3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Minnesota’s Craft Breweries

Minnesota Wines & Wineries

This itinerary will guide you through some of the best craft breweries in Minnesota, highlighting local attractions, dining options, and activities. From the vibrant Twin Cities to the scenic beauty of Stillwater and New Ulm, you’ll experience the rich flavors of Minnesota’s craft beer scene.

Day 1: Minneapolis Brewery Tour

Morning: Arrival and First Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Check into your hotel in Minneapolis. Consider staying at The Hewing Hotel or Hotel Minneapolis for a central location.
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Indeed Brewing Company.
  • Location: 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Experience: Sample their “Day Tripper” Pale Ale and explore their rotating seasonal offerings.
  • Indeed Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Sample Room, known for its craft beer selection and tasty bites.
  • Location: 2124 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
  • The Sample Room Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to Dangerous Man Brewing Co..

  • Location: 1300 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Experience: Enjoy their “Peanut Butter Porter” and other creative brews in a cozy taproom.
  • Dangerous Man Brewing Co. Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Surly Brewing Co..

  • Location: 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Experience: Try their flagship “Furious” IPA and tour the brewery.
  • Surly Brewing Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at The Brewer’s Tap, which offers a great selection of local beers and pub fare.

  • Location: 925 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • The Brewer’s Tap Website

• Entertainment: Check out live music or a show at First Avenue, a historic music venue known for its iconic star-covered exterior.

  • First Avenue Website

Day 2: St. Paul and Surroundings

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Minneapolis to St. Paul (approximately 15 minutes).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Summit Brewing Company.
  • Location: 910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul, MN 55102
  • Experience: Sample their “Summit Extra Pale Ale” and take a brewery tour.
  • Summit Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Happy Gnome, known for its extensive beer list and delicious comfort food.
  • Location: 498 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102
  • The Happy Gnome Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Visit Bad Weather Brewing Co..

  • Location: 414 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
  • Experience: Taste their “Furious IPA” and other seasonal brews in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Bad Weather Brewing Co. Website

• Brewery Visit: Head to Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater.

  • Location: 1900 Tower Dr W, Stillwater, MN 55082
  • Experience: Sample their “Farm Girl Saison” and enjoy the brewery’s scenic location.
  • Lift Bridge Brewery Website

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Dine at Mamma Mia’s in Stillwater for Italian cuisine with a view of the river.

  • Location: 215 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
  • Mamma Mia’s Website

• Relax: Enjoy a walk along the St. Croix River, taking in the beautiful sunset.

Day 3: Southern Minnesota Adventure

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Stillwater to New Ulm (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Schell’s Brewery.
  • Location: 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, MN 56073
  • Experience: Tour the brewery and sample their traditional German-style beers.
  • Schell’s Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Kaiserhoff, offering German and American cuisine.
  • Location: 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073
  • The Kaiserhoff Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Visit Mankato Brewery.
  • Location: 1119 Center St, Mankato, MN 56001
  • Experience: Sample their selection of craft beers, including IPAs and seasonal brews.
  • Mankato Brewery Website

Evening: Return to Minneapolis

• Travel: Drive back to Minneapolis in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Final Farewell

• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Hazel’s Northeast, known for its contemporary American cuisine and craft beer selection.
  • Location: 2450 26th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
  • Hazel’s Northeast Website

This 3-day itinerary provides a comprehensive tour of Minnesota’s craft breweries, highlighting local flavors, dining experiences, and attractions. Enjoy your adventure through the vibrant beer culture of Minnesota!

Minnesota Weddings

Here’s a list of fun things to do while exploring Minnesota, from outdoor activities to cultural attractions and local events:

Outdoor Activities

1. Explore the Great Lakes and Rivers

• Activity: Enjoy water sports, fishing, or kayaking on one of Minnesota’s many lakes and rivers. Popular spots include Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River.
• Recommended Activity: Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a day on the water.

2. Hiking and Biking Trails

• Activity: Discover Minnesota’s beautiful landscapes through its extensive trail system. The North Shore of Lake Superior offers stunning views and challenging hikes.
• Popular Trails:
  • Superior Hiking Trail: A scenic trail along the North Shore.
  • Minnesota River Greenway: A flat trail great for biking and walking.

