Mars Cheese Castle

How many times do you have to drive past the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI before you finally venture in? I had stopped into the haven for all things Wisconsin (from cheese to beef jerky to stuffed cow kitsch) once in high school, but not again until this past weekend. It’s looks like a poor man’s Medieval Times marred by a slew of random, mismatched signs (namely the massive one everyone notices from the I-94) on the outside. Instead of knights, falcons and jousts going on inside (yes I have been to Medieval Times too, don’t hate), there are aisles stocked with Wisco-produced products from Door County wines to local jams, beer, smoked sausages, specialty sauces, bakery, cooking products, and of course lots and lots of cheese. Not to mention a cafe, bar, deli and fully stocked gift shop. A fellow Milwaukee native swears by the 9-year-aged Cheddar, but there were dozens of other varieties to choose from. I resisted the cheese, but reached instead for a packet of beef jerky sticks by Klement’s and a Mars-brand raspberry kringle. Not exactly Kosher for Passover but my family devoured them nonetheless. At check-out I learned that the Castle has actually been in the same location since 1947, but will be relocating to a new 25,000-square-foot space (directly behind the current one) as soon as the freeway expansion project gets underway starting in July. The new location will include a wine shop, the original sign (phew), and some sort of “draw-bridge” thing that shouldn’t be tacky at all. In the meantime, don’t just wonder what goes on inside the Castle, pull over next time and stop in for all the cheesy Wisconsin goodness you crave and more. Mars’ Cheese Castle, 2800 120th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 800.655.6147