Discover the Best Breweries in Minnesota: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide

Welcome to Minnesota, the North Star State, home to a vibrant craft beer scene that has turned it into a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

With over 270 incredible top craft breweries, a variety of styles and flavors to explore, and stunning landscapes to enjoy, there’s no better time to embark on a beer-tasting adventure in this beautiful state.

Discover the best breweries in Minnesota as you sample their unique offerings and immerse yourself in the local beer culture.

Key Takeaways

• Explore Minnesota’s flourishing craft beer scene with a variety of acclaimed breweries, taprooms and festivals.
• Discover unique flavors from hidden gems like Junkyard Brewing Co. and BlackStack Brewing or visit pioneering women-owned Urban Growler Brewing Company for an unforgettable experience.
• Enjoy delicious beers paired with food at Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery in a historic setting!

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Minnesota’s Craft Beer Scene

The craft beer industry in Minnesota is thriving, particularly in regions like Northeast Minneapolis. With a selection of over 200 breweries, a wealth of exciting choices is available for avid beer enthusiasts.

Some of the delicious brews you can find in Minnesota include:

• Day Tripper Pale Ale
• Surly Furious IPA
• Bent Paddle Brewing Co.’s Bent Hop
• Indeed Brewing Company’s Mexican Honey
• Fulton Brewing’s Lonely Blonde

Beyond the iconic rock venue First Avenue and the mighty Mississippi River, the state is also home to some truly delicious brews.

The North Star State has rapidly emerged as an attractive spot for beer enthusiasts, with several breweries even being labeled as “destination breweries”.

From well-balanced beers to hop-forward delights, Minnesota has a craft beer for every taste. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s always a new brew to discover and enjoy.

Top Breweries in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

The Twin Cities area is home to several top-notch breweries, offering a diverse range of craft beers and unique experiences for visitors. Some of the best breweries in this area include:

• Fulton Brewing
• Inbound BrewCo.
• Town Hall Brewery
• Steel Toe Brewing
• Summit Brewing Company
• Lift Bridge Brewery
• Arbeiter Brewing Co.
• Venn Brewing Co.
• Indeed Brewing Company
• Modist Brewing Co.
• Fair State Brewing Cooperative
• Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative

Each of these breweries offers an exciting array of beers and experiences that are sure to make your stay in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area even more enjoyable.

Surly Brewing Co.

Surly Brewing Co., a pioneer in Minnesota’s craft beer industry, started its remarkable story in 2006. They have since become renowned for popular and highly celebrated beers like Furious and Todd the Axe Man.

Surly opened a massive 50,000-sq-ft facility, where they produce a variety of beers, including hop-forward options that are popular among craft beer enthusiasts.

Surly also has a rich history, as they successfully changed a Prohibition-era law preventing breweries from selling beer on-site, allowing them to open their all-new taproom in 2011.

Visitors to Surly Brewing Co. can enjoy a multitude of experiences. The establishment offers:

• Brewery
• Beer hall
• Beer garden
• Company store
• Event center
• Pizza restaurant
• Festival Field concert venue

With outdoor seating for sunny summer days and cozy indoor seating for chilly winter nights, Surly Brewing Co. is the perfect place to enjoy their seasonal beers and delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Dangerous Man Brewing Company

Dangerous Man Brewing Company is a small but mighty brewery in Minneapolis, renowned for crafting some delightfully delicious beers. Their taproom space, beautifully built into an old canning factory, is thoughtfully renovated to include 20,000 sq ft of an “industrial cathedral-meets-modern museum”.

The cozy and inviting atmosphere at Dangerous Man Brewing Company is perfect for enjoying their ever-changing menu of unique beers, including Wild Times, Strata & Chill, and Well Received.

Located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis, Dangerous Man Brewing Company is a must-visit spot for any beer enthusiast. With a frequently changing menu and a comfortable taproom, this compact brewery leaves a strong impact and guarantees a memorable experience for your taste buds.

Bauhaus Brew Labs

Established in 2012 by a family of enthusiastic and inventive individuals, Bauhaus Brew Labs takes pride in incorporating German-inspired brewing traditions into their craft.

They take an innovative approach to classic German-inspired beer styles, focusing on lagers and crafting beers with a unique twist. Some of their signature beers include the delicious Wonderstuff Pilsner and the refreshing Sky-Five! IPA.

