If there’s one thing that screams Wisconsin State Fair, it might just be a cold cup of milk. And at the Wisconsin State Fair’s Milk House, the tradition keeps pouring, but with a tasty twist.
Visitors can cool off with surprising milk flavors, ranging from s’mores to root beer. It’s an easy stop for fairgoers looking for an agriculture-related treat. And at just $1 a cup, you can try more than one flavor, while also supporting the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation.
LISTEN to Teri Barr’s feature story about the Milk House:
A Wisconsin State Fair tradition
Tami Garrison is leading a team of co-workers who are volunteering at the Milk House. She is the senior director of talent, learning, and community at Generac, and says this may be as Wisconsin as it can get at the fair.
“I feel like the Milk House is iconic with the Wisconsin State Fair,” Garrison explained. “I mean, nothing says Wisconsin like dairy.”
The tradition dates back decades., too. The Milk House first appeared at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1939, and opened with a simple goal. Serve ice-cold milk to fairgoers.
It quickly became a popular stop — and eventually a fair tradition.
Four flavors, one tough choice
If you stop by the Milk House, you may find the hardest part is choosing your favorite milk flavor.
This year’s lineup includes:
- 🥛 S’mores
- 🎂 Birthday Cake
- ❤️ Red Velvet
- 🥤 Root Beer
Garrison has already sampled three of the four. Her favorite?
“I can tell you the s’mores milk is fantastic,” she shared. “It’s the closest of the flavors to a traditional chocolate milk.”
A pretty high compliment for a Wisconsin dairy fan. But then there’s the root beer.
“I’ve heard it tastes just like a root beer float,” she said.
Yes, root beer-favored milk is a thing. And people are lining up to try it, too.
More than just a cup of milk
The Wisconsin State Fair brings together food, animals, entertainment, rides, and plenty of fair food. But agriculture is still at the heart of it all.
“You learn a little bit about our agricultural industry. You learn more about the animals. And you try some milk,” Garrison said.
She says the fair gives families an opportunity to learn about an industry that plays an important role across the state. And at the same time it’s a chance to have a serving of fun, too. It’s that combination that keeps her, and so many others, coming back.
A fair tradition worth sharing
One of Garrison’s favorite things to do at the Wisconsin State Fair is sample the food and the drinks.
Her strategy?
“Buy something, share it with friends or family, and move on to the next stand,” Garrison explained. “It’s just so much fun to try all the foods, see the people. It’s always such a great experience.”
The same could probably be said for the Milk House.
Grab a cup. Try a new flavor. Learn a little about Wisconsin dairy that you may not have known before you arrived.
And, of course, there’s one more thing every Milk House visitor is expected to do while being served.
Moo. 🐄
Do it even if you’re an adult.
OK, especially if you’re an adult.
