America’s Most Unique Cheese Aging Cave Lives in Minnesota

America’s Most Unique Cheese Aging Cave Lives in Minnesota

Just south of the Twin Cities in Faribault, Minnesota, a network of natural sandstone caves quietly ages some of the country’s finest cheese. These aren’t ordinary cellars—they’re the Caves of Faribault, a one-of-a-kind cheesemaking treasure buried more than 160 feet underground.

From Beer to Blue Cheese

The caves date back to the 1850s, when German immigrants used them to keep beer cool before refrigeration existed. Prohibition closed the brewery, leaving the caves empty until 1936, when cheesemaker Felix Frederiksen saw their potential for aging blue cheese. His Treasure Cave operation became the first commercial blue cheese plant in the U.S.

After a period of inactivity and production moving out of state, Faribault local Jeff Jirik revived the caves in the early 2000s. His Faribault Dairy Company—now operated by Prairie Farms Dairy—restored the traditional cave-aging process, producing some of the country’s most celebrated blue cheeses.

Why Sandstone Caves Make the Perfect Cheese Cellar

It’s all in the stone. Made of Saint Peter Sandstone, the caves maintain a steady 52°F and 99% humidity year-round, creating the ideal conditions for blue cheese to develop its signature flavor and texture. The stone even helps regulate the gases produced during aging, meaning the cheeses mature naturally without any high-tech equipment. Across the U.S., other cheesemakers may rely on climate-controlled rooms, old mines, or underground cellars—but the Faribault caves remain uniquely authentic.

The Cheeses You’ll Find in the Caves

Cheeses aged in the caves include:

• AmaBlu – A full-flavored classic.
• St. Pete’s Select – Smooth, refined, and balanced.
• Felix – Mild, naturally rinded, and approachable.
• AmaGorg – A gorgonzola-inspired favorite.

The caves also host other cheeses like St. Helga’s European Swiss and Cherubic Heventy Young Gouda, each wheel nurtured by a small, dedicated team from start to finish. Today, these artisanal cheeses are available nationwide, from grocery stores and co-ops to online orders.

Why It Matters

For cheese lovers or anyone chasing unique food stories, the Caves of Faribault are a must-know. Hidden underground yet shaping the flavor of America’s cheese scene for nearly a century, they’re a reminder that some of the country’s most extraordinary culinary treasures lie off the beaten path.

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