Take a 60-minute walking tour of the former Stecker/Hein Cheese Factory.

The cheese factory stands in it’s original place on the Manitowoc River on the corner of Hwy H and County JJ in Manitowoc Rapids Township in Manitowoc, County. The land in the area was owned by Ed Hein and included a sawmill on the river west of the cheese factory.

When Martin Stecker came to work at the Hein’s Mill factory in 1919, it was owned by Edwin Behnke. Stecker bought the factory in the early 20’s after marrying Behnke’s sister, Esther. He kept the name Hein’s Mill, even though people in the area called it Stecker Cheese Factory. They made Cheddar and Colby cheese with milk from farmers in an approximate 20 mile radius.

Over the years many changes were seen, such as: locker and cellar built in 1938, boiler room rebuilt in early 1940’s, south side addition in 1950, and the bulk shed added in 1963.

In 1963, Martin Stecker sold the factory to Ed Trier, who kept the name Hein’s Mill Cheese Factory. The factory closed in 1968 and Paul Stecker, Martin’s son, bought it at auction. He, in turn, sold it to his son, Mark, who still owns it.

Meet at the former Cheese Factory, 1024 Highway H Road, Manitowoc

Time: 3 pm and 5 pm

Cost: $20 per person, MCHS members receive 15% discount.