Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, CA:

Cowgirl Creamery is one of the most famous cheese brands to come out of West Marin, and its Point Reyes Station location has long been a pilgrimage stop for cheese lovers, food travelers, and people heading toward the coast. The original Point Reyes retail shop and one-time factory, located at 80 4th Street, permanently closed in September 2022, but the brand's history and products remain deeply tied to Point Reyes.

What Cowgirl Creamery Is

Cowgirl Creamery was founded by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith with a mission to make organic cheese of the highest quality. The company became known for iconic cheeses such as Mt Tam and Red Hawk, and for bringing artisan cheese culture to a much wider audience.

The Point Reyes location was never just a shop — it was also part of the company's early production story and a destination for people seeking cheese, sandwiches, and specialty foods. Even though the Point Reyes Station store is now closed, Cowgirl Creamery itself continues as a cheese company, with production now based in Petaluma.

History And Background

Cowgirl Creamery began in the early 1990s when Conley and Smith were ready for a new chapter after years in Bay Area food service. They started Tomales Bay Foods in Point Reyes Station, then moved into cheesemaking with guidance from Ellen Straus of Straus Family Creamery, which helped launch the brand's first fresh cheeses.

The Point Reyes barn became the company's headquarters and later a beloved retail shop where visitors could watch some of the cheesemaking process through glass panels. That little barn became part of the culinary identity of West Marin and helped make Point Reyes a destination for artisan cheese tourism.

Current Status In Point Reyes

The Point Reyes Station retail shop closed permanently on September 5, 2022. Visit Marin now notes that the creamery's Point Reyes Station location has closed, and directs customers to order online instead.

That means if you're planning a food-focused trip today, Point Reyes is still important to the Cowgirl Creamery story, but not as an active retail stop. The company's cheeses are still available through its broader brand channels and in other markets.

What They're Known For

Cowgirl Creamery is best known for cheeses like Mt Tam, Red Hawk, Pierce Point, and other artisan varieties made with organic, locally sourced milk. The brand has a reputation for rich triple-cream cheeses and washed-rind cheeses that helped define modern California artisan cheese.

Its Point Reyes identity is tied to the region's dairies, coastal pastures, and food culture, which is one reason the brand became so influential. Even today, the flavor and branding are strongly associated with West Marin.

What The Visit Used To Be Like

Before the closure, the Point Reyes Station shop was known as a charming, rustic cheese stop where visitors could buy cheese, crackers, sandwiches, and picnic supplies. It was especially popular with travelers headed out for hikes, scenic drives, or beach picnics.

The space also had a viewing area where guests could observe cheesemaking activity, which made it feel both educational and memorable. That combination of shopping and behind-the-scenes food culture is part of why so many people still search for the Point Reyes location.

Why People Still Search For It

Many people still look for Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes because the location became such a landmark over the years. It wasn't just a cheese shop — it was part of the local food identity and a popular stop on the way to Point Reyes National Seashore.

Its closure surprised many visitors because the Point Reyes barn had been open for decades and had become closely tied to the brand's public image. That history continues to make it a notable destination in food and travel conversations about West Marin.

Planning Your Visit Now

If you're going to Point Reyes Station today, it's best to treat Cowgirl Creamery as a brand history stop rather than an open retail destination. If you want Cowgirl cheeses, check the company's online store or look for them at other retail partners.

If your goal is to build a Point Reyes food itinerary, you can still pair the area with other open stops like local cafes, general stores, and picnic supply shops nearby. That gives you the same scenic, food-focused West Marin experience even without the original Cowgirl shop.

Former Point Reyes shop: 80 4th St, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (permanently closed September 2022) Current creamery: 1490 Cader Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954 cowgirlcreamery.com @cowgirlcreamery on Instagram facebook.com/CowgirlCreamery

Petaluma hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Closed Saturday and Sunday