The Finger Lakes region is quickly becoming known as one of the most popular agri-tourism spots in the country! For those unfamiliar with the term, 'agri-tourism' describes the new trend of visiting farms, dairies, and ranches, in order to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they operate. There is a wide variety of agri-tourism trails in this region, including the relatively new Finger Lakes Cheese Trail! Created by Finger Lake Trails, this route includes working, family farms that produce a wide variety of cheese. Find out about the seven amazing destination farms on the trail below! If you're interested in more options, download our free Vacation Guide!
Explore the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail
Engelbert Farms
Engelbert Farms is dedicated to raising their animals in a safe, ethical, and chemical-free environment. They have been certified organic since 1984 and has been family owned since this location opened in the early 1900s. Visitors can browse their selection of cheeses at their store, which is adjacent to the farm itself. There, you'll find a variety of organic cheddars, colby, gouda, swiss, jacks, and mozzarella. It's open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or by reservation.
Jerry Dell Farm & Farm Store
Another great family-owned farm in the Finger Lakes, this certified organic farm and the adjacent store are one of the best producers of raw milk cheddars in the area. Their store often carries produce from Ithaca Organics, another local farm.
Muranda Cheese Company
For a wide variety of cheeses, visit the Muranda Cheese Company! All of the cheeses here utilize Muranda Registered Holsteins, which have been raised by the Murray family for generations. One of the cows in this herd even had the world record for milk production and held it for 13 years! They offer a range of cheeses, from traditional raw milk cheddars to unique varieties that you'll only find at Muranda Cheese Company, like the Checkerboard Cheddar. Visit their tasting room, which is open seven days a week, during your next trip to the Finger Lakes.
Shtayburne Farm
The Hostetler family has owned Shtayburne Farm for over four generations before opening a creamery and farm store in 2010. They offer small-batch cheeses that are made with locally-grown crops and milk. Visit their tasting room and sample some of their unique combinations! There are over 15 blends of cheddar and Monterey Jack available!
Side Hill Acres Goat Dairy Farm
Side Hill Acres Goat Dairy Farm is an awesome family-friendly farm that offers free tours to all visitors! Their tours begin with a tasting of their goat cheeses as well as their fudge. Then, you'll head to the cheese plant, the milk house, the parlor, and the goat barn. If you're looking for an educational experience, this is the best option on the trail! They are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lively Run Goat Dairy
This Finger Lake institution is one of the longest-operating commercial goat dairies in the United States! Visits can stop by Lively Run Goat Dairy during their open season (from May until October) for a $5 cheese tasting, which is available from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 5:00 p.m. Lively Run also offers a daily tour from Monday to Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Sunset View Creamery
Sunset View Creamery has been in operation since 1905 and has been a family-owned farm ever since. At the moment, they are operating with the fourth and fifth generation of family members. Visitors can either take a self-guided tour of the farm to get a feel of how the animals live and the farm operates. If you want an even closer look, book a guided tour before your visit for just $2 a person. Sunset View Creamery is open during the summer season, seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Attend the Finger Lakes Cheese Festival
If you're interested in getting an easy overview of the best cheese-makers in the Finger Lakes, attend the Finger Lakes Cheese Festival! Members of the Finger Lakes Cheese Alliance and various other vendors come together each year to show off their amazing products. The festival includes kid-friendly games, hayrides, and more.
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
Are you ready to explore the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail? The adventure starts after you book a vacation rental with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. No other management agency in town has such a fantastic selection of lakefront rentals. Don't forget to browse through our selection of pet-friendly rentals, perfect for families traveling during their annual vacations or groups of friends on a weekend getaway.