3. Visit State Parks

• Activity: Explore one of Minnesota’s many state parks, such as Itasca State Park, where you can walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
• Activities: Hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

1. Minneapolis Institute of Arts

• Description: Explore a diverse collection of art spanning different cultures and time periods. Admission is free.
• Location: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts Website

2. Walker Art Center

• Description: A contemporary art museum featuring cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
• Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Walker Art Center Website

3. Historic Fort Snelling

• Description: Visit this historic military fort that played a significant role in Minnesota’s history. Explore the grounds, exhibits, and learn about its role in the 19th century.
• Location: 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
• Fort Snelling Website

Festivals and Events

1. State Fair (Late August – Early September)

• Description: Experience the largest state fair in the U.S., featuring local food, live music, rides, and agricultural exhibits.
• Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN

2. Art-A-Whirl (May)

• Description: An annual event in Minneapolis showcasing local artists and galleries, featuring open studios, food vendors, and live music.
• Website: Art-A-Whirl Website

Sports Events

1. Minnesota Twins (MLB)

• Activity: Catch a baseball game at Target Field during the summer months. The stadium offers a great atmosphere and excellent food options.
• Location: 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Minnesota Twins Website

2. Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

• Activity: Experience the excitement of a football game at U.S. Bank Stadium during the fall and winter seasons.
• Location: 401 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
• Minnesota Vikings Website

3. Minnesota Wild (NHL)

• Activity: Watch a thrilling hockey game at the Xcel Energy Center during the NHL season.
• Location: 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
• Minnesota Wild Website

Dining and Local Experiences

1. Food Tours

• Activity: Join a food tour in Minneapolis or St. Paul to sample local dishes, craft beers, and explore the culinary scene.
• Recommended Tour: Taste Twin Cities Food Tours.

2. Local Markets

• Activity: Visit local farmers’ markets or the Minneapolis Farmers Market to find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local snacks.
• Location: 312 E Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
• Minneapolis Farmers Market Website

Minnesota is a state rich in culture, outdoor beauty, and vibrant activities. From exploring its craft beer scene to enjoying its natural wonders and historical sites, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained during your visit. Whether you’re hiking in the North Woods or savoring local brews, Minnesota offers an unforgettable experience!

Minnesota Beers and Breweries

Here are some notable beer festivals in Minnesota that celebrate the state’s vibrant craft beer scene:

1. Minnesota Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

• Location: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MN
• Dates: Typically held in late July
• Description: One of the largest beer festivals in the state, featuring hundreds of craft beers from Minnesota breweries, live music, and food vendors.
• Website: Minnesota Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

2. Minnesota Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

• Location: Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park, MI
• Dates: Typically held in late February
• Description: This winter festival showcases a variety of seasonal beers, including winter ales and stouts, with a festive atmosphere.
• Website: Minnesota Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

3. Saint Paul Summer Beer Festival

• Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
• Dates: Usually in August
• Description: This festival features local craft breweries, food vendors, and live music, celebrating the best of Minnesota’s craft beer culture.
• Website: Saint Paul Summer Beer Festival

4. Craft Brew Expo

• Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Dates: Typically in June
• Description: A festival focused on craft brews, featuring samples from various breweries, educational sessions, and food pairings.
• Website: Craft Brew Expo

5. Great Minnesota Beer Festival

• Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN
• Dates: Usually in September
• Description: A popular festival showcasing local and regional craft breweries, along with live music and food vendors.
• Website: Great Minnesota Beer Festival

6. Beer Dabbler

• Location: Various locations, including Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Dates: Typically held in February and August
• Description: A series of festivals featuring a wide array of craft beers from local breweries, food trucks, and live music.
• Website: Beer Dabbler

7. Minnesota State Fair

• Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
• Dates: Late August to early September
• Description: While not exclusively a beer festival, the state fair features a beer garden showcasing local craft breweries alongside a wide variety of food and entertainment.
• Website: Minnesota State Fair

These festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to sample a diverse range of craft beers, meet local brewers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Minnesota’s beer culture. Be sure to check the festival websites for the latest information on dates, tickets, and activities.