitors a year and has become a can’t-miss stop on the Pacific Coast Highway (U.S. 101).
Hours and Admission
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: Free for all ages
Address: 4165 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, OR 97141
Parking: Free on-site parking for cars, RVs, and buses
What to Expect on a Visit
A trip to the Tillamook Creamery is part educational tour, part foodie experience, and 100 percent fun. The building itself is modern and beautifully designed, with wood accents and an open, airy layout that feels inviting for both families and road-trippers alike.
1. Take the Self-Guided Creamery Tour
Start your visit by heading upstairs to the self-guided tour area, where you can explore interactive exhibits and watch the cheese-making process through huge glass windows overlooking the factory floor.
What You’ll Learn:
The history of Tillamook and its dairy cooperative
How milk becomes cheese—from curds to blocks
The aging process and why their cheddar tastes so rich
Insights into ice cream production and flavor creation
Interactive stations are scattered throughout the tour, including digital games and touch screens that children especially enjoy. Factory workers below operate in real time, so depending on when you visit, you might see cheese wheels being pressed, packaged, or loaded onto conveyor belts.
2. Eat at the Tillamook Creamery Dining Hall
After exploring the tour, head to the dining hall, where you’ll find a menu full of comfort food made with Tillamook ingredients.
Recommended Dishes:
Grilled Cheese – Crispy on the outside with melty aged cheddar inside
Mac and Cheese – Ultra-creamy and made with sharp Tillamook cheese
Smoked Brisket Sandwich – A local favorite with a Northwest twist
Fresh Salads – Topped with cheese curds and locally sourced produce
The dining hall also offers coffee, soft drinks, and a rotating selection of Oregon beers on tap.
3. Don’t Miss the Ice Cream Counter
Next to the dining area is a large ice cream counter offering over two dozen rotating flavors. You’ll find classics like Vanilla Bean and Oregon Strawberry, along with seasonal and regional specialties such as Marionberry Pie or White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl.
Tip: You can sample flavors before ordering. If you can’t decide, try the ice cream flight, which lets you choose three small scoops to enjoy side by side.
4. Shop the Tillamook Creamery Market
The on-site market and gift shop is a great place to stock up on your favorite Tillamook cheeses, including exclusive varieties only available at the Creamery.
Look for:
Cheese curds (not sold in many retail stores)
Special reserve and extra-aged cheddars
Locally made pantry items like jams, crackers, and sauces
Tillamook-branded merchandise
Oregon-made gifts, kitchen items, and apparel
It’s also an ideal place to grab snacks for a beach day or road trip picnic.
5. Enjoy the Outdoor Spaces
Outside the Creamery, there are picnic tables, open green spaces, and oversized chairs where you can relax and enjoy your food. You’ll also find photo-worthy backdrops, including murals and sculptures, which make for great travel memories.
Getting There: Directions and Travel Tips
From Portland:
Drive west on Highway 26, then take Highway 6 through the Coast Range to Tillamook (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
From Cannon Beach or Pacific City:
Follow Highway 101 south or north. Tillamook is located directly on this iconic coastal route.
Nearby Attractions:
Cape Meares Lighthouse – Panoramic coastal views and hiking trails
Blue Heron French Cheese Company – Another cheese tasting stop nearby
Tillamook Air Museum – Housed in a WWII-era hangar, great for aviation fans
Oceanside Beach – A charming beach town with tide pools and a tunnel cave
Family-Friendly Features
The Tillamook Creamery is designed with families in mind. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits, plenty of space to roam, and fun food options. The building is stroller-friendly, restrooms are clean and modern, and changing tables are available. There’s no need to book a tour in advance, and since admission is free, it’s a budget-friendly stop for families traveling the Oregon Coast.
Final Tips for Visiting the Tillamook Creamery
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak crowd times (11 AM to 2 PM is typically the busiest)
Bring a cooler if you plan to purchase perishable items like cheese curds
Consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the tour, dining, and shopping
Why You Should Visit the Tillamook Creamery
Whether you’ve been a fan of Tillamook products for years or you’re simply looking for a fun and unique stop on the Oregon Coast, the Tillamook Creamery delivers. It’s a place where food, family, and local heritage come together, making it a must-visit destination along Highway 101.
From the moment you walk in and smell fresh cheese being made, to the last spoonful of ice cream, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of Oregon’s most iconic and delicious attractions.
