We're so lucky in Wisconsin to have access to some of the best craft breweries in the county. You can't go anywhere in our great state without finding a local brewery or two just waiting for you to discover it. And while visiting breweries is awesome, getting to tour the places and learn all about their beer-making process is one of the best things you can do. Here are 10 spots that give awesome tours and have some of the best locations you'll ever want to visit:
1. Central Waters Brewing Company - Amherst
These folks make some of the most interesting beers in the state. You can see pretty much the whole set up from the tap room, but the tour is a fun deep dive. Free tours are at 5 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 351 Allen St., Amherst, WI 54406.
2. 3 Sheeps Brewing - Sheboygan
This tour is $10, but includes not just four beers on the tour - literally, you drink as you walk - but also a drink at a local partner spot. They're Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. Located at 1837 North Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53083.
3. Pearl Street Brewery - La Crosse
Not only is this a great tour, but this is one of the best tasting rooms you'll ever experience. Big, wonderful and full of games, this place is awesome. On the tour, you'll get up close and personal. Tours are at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Fridays and every hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Cost is $8. Located at 1401 St Andrew St., La Crosse, WI 54603
4. Lakefront Brewery - Milwaukee
Kind of the gold standard of Wisconsin brewery tours, Lakefront is a silly, hilarious tour where you get a refill halfway through and sing along to Laverne and Shirley. Four total beers are a part of the tour and you'll end up in their restaurant, where you have to get the cheese curds. Tour is $11 and includes a pint glass. They're on the hour from noon 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.
5. Minhas Brewery - Monroe
This brewery has been running under various different names since 1845. The old building makes for a fascinating tour. The tour has you taking home a four-pack of beer and a soda. Tickets are $12. Tours are on Mondays at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m., Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Saturdays at 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. Located at 1208 14th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566.
6. New Glarus Brewing - New Glarus
These folks switched over to a self-guided tour at their big facility, but let's be honest, you're coming here for access to their full menu of beers and the gorgeous outdoor space that looks out over the beautiful local landscape. $8 will get you three samples and a glass, but you can also just buy beer by the glass. This is a beautiful facility and you'll love spending time here and then filling your trunk with goodies to take home. Located at 2400 WI-69, New Glarus, WI 53574.
7. Sand Creek Brewing - Black River Falls
There's nothing better than a free tour, so cut out of work early on Friday and head to the 3:30 p.m. tour here that's totally free and then hang out and sample all the delicious brews they have on top. Located at 320 Pierce St., Black River Falls, WI 54615.
8. Potosi Brewery - Potosi
Not only is this brewery home to a great tour, but it's in one of the most beautiful parts of the state that often gets overlooked. Head down to the far southwest corner and discover this great old brewery that not only has a great tour, but is also home to a fabulous Breweriana museum. Stay for some great food in the pub and then head out to explore the gorgeous scenery. The tour is $12 and includes four pours, plus a yearlong membership to the museum. In fall, tours are Saturdays at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Located at 209 S Main St., Potosi, WI 53820.
9. Wisconsin Brewing Company - Verona
In the Madison area, you can do an interesting double tour that contrasts a brand new facility with a much older location. Neither is better or worse, but touring Wisconsin and Capital in the same day is super interesting. Wisconsin Brewing is what happens when a longtime local brewmaster decides he wants to open his own place. Investors all but threw money at him and he build this gorgeous, shiny facility in Verona. The whole thing was made with expansion in mind and seeing all the state-of-the-art stuff in here is awesome. Much of what they used to construct the place is Wisconsin-made and they have a fabulous outdoor space here for relaxing with a pint. Tours are free and on Saturdays at the top of the hour from noon to 4 p.m. and on Sundays at the top of the hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Located at 1079 American Way, Verona, WI 53593.
10. Capital Brewing - Middleton
Capital feels like old school Wisconsin. There's a charming little biergarten that often has live music. It's not a young building and these folks are using every square inch of it. One of the older craft breweries in Wisconsin, these folks have a great tour. It's $7 and you get four samples. They're Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday during the day. Located at 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI 53562.
What's your favorite brewery tour? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for more amazing breweries? Check out these small town spots to go discover.
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