Visitor Hot Spots

Many unique attractions can be found only in Ellsworth and its surrounding area.

Common Man Tap & Table: The establishment opened in May of 2015 with 22 taps, cocktails, wine and a creative comfort food pub menu. Everything from the decor to the menu pays homage to the "common man" and they're quickly becoming a favorite for both locals and travelers to the area. Stop by for a cold one and meet Jarod, the owner. For more information visit their website here.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery: As the official “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin” no visit to Ellsworth would be complete without a stop at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. The Creamery is a 450+ member dairy-farmer-owned cooperative. Established in 1910 to manufacture and sell butter, they ventured into cheese making in 1966; and boy are we ever glad they did! The cooperative soon became known for their delicious natural, fresh cheese curds, leading Governor Anthony S. Earl to proclaim it the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin" in 1984. 170,000 pounds of cheese curds are manufactured at the Ellsworth facility daily, and cheese curd fans from near and far begin to line up just before 11:00am to purchase the first of the fresh curds produced that day.

Their recently renovated and expanded retail store, located at 232 N. Wallace in East Ellsworth, is open 7 days a week from 9 am-6 pm. The Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin mural is a must-do photo opportunity for serious cheese curd fans. In addition to fresh curds, you’ll also find over 250 varieties of Wisconsin-made cheeses, plus many other locally made foods  including their popular Flat Pennies premium soft-serve ice-cream, Cheese Curd Brats and Burgers, beef sticks, Flo’s Fudge (made fresh onsite), local jams, jellies, honey, mustard, flavored popcorn, cookies, and maple syrup. And because man cannot live on cheese alone, you’ll find the area’s largest selection of Wisconsin-made wines. An extensive selection of unique and creative gifts, housewares and kitchen gadgets means you won’t go home without a souvenir. For more information visit their website here.

The Happy Earth Orchard: The Happy Earth Orchard is a pick-your-own apple orchard focused on providing a warm, welcoming and family-friendly experience for any apple picking enthusiast, regardless of age. In addition to apples, you can enjoy many of your fall favorites during a visit: hayrides, pumpkins, corn maze, hot apple cider, and pizza night, just to name a few. When you come to visit, they consider you one of the family! School tours are also available. They are located in Western Wisconsin, among the rolling hills of the beautiful Rush River valley, within an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities. Among the 1500+ trees, you will find 20 different apple varieties. Over half of the trees are the oh-so-popular Honeycrisp, but you will also find many other delicious options. Whether you are looking for the immediate sweet, crunchy bite or looking for the perfect apple to use in your grandma’s favorite apple pie recipe, you are sure to find it here. Visit their website here for seasonal hours and details on special events.

Vino in the Valley: Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley, you are invited to enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta dinner in their open-air pavilion. Savor the sites of the emerging vineyard while dining on Italian nachos, gourmet pizzas, pasta and sipping area made wine, in addition to wines from all over the world.

Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, as well as Sunday afternoons, May through September (with additional weekends October through December). When you visit Vino in the Valley, plan on a leisurely, relaxing experience. Take a stroll around the vineyard or along the river, and relax with a glass of wine or craft beer near one of the bonfires. Acoustic music from local artists will add to the ambiance that also includes a small gift shop and farmer’s market. For more information about their hours, directions and events, visit their website here.