About the Creamery
Welcome to the historic Creamery Inn located in Downsville, WI.
Located 10 minutes south of Menomonie and 25 minutes west of Eau Claire, the historic and charming Creamery Inn is located on County Rd C in Downsville, WI. Originally built in 1904, it operated as a cooperative creamery for the first 50 years. In the mid 80's, the building was completely renovated and operated as The Creamery Restaurant and Inn for 25 years.
The Creamery now operates as guest rooms, event space, and as the Creamery Boutique.
Downsville Cooperative Creamery
Originally established in 1904 as the Downsville Cooperative Creamery, it was one of the largest creameries in the county. Local farmers delivered fresh milk to be processed into butter, often taking home butter in exchange. The cooperative quickly grew, expanding its facilities twice—once in 1914 and again in 1924—to accommodate increasing demand. By its peak, the Creamery was processing millions of pounds of cream annually, supporting local farmers and the surrounding economy.
However, like many small creameries, it faced challenges as the dairy industry evolved. Between 1949 and 1953, over 60% of creameries in the state closed, and the Downsville Creamery shut its doors in 1951.
The Creamery Restaurant and Inn
After its closure, the building was repurposed for various uses until it was purchased in 1977 by the Thomas family—Richard, Bruce, Janice, and David—who had a vision of transforming it into a restaurant. Due to high interest rates, renovations were delayed until 1984, but after 15 months of restoration and an investment of approximately $1.2 million, The Creamery opened as a prestigious restaurant and inn.
The restaurant quickly became one of Wisconsin’s finest, earning recognition as one of the top 25 restaurants in the state by the Milwaukee Journal. Guests from all over came to enjoy the warm hospitality, elegant dining, and beautifully restored space. The rich cherry and teak woodwork, large windows with scenic rural views, and a stunning floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace created an inviting and timeless atmosphere. The restaurant seated 65 guests in the main dining room, 30 in the lounge, and an additional 40 in the screened patio during warmer months.
