WW Homestead Dairy

Located in the heart of Waukon, Iowa, WW Homestead Dairy is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a true taste of local Iowa agriculture and a community hub. For years, this family-run dairy has been a cornerstone of the region, providing residents with high-quality, farm-fresh dairy products. From their delicious, creamy ice cream to their famous squeaky cheese curds, they have built a reputation for excellence and a commitment to their community. Visitors to the retail store and ice cream parlor are greeted with the sights and smells of a working creamery, offering a unique and engaging experience that you won't find at a typical shop. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes WW Homestead Dairy a cherished local business and a must-visit destination for anyone in the Waukon area and beyond.

The story of WW Homestead Dairy is rooted in family and a deep passion for the dairy industry. The business is the result of a partnership between the Walleser and Weighner families, who bring over 90 years of combined experience to the craft. Their mission is to produce natural, great-tasting, and incredibly fresh dairy products, a mission they fulfill by using milk straight from their two local family farms in Allamakee County. This direct farm-to-creamery approach ensures a level of freshness and quality that sets them apart. When you visit, you can even take a self-guided tour through the viewing hall, which has large windows that allow you to watch the team at work as they turn fresh milk into their signature products, including ice cream, cheese, and butter. This transparency and connection to the process is a key part of the WW Homestead Dairy experience and a testament to their dedication.

Beyond the delicious products, WW Homestead Dairy is a place that feels like home. The friendly atmosphere and the genuine passion of the staff create an inviting environment for families, friends, and solo visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a quick treat, a place to gather, or a way to support local Iowa businesses, this establishment fits the bill. The quality of their products is something that has been noticed not just by individual customers but by institutions as well. One customer, whose school uses WW Homestead Dairy milk in bulk, noted a significant difference in the amount consumed and a reduction in waste, highlighting the superior taste and quality that encourages people to enjoy every last drop. This kind of feedback speaks volumes about the quality of the products and the impact the business has on the local community.

The introduction of the "Coffee Barn" in 2017 further cemented WW Homestead Dairy's role as a community gathering spot. By offering a full line of espresso drinks, coffee, and seasonal beverages, they provided a new reason for people to stop by and stay a while. This addition complements their existing offerings perfectly, creating a space where you can get your morning coffee, enjoy an afternoon treat, or grab a late-night dessert. It's a thoughtful expansion that shows the owners' commitment to listening to the community's needs and continually improving their offerings to serve their customers better.

The retail store itself is a treasure trove of local goodness. In addition to their core dairy products, you can find a variety of other local Iowa-made items, making it an excellent place to shop for unique gifts or to stock up on some of the best products the region has to offer. They also make customized ice cream cakes and offer gift boxes, making it easy to share the deliciousness with others. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, high-quality products, and a deep connection to the local community makes WW Homestead Dairy a true gem in Waukon, Iowa.

Location and Accessibility

WW Homestead Dairy is conveniently located at 850 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USA. Situated in a community surrounded by fertile farmland, it's easily accessible for both local residents and travelers passing through the area. The location is just a short drive from the main thoroughfares, making it an easy stop for those exploring the beautiful landscape of northeast Iowa. The property offers ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all customers. Furthermore, the establishment is wheelchair accessible, with features like restrooms and air conditioning, making it a comfortable and convenient destination for a diverse range of visitors. The proximity to other local attractions, like the Waukon City Park and other local businesses, also makes it a great spot to include in a day of exploring the area.

Services Offered

WW Homestead Dairy provides a wide range of services and products designed to delight and satisfy its customers. These include:

• A full-service ice cream parlor with 16 rotating flavors of premium, homemade ice cream.
• A variety of ice cream treats, including sundaes, malts, shakes, and deep-fried cheese curds.
• A coffee barn offering a full line of espresso drinks, locally roasted coffee, and seasonal beverages.
• A retail store featuring their full line of award-winning dairy products, including non-homogenized milk, cheese, and butter.
• A selection of other locally made Iowa products and baked goods.
• Customized ice cream cakes and pre-designed or custom gift boxes.
• Guided and self-guided tours of the milk processing plant, with guided tours available by appointment.
• Farm and creamery tours available seasonally (April-October), where visitors can see the cows and learn about the farming process.
• A convenient drive-up window for quick service and takeaways.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets WW Homestead Dairy apart are its unique features and highlights that offer an unforgettable experience.

• Farm-to-Table Freshness: All of their products are made with fresh milk sourced directly from their two local family farms, ensuring exceptional quality and taste. The milk is pasteurized but not homogenized, allowing the cream to rise to the top just as nature intended.
• Award-Winning Products: The dairy has received recognition for its products, including awards at the Iowa State Fair and other competitions, demonstrating their commitment to quality.
• Engaging Viewing Hall: Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the viewing hall to watch the dairy team in action as they create milk, ice cream, cheese, and butter.
• "Squeaky" Cheese Curds: Customers rave about their fresh cheese curds, which are made almost daily and are famous for their signature "squeak."
• Unique and Rotating Flavors: The ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of flavors, with new and seasonal options developed regularly, ensuring there's always something new to try.
• Community Focus: The business actively engages with its community, from supplying local schools with milk to offering a family-friendly environment for gathering.
• Supporting Local: The retail store is a showcase for other local Iowa products, helping to support a network of small businesses in the region.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, you can contact WW Homestead Dairy using the information below:

Address: 850 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USA

Phone: (563) 568-4950

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of Iowa, particularly in the northeast region, WW Homestead Dairy is more than just a place to get a sweet treat; it's an integral part of the local economy and community. Its commitment to using local, farm-fresh milk directly from family farms resonates deeply with the state's agricultural heritage. The transparency of their process, allowing customers to see where their food comes from, builds a level of trust and appreciation that chain stores simply cannot match. It’s a place where families can come to enjoy a scoop of ice cream, knowing that they are supporting a business that values quality, tradition, and the local community.

Furthermore, the diverse range of offerings—from the ice cream parlor and coffee barn to the retail store filled with locally made goods—means there's something for everyone. It's the perfect destination for a family outing, a casual meeting with friends, or a quick stop to pick up high-quality dairy products for your home. The positive reviews from customers, like the one who praised the delicious ice cream and the availability of other dairy products like cheese and curds, speak to the well-rounded experience the shop provides. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a visitor exploring the beauty of Iowa, WW Homestead Dairy offers a genuine, delicious, and friendly experience that truly captures the spirit of the state. It is a place that celebrates the bounty of the land and the hard work of its people, making it a suitable and cherished spot for any local.

WW Homestead Dairy

850 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USA