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Beer culture in Wisconsin is a world on its own! There are so many breweries to choose from!
With over two hundred breweries in Wisconsin, choosing 15 is not easy – I will explain why each brewery that made the list is worth a visit and how to find it.
In this post, you will see many options to choose from across the state of Wisconsin and you will be able to visit a brewery that best suits your interest. Many offer the possibility to hop on a Wisconsin brewery tour.
After reading this article you will be able to put together a great holiday in Wisconsin and an excellent beer road trip across the state.
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Key Facts: Best Breweries in Wisconsin
- Minhas Craft Brewery
- Octopi Brewing
- Lakefront Brewery Incorporated
- Capital Brewery Co. Inc.
- 3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
1. New Glarus Brewing Company
Where: 2400 State Highway 69, New Glarus, WI 53574 (telephone 608-527-5850).
The first brewery to visit that will no doubt lead you to discover some of the best beer in Wisconsin is going to be the New Glarus Brewing Company.
If you are looking for brewery tours in Wisconsin, consider starting here.
Here you can try brands such as Spotted Cow, Moon Man, Two Women, Wisconsin Belgian Red, Totally Naked, and Raspberry Tart.
Whether you prefer a good draft craft beer, a bottle, or a can, you will be sure to find a new special favorite at the New Glarus Brewing Company.
Compared to other brewery tours, the tour on offer at New Glarus should be considered extensive.
While tours run seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., each tour runs for 3 hours and costs $30. This includes a private cheese and beer pairing afterward.
You can visit either the gift shop or the tasting rooms any day of the week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Over the course of this brewery tour, you will certainly find out more than you ever thought was involved with beer brewing and walk away with great beer and solid information on the craft brewing process.
2. Minhas Craft Brewery
Where: 1208 14th Ave Monroe, WI 53566
Coming in as the second largest brewery in Wisconsin in terms of the volume of beer produced, the Minhas Craft Brewery has been on the list of best Wisconsin breweries since it opened in 1845.
Serving beers like Lazy Mutt “Farmhouse” Ale, Huber Bock, 1845 Pilsner or Boxer, there is a nice range of options.
You will be allowed to take home a four-pack of beer and a soda from taking the tour, which makes the ticket price of $12 a great deal.
Tours run every Monday at 11:00 a.m., and every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 1:00 p.m., with more frequent tours at the weekend.
On Friday you can choose to tour at 1:00 p.m. or at 3:00 p.m. or pick from three tours on Saturdays at either 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
With prices like that, inclusive of beer to drink, what is there to complain about?
Stop by Minhas Craft Brewery for a true Wisconsin brewery experience.
Winter in Wisconsin can be quite long so why not look for cool things to do in Northern Wisconsin or in the Wisconsin Dells and find some brewery tours in Wisconsin?
3. Stevens Point Brewery
Where: 2617 Water St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 (telephone 715-344-9310).
At the top of the list for Wisconsin road trips, creating a great date idea at any time of the year and certainly, a fun thing to do in the wintertime in Wisconsin is to visit the Stevens Point Brewery.
Information on this great option for things to do in Wisconsin can be found on any of the company’s three websites; pointbeer.com; wholehogbeer.com; ciderboys.com.
Brewing since 1857, you can find options like Point Special Lager, Point Amber Lager, Whole Hog, Pumpkin Ale, Ciderboys, and Hard Ciders.
Regular tours of their facilities are on offer, and it is best to call in advance if you want to be sure to arrive at the right time. Otherwise, head on over to the taprooms any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Talk about fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
4. Octopi Brewing
Where: 1131 Uniek Dr., Waunakee, WI 53597
Brewing some of the reputable best beer in Wisconsin is a fairly new brewery operating since 2014, a range of options including Untitled Art varieties and Hop Rocket IPA, Belgian Chocolate Toffee Vanilla Stout. Stout – Imperial / Double, S’mores Stout.
Stout, Double Maple Imperial Morning. Stout – Imperial / Double Milk, Barrel-Aged Belgian Chocolate Toffee Vanilla Stout, Plum Berliner Weisse, or Nebula DDH can be enjoyed.
Delicious blends and flavors like this deserve all the time and attention you have to spend!
Taprooms are open in the brewery from Wednesday to Friday from 3-10 pm, on Saturdays from 12-10 pm, and every Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 pm. Tables are first come, first served, and there are no reservations, so get there early!
5. Lakefront Brewery Incorporated
Where: 1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee, WI 53212 (telephone 414-372-8800)
If you are looking for things to do in Milwaukee, look no further than Lakefront Brewery Inc.
