PLEASE NOTE: The National Dairy Shrine
Visitors' Center
has now re-opened after major remodeling by the Fort Atkinson Historical
Society.
See Visitor Center hours below.
Located in the heart of America's Dairyland-
-Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Discover the rich heritage of the dairy industry at the National Dairy Shrine
Visitors' Center. Where else can you learn the history of ice cream, see a
dog-powered butter churn and check out photos of champion cows dating back nine
decades? You'll leave with a better understanding of why, for nearly 8,000
years, people have depended on the dairy cow for life-sustaining milk and a
better quality of life.Showcasing our dairy heritage
Your self-guided, multi-media tour of the National Dairy Shrine Visitors' Center captures the sights and sounds of dairy farming of the past, present and future.
Listen to the ping of milk hitting
the pail as a pioneer dairyman milks his brindle-colored cow. Eavesdrop on a
dairy farm wife of the 19th century as she goes about the time-consuming tasks
of separating cream and churning butter for her family. Learn how modern
manufacturing techniques have improved the availability and quality of milk,
cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream. And see how technology of the future will
give us even more dairy product choices and make dairy farmers even more
efficient.From milk stools to milk bottles, cow blankets to butter molds, families love to explore National Dairy Shrine's extensive collection of dairy artifacts, gadgets and mementos. Peruse the extensive library of more than 350 dairy-related books that are on display. And, don't miss our portrait galleries recognizing dairy producers, scientists, business leaders,educators and others who have helped shape today's dairy industry.
Finding the National
Dairy Shrine Visitors' CenterNational Dairy Shrine Visitors' Center is located on U.S. Highway 12 East (Whitewater Ave.) in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, adjacent to the Hoard Historical Museum.
Watch for signs as you enter Fort Atkinson.
Hours:
September through May:
Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.June, July and August:
Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Monday.Holiday Schedule
Closed December 25th Open December 26th, 27th, 28th Closed January 1st National Dairy Shrine Visitors'
Center is handicap accessible. Groups of 20 or more are
encouraged to call for an appointment.
National Dairy Shrine Visitors' Center
Hoard Historical Museum
407 Merchant's Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538