Wisconsin 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.  
• Amherst'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!

For just about every traveler to Wisconsin, the state’s name is synonymous with beer, brats and cheese. Let’s focus on the beer part, shall we, with a look at anniversaries at two breweries paired with nearby B&Bs.

  [gallery ids="1876,1648,1877"] Just about every city, town and village in Wisconsin has at least one of the following: a historic brewery, a new microbrewery, historic taverns, beer festival, or all of the above. Some major anniversaries this year point to the state’s proud brewing heritage. [caption id="attachment_1889" align="alignleft" width="400"] Dreams of Yesteryear[/caption] In Stevens Point, the Stevens Point Brewery turns 160, making it one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the country.  It even provided beer to Civil War soldiers and survived prohibition by brewing soda. After your brewery tour, stay at Dreams of Yesteryear located in the historic downtown district. Tip: Each room has a binder-full of stories about the house as researched by a local historian.           The youngster by 10 years, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, is the big 1-5-0 this year. To mark their sesquicentennial they’ve  collaborated with Hofbräuhaus Munchen to brew a special anniversary lager. [caption id="attachment_1890" align="alignright" width="300"] Overlooking Lake Wissota from Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast[/caption] Both breweries are using the same recipe with hops from Germany & malt from Wisconsin.  Spend the night at the Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast on the shores of Lake Wissota where you may want to enjoy a Leinie’s as you watch the sun set.           A few more brew favorites: [caption id="attachment_1891" align="alignleft" width="450"] Artha Sustainable Living Center[/caption]

• In Amherst, Central Waters Brewing Co. is known not only for its artisan beer, but for being one of the most environmentally sustainable breweries in the nation. Which makes a stay at the nearby Artha Sustainable Living Center a perfect pairing, given this B&B is a sustainable oasis set on a lush 55-acre plot.

The innkeepers at Canyon Road Inn in Turtle Lake shared their favorite microbrewery finds in the area – Valkyrie Brewing Company in Dallas (Dallas, Wisconsin, that is), a small family owned and operated brewery where the beers are cold fermented and aged to cut back on fusel alcohols (the stuff that gives you headaches); and Barley John’s Brewery in New Richmond, where the spring Maibock has just been released. It’s an especially nice accompaniment to their “Nibbles and Dips” food menu. Hike the wooded trails on the inn’s property so you can enjoy these brews guilt-free.     This is just a sample of the many Wisconsin breweries that have either popped up recently or have been around for generations. They have an impact on their local economy, providing jobs, and many of them use local ingredients, giving other businesses in the community an opportunity to share in the wealth of the craft brewery boom.  All of these breweries attract tourists, especially those who are interested in experiencing the local community.  These breweries offer people a chance to visit the brewery, and get to know the folks who run it.  Incorporating your brewery tour with a WBBA Inn is a great way to immerse yourself into a community, giving yourself a chance to live like a local, eat local cuisine, and drink local beer. As always, all WBBA members are licensed, inspected and insured.  So rest assured, you will get a good night's sleep when you stay at a WBBA B&B, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning.

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?  

Quilts – it’s a good idea to keep at least one close by here in Wisconsin! There’s an Amish Quilt Auction in Amherst (between Stevens Point and Waupaca) Saturday May 16 (www.maderauction.com) featuring over 300 quilt and wall hangings. We’ll recommend getting an early start – Artha Sustainable Living Center B&B is within a few miles, and the Stevens Point, Manawa, Waupaca, and Weyauwega B&Bs are less than a 30 minute drive. Make your reservations / mark your calendar for the August 29 quilt auction too. [caption id="attachment_1580" align="alignright" width="300"] Warmth under the 'wedding ring' quilt at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1579" align="alignleft" width="190"] Keep the chill away at Willow Pond B&B and Events[/caption]  

Think GREEN … not what’s deep under the snow or St Paddy’s Day, but “traveling green”.  Innkeepers are doing their part to protect our environment while you enjoy a getaway in comfort and style.  Think earth-friendly cleaning & laundry products and a breakfast that supports local farmers – or features juicy tomatoes right from the inn’s garden. WBBA is honored to have as members Pinehurst Inn (Bayfield) which earned the highest score, and Artha Sustainable Living Center (Amherst) at #2 in Travel Green Wisconsin’s certification program. And, you can win a 2-night stay at either inn by entering our facebook contest!  On a final note, about 40 B&Bs throughout the state have earned their Travel Green certification. [caption id="attachment_1407" align="aligncenter" width="230"] Travel Green in eco-elegance at Pinehurst Inn located in Bayfield.[/caption]