Tillamook Cheese Factory

Tillamook County was considered "greener pastures" to the pioneers who discovered the valley's rich grassland in 1851.  With the great quantities of milk supplied by dairy herds, settlers could produce healthy quantities of butter for trade.

It was a natural course of events then for cheese factories to open in Tillamook.  T.F. Townsend established the first one in 1894.  He hired Peter McIntosh, a Canadian, to share his art of making fine natural cheddar cheese.

By 1909, there were ten operating cheese factories.  A cooperative, the Tillamook County Creamer Association, was formed to control cheese quality.  The first national prize at the 1914 St. Louis World's Fair was awarded to this cheese from Tillamook County.  The Indian name Tillamook, which means "land of many waters", is now synonymous with delicious cheddar cheese, still made to this day.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a popular tourist attraction for all ages.  Visitors can see cheese being made and learn about the cheese-making process by taking a self-guided tour.  A gift shop with a wide variety of items, including cheese and other fine food products, is open during business hours.  Don't forget to try the famous Tillamook ice cream before you leave!

For more information, call (503) 815-1300 or visit their website: www.tillamookcheese.com

There is more to Tillamook than just cheese!  While you are visiting, be sure to check out some of the other local attractions:

• Munson Creek Falls - A short hike will offer good views of one of the highest waterfalls in Oregon.  Cascading 266 feet, Munson Creek Falls is a scenic (and short!) side trip.

• Cape Meares Lighthouse - Built in 1890, the light house is no longer in operation but it remains a popular stop - especially for lighthouse enthusiasts.

• Tillamook County Pioneer Museum - Reflecting the rich and colorful history of Tillamook County.  The museum was established in 1935 and houses over 35,000 artifacts.  

• Tillamook Naval Air Station Museum - Enjoy one of the finest private collections of vintage World War II aircrafts in the nation.  All warbirds in the museum are operational and fly periodically during the spring and summer months.  The museum is housed in the historic blimp hangar, the world's largest wooden structure.