If beer isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Montana, you’re not alone. But in recent years, the brewery business has boomed in the Treasure State, giving us more of them per capita than anywhere else in the country (we often compete with Oregon and Vermont for that title). We have great conditions for growing hops and wheat everywhere we look. Love it or hate it, Montana produces some amazing beer.

But if you do love it, you’re in luck. Our official brewery trail is as massive as Montana itself and would take an entire summer to complete. This sample "mini brewery trail" highlights some of our best known breweries in Yellowstone Country, and it can be done in a day or a weekend. Designate a driver and hit this trail to sample some of our best craft beer.

Start at the Beehive Basin Brewery in Big Sky.

This microbrewery is located right in Big Sky’s Town Center, and they’re next to Roxy’s Market (you’ll want to stock up on snacks). Beehive Basin’s brewmaster, Andy, has a decade of experience in the industry. The tasting room has some beautiful mountain views.

Next, head to the Outlaw Brewing Company in Bozeman.

Outlaw’s owner, Todd Hough, is no stranger to entrepreneurship. After years spent running a construction firm, owning a bus company and working as a stockbroker, he started chasing his dream in 2011. This brewery was originally operated from a tiny shop in Belgrade, but now it calls Bozeman home.

Up next is the Bozeman Brewing Company.

This spot has been a local favorite for years, and for good reason. This friendly neighborhood microbrewery produces the tasty Bozone Select Amber Ale, made from a recipe the owner spent years perfecting.

Venture over to Bozeman’s Bridger Brewing.

Bridger Brewing serves "craft pizza" to go along with their craft beer, which is something you’ll want to have to absorb some of your sips. Their Bison Pepperoni Pizza was rated the best in Montana by Zagat.

Sample your way to the Bunkhouse Brewery.

From the Running Iron IPA to the Broadhorn Brown Ale, you’ll love sipping beer with Old West-style names.

End the Bozeman portion of the trail at the 406 Brewing Company.

The tasting room is here is rustic and inviting, and the beer is locally sourced and expertly crafted.

Still standing? Have your driver head to Neptune’s Brewery in Livingston.

Neptune’s is named after the Roman god of the sea, and their motto is Drink Like God, meaning drink the best. A place like this must have amazing beer, right? (They do).

End the adventure at Red Lodge Ales.

If you enjoy dark ales, you’ll love the brew here. Their tap room is opened until 10 PM (most breweries have to close at 8) and they serve food, so this is the perfect place to end your journey.

If you love good beer, make it your mission to complete the entire Montana Brewery Trail over time. But if wine is what you prefer, Montana also has some great wineries.