Minnesota has long been a standout destination for beer lovers, and it’s easy to see why. From historic breweries in Minnesota with roots dating back to 1849 to today’s thriving craft beer scene, the state offers an impressive mix of tradition and innovation in every pint. Whether you gravitate toward classic lagers, bold IPAs, or seasonal and experimental brews, a getaway in Minnesota almost always includes access to excellent local breweries.
In recent years, Minnesota’s craft brewing community has experienced remarkable growth, with Minnesota breweries popping up in cities, small towns, and scenic regions across the state. Many of the Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts that are part of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns are ideally located near top beer destinations, making them a perfect home base for exploring taprooms, brewery districts, and local favorites. Innkeepers are often happy to point guests toward nearby breweries, beer trails, and events, helping you make the most of your stay.
Winter is a great time to plan a beer-focused getaway in Minnesota. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, it’s easy to spend your days sampling craft brews and your evenings relaxing back at a welcoming Bed and Breakfast. Cozy common spaces, comfortable guest rooms, and thoughtful hospitality make it simple to unwind after a day of tasting and exploring. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer beer-centered adventure, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns makes it easy to find the perfect Minnesota Bed and Breakfast and start planning your next great getaway, craft brew included. Book today!
The Best Minnesota Breweries to Visit This Year
Odds are that wherever you stay in Minnesota, whether it’s a big city or a smaller town, you’ll find a great local brewery to visit. It’s impossible to list all of the incredible breweries in Minnesota in one blog post, especially if you start to consider the smaller, though still exceptional, craft breweries. But, if you want a few suggestions of the top-rated breweries in Minnesota, here are 13 for you to consider visiting during your next stay in Minnesota. How many of these breweries have you visited?
- Shell’s Brewing Company in New Ulm is Minnesota’s oldest brewery, and certainly worth your time. It’s classic, it’s historic, and their beers are worth every sip. This should be at the top of every list of worthwhile Minnesota breweries to visit.
- Summit Brewing in St. Paul is well known for their Extra Pale Ale, often considered a cornerstone of Minnesota’s brewing industry. They have an incredible range of beers, most of which are sold in stores. However, if you want something not everyone else has had, head to the Ratskeller, which often puts out special taproom-only beers.
- Surly Brewing is one of the best breweries in Minneapolis, not to mention one of the best Minnesota breweries overall. It’s most well-known for its beer, Furious. But fans have also been known to wait in long lines, sometimes overnight, for their limited-release Darkness Russian Imperial Stout.
- Bent Paddle Brewing, one of the most popular Minnesota breweries in Duluth, makes all of its beer from the fresh, pure waters of Lake Superior. From the piney 14-Degree ESB to the beloved Cold Press Black Coffee Ale, almost every beer is a winner. It’s located in Duluth’s popular Canal Park neighborhood and is well worth the trip up north.
- Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater is about as Minnesotan as it gets, and regularly makes lists of the top Minnesota breweries. Try their Farm Girl Saison, and you might just taste Minnesota itself in your glass.
- Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors is another North Shore brewery that makes our list. They produce a wonderful cream ale, along with a whole line of balanced and approachable beers.
- Bad Habit Brewing Company in St. Joseph considers itself a diamond in the rough among Minnesota breweries, and reviews are proving them right. This small-town brewery is producing big beers, making it the perfect stop for beer enthusiasts in Minnesota.
- If you love beers produced with exquisite technique and unbeatable brewing knowledge, head to Minneapolis’ Utepils brewing in Minneapolis. It’s one of the most interesting Minnesota brewieres our list, and also just so happens to be a great place to sample some of the top Minneapolis food trucks!
- Imminent Brewery in Northfield is also commonly on lists of the top Minnesota breweries to visit. They focus on producing high-quality beer from locally-sourced ingredients.
- Not only will you enjoy a satisfying pint of beer at Voyageur Brewery in Grand Marais, but you’ll get some delicious food as well. Their Sled Hound Session IPA recently took first place in the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Brewers Cup American IPA Variation Category, making this one of the best breweries in Minnesota.
- Karst Brewing in Fountain Mn is a great place to go if you’re in southern Minnesota’s bluff country near Lanesboro. This brewery just expanded, and they offer a delicious pint of craft beer.
Stay at a Minnesota Bed and Breakfast
When it’s time to unwind for the evening, enjoy the restful accommodations and exquisite hospitality at one of Minnesota’s finest Bed and Breakfasts. In the end, it won’t matter how many of these incredible breweries in Minnesota you visit, because at each one you’ll find exceptional beer and a taste of this fantastic state. Find an Inn, and book your beer-laden adventure through Minnesota today!
