These 7 Northwestern Wisconsin Breweries Prove You Don’t Need to Go to the City to Find Great Craft Beer

Northwestern Wisconsin has it all—lush landscapes, waterfalls, the shores of Lake Superior, and some awesome food and beverage options, too. Case in point, these seven northwestern Wisconsin breweries prove you don’t need to go to the city to find great craft beer. Visit these vibrant bars, taprooms, and lounges and find your new favorite brew.

1. Trap Rock Brewing Company – St. Croix Falls

Trap Rock Brewing Company brews in small batches and serves its delicious offerings in its own taproom. Recent selections include the Whitetail Blond Ale, Haze Craze, Milk Stout, M. C. Hammer DIPA, and Foxhound ESB. You’ll find Trap Rock in an industrial park area of St. Croix Falls, and from these unassuming beginnings and its plan of “smart” growth, we expect great things ahead. Visit the taproom this season. Regular hours are Thursdays & Fridays, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. Summer hours are Wednesdays–Fridays, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 8 p.m. Tours of the facilities are available upon request. Trap Rock Brewing Company is located at 520 N Blanding Woods Road in St. Croix Falls. For more information, visit traprockbrewing.com.

2. Brickfield Brewing – Grantsburg

Pull up a chair in the industrial-chic taproom of Brickfield Brewing to sample its latest selections on tap. Because Brickfield Brewing offers many one-batch beers, its “on tap” menu is always rotating—but always impressive. Recent offerings include Old Creamery Milk Stout, Heilan Coo Wee Heavy, and Dancing Crane Kolsch. Brickfield also offers the 3rd Little Pig Series (as in the pig who wisely built a sturdy brick house) that is stronger and bolder than the rest. So stop in for a pint, sample a flight, or take home a 64-ounce growler. Hours are Thursdays, 4 to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sundays 2 to 6 p.m. Brickfield Brewing is located at 130 W Olson Drive in Grantsburg. For more information, visit brickfieldbrewing.com.

3. Amery Ale Works – Amery

In addition to an impressive selection of beers from well-respected local breweries, Amery Ale Works brews up its own Barn Brew in-house and rotates it weekly, so you’ll always find something new to enjoy on the list. Pair your beer with your favorites from Amery Ale House’s small but high-quality menu. Everything on it—from the Barnboard charcuterie tray and the Thursday night pizzas to the very addictive Nachos—is made with fresh, local ingredients. Food is served until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 4 p.m. on Sundays. This unique bar also offers yoga classes, live music, game nights, and Pints & Crafts events. After finding Amery Ale Works in the lower level of the barn at 588 115 Street (County Road C) in Amery, you won’t want to leave. Amery Ale Works is open this season on Thursdays, 4 to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (It will open on Sundays after Memorial Day.) Visit Amery Ale Works online at ameryaleworks.com.

4. South Shore Brewery – Washburn

Are you fascinated by all things microbrew? Do you find yourself daydreaming about becoming a brewmaster? At South Shore Brewery, for $150, you have a chance to spend the day with master brewer Bo Bélanger to tour the facilities and get involved in the brewing of a real batch of beer. And there will be snacks, too! You can reserve your spot at www.southshorebrewery.com/washburn.htm. But, hey, if you just want to sit down and have good beer, you can do that at South Shore Brewery Taphouse, too. Choose from Nut Brown Ale, Rhoades’ Scholar Stout, WPA (Wisconsin Pale Ale), or other flavorful and refreshing brews. Stay awhile—you’re encouraged to carry in your own food or opt for local delivery. When the weather gets warm enough to enjoy your beer outside, you can bring your well-behaved dog to join you on the brewery’s grassy area. Visit the production brewery and taphouse at 532 W Bayfield Street in Washburn. Hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 2 to 9 p.m.

5. Adventure Club Brewing – Bayfield

Visit the cozy taproom of the northernmost brewery in the state of Wisconsin to enjoy its own beers, brewed in small batches, along with choice ciders and wines. Recently on tap: Pike’s Creek Pale Ale, Rusty Zipper Red Ale, Echo Valley Alpha IPA, Île de Madeline Belgian Blonde, Apostle Bear Porter, and more. You’ll love your pick so much that you won’t hesitate to join the Adventure Club Brewing Mug Club or come back on repeat for Happy Hour (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.), Game Night, or other special events. You can’t miss Adventure Club Brewing when your travels take you to Bayfield—it’s located in the Howl Adventure Center building (just look for the giant wolf). Find Adventure Club Brewing at 35265 S County Highway J, in Bayfield, or online at adventureclubbrewing.com.

6. Round Man Brewing Co. – Spooner

This unique brewpub, set in historic downtown Spooner, offers not only 18 signature taps but also craft cocktails and a menu replete with distinctive Northwoods-style dishes. Brews recently on tap include Back Alley Sally Pilsner and One-Legged Chicken Session IPA. Stay for lunch or dinner to feast on Round Man Brewing Co.’s drool-worthy apps, burgers (we’re dying to try the Fireside Marshmallow Burger—which features chorizo, marshmallow creme, and dark chocolate ancho mole), and dinner entrees (like Beer Nut Chicken or Smoky Grilled Duck Breast). Visit Round Man Brewing Co. at 234 Walnut Street, in Spooner, or online at roundmanbrewing.com.

7. Earth Rider Brewery – Superior

Established in 1967, Earth Rider was the first brewery in Superior to produce beer for the region and has been going strong ever since. The Cedar Lounge taproom, adjacent to the brewery, proudly pours Earth Rider beers and hosts live music, game nights, and other special events. Cedar Lounge’s beer list includes Bièr de Garde Farmhouse Ale, the dry and roasty Allouez Amber Ale, the Sauna Session English Bitter, and many other exquisite choices. You can order up a Pub Pizza, Ashland Baking Company Fresh Pretzels, or other bar snacks while you’re there. What’s more, Earth Rider is family-friendly: children and under-21 guests can accompany their adults at Cedar Lounge until 8 p.m. Visit Earth Rider at 1715 N 3rd Street in Superior. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, check https://earthrider.beer/.

Cheers!