Are you heading up to Northern Wisconsin for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation? If so, you’re probably wondering what the best places are for a chilled, delicious drink.
After all, vacations are much more enjoyable with a craft beer in your hand.
It’s even better if you’re planning to stay at Heartwood Resort, where you can soak up the natural Northwoods all year long. There are a handful of noteworthy breweries in Northern Wisconsin within driving distance of the resort.
Here are some of our favorite, can’t-miss Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin breweries.
A list of the Best Breweries in Northern Wisconsin
1. Angry Minnow Restaurant and Brewery, Hayward, WI
You can find Angry Minnow Restaurant and Brewery in Hayward, WI, about 40 minutes from Heartwood Resort.
Angry Minnow specializes in microbrews and small, eclectic plates that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. You can definitely taste the quality of the beer, such as the River Pig Pale Ale, thanks to brewing in small batches.
The historic 1889 building has been renovated but maintains its rustic charm.
The town is a must-visit for anglers, as Haward is home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum and the famous Namekagon River.
2. Thirsty Pagan Brewing Superior, WI
There aren’t many combinations better than craft beer and hand-crafted pizza. And that’s precisely what Thirsty Pagan offers. Situated in Superior, WI, Thirsty Pagan is about an hour from Heartwood Resort.
Aside from the fantastic pizza and fantastic seasonal beers, you can enjoy live music every night of the week. You can also check out the views of Lake Superior, head to the beach, or stop at Amnicon Falls State Park on your way up to the brewery.
3. Round Man Brewing Co. Spooner, WI
Round Man Brewing sits in the town of Spooner, a short 25-minute drive to the south of Heartwood Resort. The building features rustic and industrial designs, showing off the strength of the local community.
You’ll find 18 taps and eight signature brews at Round Man, all crafted to perfection. And the food is not to miss, either. (You’ve got the try Xan’s Cheese Curds!)
4. Rummels Tap Sarona, WI
Rummels Tap is located about half an hour from Heartwood Resort. Located conveniently off the highway, Rummels Tap makes a great stopover when heading up Highway 53. Summer is a favorite time to visit, thanks to the annual crawfish boil and live music, as well as outdoor seating.
5. Agonic Brewing Co Rice Lake, WI
About an hour south of Heartwood Resort, you’ll Find Agonic Brewing in the lakeside town of Rice Lake. The charming town is worth spending a day in.
You’ll find a large variety of craft brews here, ranging from sour beers to hard seltzer and classics like the Harvest Moon India Pale Ale. The focus at Agonic is on the beer, however, so make sure to eat before you visit.
6. Brickfield Brewing Grantsburg, WI
About an hour east of Heartwood Resort, along the Minnesota border, you’ll find Brickfield Brewing. The craft beer selection is impressive, and you’ll have plenty of reasons to stick around, thanks to musical performances and cribbage tournaments.
But food options are limited. However, the staff encourages you to support local restaurants by bringing food into the taproom.
7. Three Twenty Brewing Co. Pine City, MN
A few minutes further than Brickfield Brewing, across the Minnesota border, is Pine City, home to Three Twenty Brewing Co.
A family-friendly taproom serves up high-quality, small-batch brews. There are also light snack options available and the occasional food truck sitting outside the pub.
Are you looking for a favorite wintertime beer? Try the Not Your Grandmas Christmas Cookie, an oatmeal amber ale complete with nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors.
8. Earth Rider Brewery, Superior, WI
Another brewing company located in Superior, an hour north of Heartwood Resort, Earth Rider Brewery proudly brews its beer with the ice-cold water of Lake Superior and hand-selected local ingredients.
While it might not be the biggest brewery in Northern Wisconsin, it’s one of the oldest.
There are always events going on at Earth Rider. Food offerings are simple yet filling with hot pretzels and small pizzas on the menu.
9. Moose Lake Brewing in Moose Lake, MN
About an hour and a half away from Heartwood Resort is the town of Moose Lake and a brewery by the same name.
It’s an adventure destination, as you can reach the brewery by car, as well as ATV or mountain bike. Enjoy a beer on the patio, either while watching the summer sunset or sitting by the fire surrounded by the winter snow.
Moose Lake Brewing serves tasty pretzels, pizzas, and meat sticks to complement their delicious craft brews. And if you plan your visit for February, you can participate in the ice fishing contest hosted by the brewery.
Planning Your Northwoods Getaway
There you have it, nine of the best breweries in Northern Wisconsin. The area is spoiled when it comes to quality craft beer.
That’s why it’s worth spending at least a few days in the area to ensure you get to try a handful of different crafts brews that the state is known for.
Heartwood Resort is a favorite vacation destination for nature lovers, particularly those from the Twin Cities area, as we’re only two hours away. But once you arrive, you’ll feel like the big city is a world away, as our resort is surrounded by 700 acres of pristine Northwoods.
From hiking and biking to winter activities and year-round fishing, there are countless outdoor activities for every family member. And our resort rooms and cabins are incredibly cozy. It’s truly the perfect place to relax and soak up the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort or amenities.
Once you’ve had fun soaking up the forest, the trails, and the private lake all day, you can head to one of the breweries above to wind down for the evening. Or, if you don’t feel like driving, just visit our on-site Pine Lodge Restaurant, where we serve a rotating selection of local beers, including some from Brickfield Brewer and Moose Lake Brewing beers.
Exploring the Best Breweries in Northern Wisconsin
Ready to book your trip to Northern Wisconsin, where you can spend the day exploring the great outdoors and spend the evening exploring some of the best craft beer in the state? Then book your stay at Heartwood Resort today for a centralized location, surrounded by nature and some of the best breweries in Northern Wisconsin.