11 Great Craft Breweries to Explore in Wisconsin

Craft BreweriesWisconsin has long been associated with good beer. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to enjoy the summer months in Wisconsin, without finding good beer (or a festival) nearby. Wisconsin's beer industry dates back to at least the 1830s when German immigrants brought their extensive brewing knowledge to the Badger State. The rest really is history and includes well-known names such as Miller and Pabst. Milwaukee even earned its spot as the unofficial "beer capital of the world." Though the beer industry has always thrived in Wisconsin, recent years have seen tremendous growth in the number and popularity of microbreweries. And, of course, many of our member Bed and Breakfasts are well-situated for you to explore some of the best craft breweries in Wisconsin. Now is the perfect time to book your room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, so you can enjoy a refreshing adventure this summer.   

Craft Breweries in Wisconsin

Odds are that wherever you stay in Wisconsin, you'll find a great local brewery to visit. But, if you want a few suggestions, here are 11 of the top-rated breweries in Wisconson.

  • Urban Harvest Brewing in Milwaukee is relatively new as far as Wisconsin's craft breweries are concerned, but it's quickly become one of the most popular places in Milwaukee.  
  • There are a couple of reasons to visit Sheboygan: Bratwurst, and beer from 3 Sheeps Brewing. They even have some taproom-only brews, giving you extra incentive to visit their beautiful taproom. 
  • Sand Creek Brewing Company in Black River Falls is a microbrewery with a big reputation. They're actually one of Wisconsin's largest breweries and have won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup 3 times.  
  • Craft BreweriesAmherst's Central Waters Brewing is a true gem in Wisconsin's craft beer scene, dedicated to environmental sustainability. Central Waters Brewery solely utilizes green packaging and uses solar-heated water to run its operation. As the first brewery granted membership in the state’s Green Tier program for environmentally responsible businesses, Central Waters Brewing is a leader in environmental stewardship.
  • There must be a good reason that O'so's Brewery in Plover has been called the most “Wisconsin” Wisconsin brewery by WisconsinBeer.org. It's really something you have to experience for yourself, and the 40+ beers on tap will help you along the way. 
  • You can't take a tour of Wisconsin's top craft breweries without stopping at Milwaukee's Miller Brewing Company, which today is still made with the same yeast strain that started it all in 1855.
  • The Potosi Brewing Company, one of the oldest craft breweries in the state, is well worth the stop. They even have a National Brewery Museum on-site.
  • The Ale Asylum in Madison was the city's first craft brewery and features an eccentric range of year-round and seasonal craft beers.
  • Not too far away from the Ale Asylum, in Middleton, Wisconsin, is a veteran of Wisconsin's craft brew scene; Capital Brewery. Capital Brewery was established in 1984 and was once named the #1 brewery in the entire country by the Beverage Testing Institute. 
  • Another great brewery to try is H.H. Hinder in Waupaca. It's one of those places we'd consider to be a hidden gem of a brewery, certainly less famous but equally as good as places like New Glarus Brewing. H.H. Hinder is another environmentally friendly craft brewery producing exceptional beer and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of fun in Wisconsin's popular Chain O' Lakes region
  • Finally, there's Tyranena Brewing Company in Lake Mills. Their name is certainly unique and based on Native American legends.  It's an interesting story worth learning about, but their beer and brewery tours are the real star of the show, and their expanded outdoor patio is the perfect place to unwind on a hot summer day. 

For an even more extensive list of Wisconsin's top craft breweries, refer to Travel Wisconsin's Brewery Itinerary, which features a delightful range of regional breweries around the state. Odds are you'll also find a local craft brewery or taproom in whatever Wisconsin town you land in.  When it's time to unwind for the evening, enjoy the restful accommodations and exquisite hospitality at one of Wisconsin's finest Bed and Breakfasts. Find an Inn, and book your beer-laden adventure through Wisconsin today!

Scrapbooking Retreats at Wisconsin B&Bs

Scrapbooking is nice as a solitary pursuit, but wouldn’t you rather cut and paste surrounded by a crew of your favorite fellow scrapbookers? If yes, then consider making it an away occasion. Miller’s Daughter B&B in Green Lake hosts scrapbooking weekends fall through winter, with an area designated specifically just for that.  At the Franklin Street Inn in Appleton, innkeeper July Halma, a former art teacher, says her B&B is a “Crop Til You Drop” retreat location. And at Lake Orchard Farm B&Bin Sheboygan, three-night scrapbooking retreats are held in their well-lit clubhouse area, with use of fully equipped kitchen included in the package. [caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignright" width="300"] Clubhouse is full for a scrapbooking retreat at Lake Orchard Farm B&B, Sheboygan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1109" align="alignleft" width="270"] A group at Miller's Daughter B&B, Green Lake enjoying a scrapping marathon.[/caption]

We’re Having a Heat Wave in Wisconsin

It seems summer temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s are now the norm for Wisconsin.  If you wilt without central air, rest assured there are plenty of cool and comfortable B&Bs in the state that fit the bill.  Another way to chill out is to book a waterfront B&B.  For B&Bs on lakes, try At the Lake House - Lake Geneva, Quiet Cottage on the Lake - Sturgeon Bay, Escape by the Lake - Hudson, Lake Orchard Farm - Sheboygan, Lake Ripley Lodge - Cambridge, and Lakeside B&B - Florence.  We suspect you've picked up on the theme!  Inns with river access include Mecan River House - Coloma, Riverside Manor - Marinette, and Riverview - Neshkoro.  Gee, we’re feeling cooler already! [caption id="attachment_697" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Picture yourself cooled by Lake Michigan breezes while breakfasting at Quiet Cottage on the Lake in Sturgeon Bay (Door County). The French doors of the one private suite - yours - open to the deck and lakeshore. Bird-watching, shoreline stroll, s'mores, in-room massage ... just ask innkeeper Debby!"][/caption]  
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