6 Wisconsin Breweries for Delicious Sips
Wisconsin is famous for its many breweries throughout the state, from small, craft microbreweries to bigger names known far and wide. Take a trip to the stand-out breweries below for handcrafted flavors and great vibes.
Potosi Brewing Company – Potosi
Built in 1852, Potosi Brewery is one of the oldest operating breweries in Wisconsin. Head to the Southwest corner of the state to take a tour of the impressive restored facilities and sample brews like the Good Old Potosi golden ale and the Hazy Bluff IPA.
Also on site is the world-class National Brewery Museum, showcasing an eclectic collection of beer bottles and cans, glasses, trays, coasters, advertising materials and various other breweriana collectibles. End your visit at the brewpub for burgers, wraps and a delicious beer-cheese soup.
Fun Fact: This historic brewery was donated to the Potosi Foundation in 2001, making it a nonprofit organization. That means any money you spend here goes to supporting the city of Potosi and other charitable causes!
Central Waters Brewing Company – Amherst
Central Waters Brewing got its start in 1996 when two friends purchased and restored an old brick building in Central Wisconsin. They quickly became known for producing high-quality brews and for their focus on sustainable brewing practices, including sourcing all their barley from Wisconsin. Stop in at the original taproom and brewery in Amherst for a tour or their Milwaukee location for good times with friends. Popular brews include the Mudpuppy Porter and their seasonal Oktoberfest Lager. .
Fun Fact: October brings the annual release of Central Waters’ highly sought-after bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout, called Black Gold. The recipe changes each year and is released in conjunction with the annual River Run community fundraiser in Amherst–join the fun to get the first taste!
O’so Brewery – Plover
Created by high school sweethearts Marc and Katina Buttera, O’so Brewing Company keeps it local by using almost entirely Wisconsin-made products. This includes their bottles and bottle sleeves, case boxes, labels and Wisconsin-grown grain in their brewing process. Visit their taproom in Plover to try a tasty flight along with pizza, sandwiches and more.
Fun Fact: O’so pizza dough is handcrafted with their own beer instead of water!
Pearl Street Brewery – La Crosse
Head to La Crosse on the Mississippi River to visit Pearl Street Brewery and sip on an Al Caporter chocolate malt or Me, Myself and IPA. Founded by a father-son duo in 1999, the brewery hosts lots of fun events like Poses and Pints yoga and Free Wheelin’ Wednesdays where visitors get a free pint for biking to the taproom.
Fun Fact: Visit in the fall to taste the Community Harvest Ale, a special brew made with hops grown right at the brewery as well as crops donated by community members.
Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee
Located right on the Milwaukee River, Lakefront Brewery was an electric railway and light company before it was renovated to produce great beer. Stop by for one of their popular tours and be sure to stay for the Friday night fish fry (often accompanied by traditional German polka bands).
Fun Fact: Lakefront was the first brewery in Wisconsin to achieve Certified B Corporation status, meaning it meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. So you can feel good about drinking these brews!
Tribute Brewery and Tap House – Eagle River
For a true taste of Wisconsin's Northwoods, be sure to head to Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River. Each of their delicious brews is a tribute to the folklore of the area, such as the 28 Lake Lager and the Frostwatch Cranberry Wheat Ale.
Fun Fact: Bring your pup to this brewery’s patio and look out for tasty food trucks that often stop by!
Ready for another round? Check out these Wisconsin distilleries!