Housed in a stimulating industrial warehouse at 1315 Tyler Street in Minnesota, Bauhaus Brew Labs provides:

• Engaging and enlightening tours of their facilities, offering visitors an insight into their brewing methodology
• A delicious hard seltzer called Bolo
• Fantastic non-alcoholic options like their Non-Alcoholic Homeguys Helles Lager

With a vibrant, colorful space and a variety of beer styles to choose from, Bauhaus Brew Labs is an essential stop on any craft beer lover’s journey through Minnesota’s craft breweries, making it a true destination brewery.

Best Breweries Along the North Shore

The North Shore of Lake Superior, known for its scenic landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities, also hosts some of Minnesota’s top breweries. Highly acclaimed breweries along the North Shore include Castle Danger in Two Harbors and Voyageurs Brewing Company in Grand Marais.

These breweries capture the spirit of Minnesota’s North Shore, offering delicious craft beers and charming taprooms that are perfect for enjoying a cold brew after a day of exploring the beautiful region.

Castle Danger Brewing

Located in the small lakeside town of Two Harbors, Castle Danger Brewing captures the essence of Lake Superior, crafting dangerously delicious ales that are loved by many.

With their delightful beers like Cerebral Enhance-O-Tron and Castle Cream Ale, this brewery is a must-visit spot for any craft beer enthusiast looking to experience the true spirit of Minnesota’s North Shore.

The charming taproom at Castle Danger Brewing offers a perfect setting to enjoy their expertly crafted beers, coming off their 30-bbl brewing system. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Castle Danger Brewing provides a welcoming space to relax and savor some of the finest beers the North Shore has to offer.

Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Bent Paddle Brewing Co., located in Duluth, Minnesota, uses the crystal clear, pristine water of Lake Superior in their brewing process to craft their delicious beers.

Established by Bryon Tonnis and his wife Karen in 2013, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. has become a shining example of the craft beer boom in the region. They offer a variety of beer styles, including:

• Pilsener Lager
• Amber Ale
• India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Session Pale Ale
• Light Lager
• 14° Degree Amber Ale

With a brand new taproom to enjoy, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. provides a welcoming space for visitors to sample their classic beers with innovative twists. If you’re exploring the North Shore, be sure to stop by Bent Paddle Brewing Co. to experience the true taste of Minnesota’s craft beer scene.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Breweries Worth Visiting

While Minnesota hosts numerous renowned breweries, it also harbors lesser-known yet worthy-of-visit hidden gems. These breweries may not be as famous as their counterparts, but they offer exceptional beers and welcoming atmospheres, making them a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast.

Two such hidden gems among the top craft breweries are Junkyard Brewing Co. and BlackStack Brewing.

Junkyard Brewing Co.

Situated in Moorhead, Minnesota, Junkyard Brewing Co. emphasizes enjoyment and reminiscence in their brewing approach. Founded in 2012, they specialize in heavily hopped double IPAs, juicy fruited sours, and pastry stouts, all crafted in a laid-back setting.

Their signature beers, such as the “Dirty Sauce” and “Mullet Power,” are just some of the unique brews that make this brewery stand out from the crowd.

The relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at Junkyard Brewing Co. is perfect for sampling their wide range of beer styles, including:

• The delicious Peanut Butter Bandit
• The refreshing Galactic Falconer IPA
• The smooth Vince Vega
• The bold Midnight Spider

With its focus on fun and nostalgia, Junkyard Brewing Co. is a hidden gem that should not be missed on any craft beer adventure in Minnesota.

BlackStack Brewing

BlackStack Brewing, a family-owned brewery located in St. Paul, offers a stunning taproom and an impressive range of phenomenal beers that cater to all tastes.

Founded in 2017 by Scott Johnson and his family, BlackStack Brewing combines an industrial feel with a welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the biggest local taprooms in the Twin Cities, seating nearly 300 beer lovers with ease.

Their beer offerings include:

• Soft and squishy IPAs
• Fruity sours
• Crispy beers
• Belgian-style Witbier
• American IPAs
• American Imperial Stout
• American Blonde Ale
• And more

With such an extensive selection, BlackStack Brewing is the perfect place to sample a wide variety of beer styles while enjoying the company of friends and fellow craft beer enthusiasts.

Women-Owned Breweries in Minnesota

In a predominantly male industry, women-led breweries in Minnesota exhibit exceptional resilience and determination. These breweries, such as Urban Growler Brewing Company, showcase the incredible talents of women in the craft beer industry and provide unique experiences for visitors.