Considered one of the best breweries in Milwaukee, it offers beer such as Riverwest Stein, Juicify, Hazy Rabbit IPA, Wisconsinite, and a great gluten-free option called New Grist.
As part of the tour cost of $11, you will get four beers and a pint glass to take home.
The tour ends in the restaurant, where some great local food is on offer. Tours run every hour on the hour from 12 pm to 7 p.m. during the week and every half hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends. Located at 1872 N Commerce St., Milwaukee, WI 53212.
Date ideas in Milwaukee should definitely include this tour. Things to do in winter in Milwaukee can be difficult, so this is also a great wintertime activity.
6. Third Space Brewing
Where: 1505 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (telephone 414-909-2337)
Another great option for touring microbreweries in Wisconsin is to stop by the Milwaukee-based Third Space Brewing.
Home to Happy Place, Heavenly Haze, Nice Day, Frog Weiss, Upward Spiral, Unite the Clans, Light it Up, It Was All A Dream, and Unbridled Enthusiasm, there is no limit to your choice of best Wisconsin beer at this brewery.
Stop by the taprooms when they are open – on Wednesdays between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., on Thursdays 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., Fridays between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m., or Sundays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
7. Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company
Where: 110 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S., Wisconsin Dells
If you are looking for a brewery in the Wisconsin Dells area, don’t miss the Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company.
Locally owned, the brewery can seat over 600 customers across 3 spacious levels.
Whether you prefer draft, can or bottle, there are 64 great options to choose from, including 12 microbrewery options on tap.
This brewery sells local favorites such as Lemon Ale, Destroyer, Pumpkin Ale, Relaxin’ Raspberry, Pale Wheat, Apple Ale, and quite considerately, some classic soda options on tap for the drivers to choose from!
8. Capital Brewery Co. Inc.
Where: 7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Operating since 1984, you can find options such as Wisconsin Amber, Munich Dark, Special Pilsner, Mutiny IPA, Blonde Doppelbock, Maibock, Winter Skal, Awe Summer Ale, Seabreeze Seltzer, Oktoberfest, and Yakima IPA.
A variety of events take place at the brewery, and private venue hire is also possible.
The hours are quite sporadic at the brewery from one day to the next, so it is best to call on the day to find out what time you can get in.
9. 3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
Where: 1837 North Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53083
If you find yourself looking for Wisconsin craft breweries, look no further than 3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
Opened in 2012, you will find Chaos Pattern, Fresh Coast, and the flagship Rebel Kent 2012 here.
The tour of the brewery will cost $10 per person and includes four beers while on the tour, drinking while walking, and also includes a drink at the end at a local partner bar. Tours are offered on Fridays at 6 p.m. and on Saturdays at 3 p.m.
At such a low cost and a high number of beers per tour, this is bound to be on your shortlist of the best Wisconsin brewery tours.
10. Central Waters Brewing Co. Inc.
Where: 351 Allen St, Amherst, WI 54406
If you are looking in the central region for a brewery in Wisconsin, don’t forget to include the Central Waters Brewing Co. Inc.
Home to craft beer like Mudpuppy Porter, Bourbon Barrel Stout, Honey Blond Ale, Rift IPA, Satin Solitude, and Imperial Stout, you will not be disappointed.
Tours are free and start each Friday at 5 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
What could be better than a free tour and the possibility of trying some of Wisconsin’s finest craft beers?
Surrounded by everything central Wisconsin has to offer, this is sure to end up as one memorable day trip.
11. Angry Minnow Restaurant and Brewery
Where: 10440 Florida Ave, Hayward, WI 54843
If you are looking for a great brewery in Northern Wisconsin, take a minute to consider the Angry Minnow Restaurant and Brewery in Hayward.
Here you will find a specialty of microbrew options and will find choices like River Pig Pale Ale, McStuckie’s Scotch Ale, Angry Minnow Brewing Co., Bourbon Barrel Double McStuckie, Angry Minnow Brewing Co., or Oaky’s Oatmeal Stout.
With a range like that, you are sure to find something to satisfy. Set in a rustic 19th-century building, this would be a great day out for couples or families.
12. Pearl Street Brewery
Where: 1401 St Andrew St., La Crosse, WI 54603,
Pearl Street Brewery offers a great opportunity to enjoy a popular and fun tasting room.
Tours are $8 and run every Friday at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and hourly starting at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Contact them by telephone at 608-784-4832 or check out their website at pearl-street-brewery.myshopify.com.
