Minnesota has long been considered a destination for beer enthusiasts. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to enjoy a getaway in Minnesota without finding some great quality craft brews nearby. Minnesota’s brewing industry dates back to 1849 when commercial brewing got its start. Since then, breweries in Minnesota have been brewing a wide range of beers.
Though the beer industry has always thrived in Minnesota, recent years have seen tremendous growth in the number and popularity of craft breweries in Minnesota. And, of course, many of our member Bed and Breakfasts are well-situated for you to explore some of the best craft breweries around the state of Minnesota. As the crowds diminish this winter, it’s a great time to sit back and relax at your favorite Minnesota Bed and Breakfast, craft brew in hand. Use our convenient tools to find an Inn, and book your room today!
The Best Breweries in Minnesota
Odds are that wherever you stay in Minnesota, whether it’s a big city or 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.
- 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 is often putting out special taproom-only beers.
- Surly Brewing in Minneapolis is 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 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.
- If you love sours, try the craft brews at Fair State Cooperative; they’re known for them! But it’s not just their sours that are worth trying. Their Mirror Universe beer has appeared on Thrillist’s Best IPAs in America list more than once.
- Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater is about as Minnesotan as it gets. 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 balance and approachable beers.
- Bad Habit Brewing Company in St. Joseph considers themselves to be a diamond in the rough, and reviews are proving them correct. 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. They have a massive taproom that is fun to visit, as well as a beer garden and some of the best beers around.
- Imminent Brewery in Northfield is also a great place to go. They focus on producing high-quality beer from locally-sourced ingredients.
- Roets Jordan Brewery in Jordan Mn has an incredible variety of beer. The brewery’s original location has been plagued by landslides and other disasters, but the new owners persevered with tremendous community support over the years and have now opened this new location, which is proving not only to be an important addition to the downtown area but a brewer of delicious beer as well.
- 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.
- 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 you visit, because at each one you’ll find exceptional beer and a taste of Minnesota. Find an Inn, and book your beer-laden adventure through Minnesota today!