As the first women-owned brewery in the state, Urban Growler Brewing Company has paved the way for other women to make their mark in the world of craft beer.

Urban Growler Brewing Company

Urban Growler Brewing Company, founded by Deb Loch and Jill Pavlak, opened its doors in 2014 as the first women-owned craft brewery in Minnesota. This pioneering brewery offers a variety of unique beers and a welcoming taproom for visitors to enjoy.

Their Plow to Pint® Series uses the harvest of local farmers to create beers with a unique twist, and they also have fantastic flagship beers like Cowbell Cream Ale® and Kentucky Uncommon™.

The warm, welcoming, and inviting atmosphere of Urban Growler Brewing Company’s taproom is perfect for enjoying their expertly crafted beers and delicious food menu.

With their focus on supporting local farmers and creating unique brews, Urban Growler Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for any craft beer lover exploring Minnesota.

Minnesota’s Beer Festivals and Events

Beer festivals and events held in Minnesota present an excellent chance for beer enthusiasts to taste an extensive array of local brews and join in the celebration of the state’s flourishing craft beer industry.

Some of the most exciting beer festivals in Minnesota include the Winter Beer Dabbler, Schell’s BockFest, and the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival. These events offer a chance to taste beers from various breweries, meet fellow beer enthusiasts, and learn more about the art of brewing.

In addition to festivals, many breweries in Minnesota host special events, such as those held at First Draft by PorchDrinking. These events provide unique opportunities to try new beers, learn about the brewing process, and connect with the local craft beer community.

With such a vibrant beer culture, attending a beer festival or event in Minnesota is a great way to expand your palate and appreciate the diverse range of brews the state has to offer.

Breweries with Great Food Pairings

Several breweries in Minnesota not only serve excellent beer but also offer delectable food pairings that enrich the overall experience for guests.

These breweries, such as Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery, carefully select food options that complement the complexity of their beers, creating a memorable dining experience for beer lovers.

Hence, as you traverse Minnesota’s craft beer landscape, ensure to visit breweries that serve delectable food pairings to augment your beer-tasting expedition.

Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery

Combining classic German beer and food in a historic setting, Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery provides an authentic and enjoyable dining experience for beer lovers.

They offer an array of classic German beer styles, such as:

• Pilsener
• Wiener
• Doppelbock
• Düsseldorf Alt

These extra pale ale beers are sure to please any beer enthusiast, especially when paired with the right beer recipes for a great beer experience. Hop forward beers, like these extra pale ales, offer a unique flavor profile that many enjoy, while still maintaining a well balanced beer taste.

To accompany their delicious beer offerings, Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery serves a variety of culinary delights, including house-made wursts and sides that are all absolutely delicious.

The combination of classic German beer and food in a historic setting creates a truly memorable experience for visitors, making Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery a must-visit destination for any craft beer lover in Minnesota.

Summary

In conclusion, Minnesota’s thriving craft beer scene offers a diverse range of breweries, beer styles, and unique experiences for beer lovers to explore.

From well-known trailblazers like Surly Brewing Co. to hidden gems like Junkyard Brewing Co., there’s a brewery for every taste and preference in the North Star State.

So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to embark on a beer-tasting adventure in Minnesota and discover the flavors and experiences that make this state a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many breweries in minnesota?

Minnesota is certainly living up to its foodie reputation, with over 271 craft breweries across the state and a craft brewing economic impact of $2.2 billion. There’s no shortage of reasons to visit and explore Minnesota’s craft beverage culture!

How many breweries in minneapolis?

With over 217 craft breweries in Minnesota, there is an abundance of options for beer lovers to choose from in Minneapolis. This represents a growing trend of new breweries and distilleries that have opened since prior to Prohibition. Craft brewing in the state has had an impressive economic impact of $2.2 billion.

What is the craft beer scene like in Minnesota?

The craft beer scene in Minnesota is vibrant and exciting, with over 200 breweries to choose from offering an abundance of beer styles and flavors. It’s an ideal destination for any beer lover!

Are there any women-owned breweries in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota has the first women-owned craft brewery in the state – Urban Growler Brewing Company.

What are some of the best breweries along the North Shore of Lake Superior?

Experience the perfect craft beer adventure with stops at Castle Danger Brewing in Two Harbors and Voyageurs Brewing Company in Grand Marais – two of the best breweries along the North Shore of Lake Superior.