Lots of interesting beers to choose from at Pearl Street Brewery include:
- Agave Papi Lager
- Vienna, Lord Stanley Scotch Ale
- Wizards Vs. Vampires IPA
- New England, Dunkelweizen Wheat Beer
- Dunkelweizen
- Salted Caramel Porter –
- American, Trainwreck Altbier
- Lake Effect Pale Ale
- American
- Sabre’s Edge IPA – Imperial
With so many options you might just have to bring a few homes as well.
If that isn’t enough to choose from, they also have Downtown Brown, Linalool IPA, Java Lava, Me, Myself & IPA, and Pearl Street Pale.
There are also seasonal and limited edition offers such as Raspberry Tambois, Rumpshaker IPA, and Smokin’ Hemp Porter.
13. Sand Creek Brewing Company
Where: 320 Pierce St., Black River Falls, WI 54615
Sand Creek Brewing Company is a great place to spend a Friday, on a free tour that starts at 3:30 p.m.
With a great selection of beers such as Sand Creek Hard Lemonade, Oscar’s Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, and Single-Track Pale Ale.
It is also worth noting that the Sand Creek Brewmaster has won the gold three times at the World Beer Cup!
Free brewery tours are offered every Friday at 3:30 p.m. within their historic 1856 brewery building.
The tap room is also open after Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Beer and merchandise can be purchased Monday through Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Friday until 10:00 pm.
14. Potosi Brewery
Where: 209 S Main St, Potosi, WI
If you are looking for a great brewery tour in Southwest Wisconsin, a great brewery tour can be found at the Potosi Brewery.
Going ‘all out’ with their brewing, a delightful range can be found here, including Inner Sanctum – Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Quad; Slugger – Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Stout; Grandamber – Brandy Barrel-Aged Barleywine.
Potosi is a great experience simply due to being a re-founded company whose history extends back to 1852 and which closed from 1972 to 2008 when it was started up again brewing only small craft beer options.
Located close to the Mississippi River, the experience is worth a day out. Brewery tours operate on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. sharp.
15. Black Husky Brewing
Where: 909 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI
The final Wisconsin brewery to make the list of fifteen is Black Husky Brewing and it should be high on your list of great breweries in Northern Wisconsin and the best brewery in Door County to visit.
You will not be disappointed at this brewery, with great craft beer like The Original Black Husky Pale Ale.
Pale Ale with Simcoe Hops, Deck Dog (the Black Husky version of a German Pilsner), Dogfather Pale Ale with Mosaic hops, Sprouse. (a double IPA brewed with spruce) and citrusy Vain Pale Ale, or maple syrup-based Big Buck Brown.
What’s not to like? If honey is more your thing, try Harvel the Marvel, and if you are going during Oktoberfest have a look for the Jodlerkonig.
In 2021 Black Husky Brewing collaborated with the city of Milwaukee to brew their 9.9% Double IPA using up spruce tips from the city’s Christmas tree.
The proceeds from the venture were donated to the Milwaukee Urban Forestry Fund. No wonder it’s often considered one of the best breweries in Wisconsin.
Why Should I Tour a Brewery in Wisconsin?
Breweries make a great day out for families and couples alike; many brewery tours end in a restaurant experience, and most have non-alcoholic kid-friendly drink options on tap.
Taking a brewery tour in Wisconsin can be a family fun day out and leave everyone happy. Wisconsin is known for beer, so it makes sense to find the best breweries in Wisconsin to tour and find the best craft beer.
Ranging from free to inexpensive, the experience often includes free beer! Many of them also offer the legendary Wisconsin beer cheese soup on their menus!
ClosingThere are many amazing beer options in Wisconsin that are not the most popular Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller (which are great, but sure if you find yourself in Wisconsin, try as many beers as possible!).
FAQ: Best Breweries in Wisconsin
What are some of the best breweries in Wisconsin?
There are many great local breweries in Wisconsin, but some of the best breweries in Wisconsin are New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus; Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee; Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst; Founders Brewing Co. in Milwaukee and 3 Sheeps Brewing in Sheboygan.
What are the best breweries in Wisconsin that offer tours?
Some of the best breweries in Wisconsin that offer tours are Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst, New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Founders Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, and Hinterland Brewery in Green Bay.
What breweries in Wisconsin specialize in craft beer?
Many breweries in Wisconsin that specialize in craft beer, some of the popular ones are New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst, 3 Sheeps Brewing in Sheboygan, Tyranena Brewing Company in Lake Mills, O’so Brewing Company in Plover, Hinterland Brewery in Green Bay and City Lights Brewing Company in Milwaukee.
What breweries in Wisconsin have outdoor seating or beer gardens?
Many breweries in Wisconsin have outdoor seating or beer gardens, some of the popular ones are Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst, Founders Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, Karben4 Brewing in Madison, O’so Brewing Company in Plover and Hinterland Brewery in Green Bay.
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