Wet your whistle with the Lake Superior Ale Trail! If you’re planning your very own Lake Superior Circle Tour and wondering where you can find a great brewery, or maybe you’re new to Craft Beer but our Ale Trail has inspired you, your taste buds won’t be disappointed as you travel around the Lake.
The Ale Trail lists breweries around Lake Superior including their locations, contact information, and their offerings. These breweries put an emphasis on quality, flavor, atmosphere, and unique brewing techniques. The Ale Trail can be found within the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide or can be downloaded on its own.
Travelling around the Lake has so much to offer. Not only can you see the most beautiful sights but now you can taste the essence of the northern atmosphere through these amazing breweries. Each location is unique in its own right and all have different offerings. For those aspiring to learn all they can we recommend going on the tours that many of them offer. Each brewery has a Tap Room which are great for sitting back and tasting the different many different products available. Some locations even offer dining experience which is a great way to further immerse yourself in the local offerings around the lake. For those on the go you can stop by the breweries that have a retail location and pick up to go. For those looking for a nice cup of coffee between Ale Trail stops we recommend visiting the Lake Superior Java Journey.
The Ale Trail is a great way for you to connect with Lake Superior and the community members that live along it. You will be sure to meet interesting people, learn about the region, and quench your thirst.
The Lake Superior Ale Trail is made up of businesses that come together each year as a collective within the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide.
Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Soo Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery located in this historic city. The brewery is known for its wide range of high-quality beers, including classic styles such as IPAs and pilsners, as well as unique and innovative seasonals. The taproom features a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with a spacious bar and plenty of seating. In addition to its great beer, they also offer a menu of tasty pub-style food, including sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. The brewery frequently hosts events, such as live music and beer dinners, making it a fun and entertaining place to visit. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a new spot to grab a drink, Soo Brewing Company is worth a visit.
Paradise, MI
Located in beautiful Tahquamenon Falls State Park, this brewery & pub is a unique and rustic getaway. Explore the breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls then take the opportunity to experience this brew pub. The moment you walk in, the impressively long bar and brewery equipment immediately tempt you to take a seat and sample an ice cold beer on tap. The origin of the name Tahquamenon is said to be from Native American lore, attributed to the waters amber color, which makes it the ideal place for a brewery offering refreshing amber hued craft beer. Fantastic brew and fine dining awaits at this brewery that truly echoes the Tahquamenon Falls and surrounding forest.
Grand Marais, MI
Lake Superior Brewing Co. is just a hop and a skip from Grand Marais Harbor Beach you'll find Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Company, a must stop while visiting Grand Marais. This brew pub is cozy and quaint with whiskey barrel tables, wood parquet ceilings, knotty pine walls and stained glass windows. It is the perfect place to stop after a day at the beach and enjoy a local craft brew and some delicious comfort food. If you're visiting in the winter months, there will be a nice fire going and a tasty brew to warm you up after hitting the snowmobile trails. For being in such a small town, it is often bustling with friendly locals and tourists.
Ironwood, MI
For those who want to experience true north woods culture, Cold Iron Brewing has beer craft brewed on-site in small batches. Located on the western border of the Upper Peninsula in Ironwood, MI, it's surrounded by world class recreation. If you find yourself in the area for biking, hiking, skiing, or site-seeing, be sure to stop in for a refreshing glass of Cold Iron to satisfy your thirst. The concrete, wood, and metal interior combined with the nicely arranged artwork and lighting create a hearty and warm ambiance to enjoy some great beer!
Ashland and Washburn, WI
The South Shore Breweries can be found in two great locations. Their pilot brewery operates in the historic L.C. Willmarth building with Deep Water Grille in downtown Ashland and their production brewery and taphouse is in Washburn. Their variety of flagship and specialty beers are made with locally sourced ingredients. Both locations offer a great atmosphere to enjoy these beers. In Ashland, delicious cuisine at The Deep Water Grille and The Alley have menu offerings that creatively use the beer in the recipes. In Washburn, you can take of tour and be involved in brewing a batch of beer.
Bayfield, WI
Adventure Club Brewing is the northernmost brewery and taproom in all of Wisconsin. After a day of adventure in this coastal town, there is no better place to unwind and enjoy a nice cold brew. There is even an outdoor tent, picnic tables and firepit to continue enjoying the great outdoors. You can expect to find an ever changing lineup of fresh craft beer that offers something for every taste. Speaking of taste, indulge in something from the snack menu such as their deep fried Oreos or crostinis and spread! So why not join the club and visit Adventure Club Brewing, you’ll be glad you did.
Iron River, WI
The unique climate that Lake Superior creates is the ideal environment for lush fruits and berries in Wisconsin. White Winter Winery produces meads, hard ciders and spirits using locally grown blueberries, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, pears and apples. Take a tour and tasting and see first- hand what goes into making their variety of mead. They claim to be confident that they have the perfect mead for everyone. Whether you like sweet or dry or something in between, stop in and find yours.
Superior, WI
On the Western tip of Lake Superior on the Twin Ports waterfront, you'll find Earth Rider Brewery and adjacent Cedar Lounge taproom. Earth Rider beers are crafted by decorated brewers with cold, clear Lake Superior water and premium, hand-selected ingredients. The Cedar features a full lineup of Earth Rider flagship and seasonal brews and regularly hosts live music, game nights and special events. There's sure to be something exciting happening any night may you visit.
Duluth, MN
Positioned North, over-looking Lake Superior, Canal Park Brewery is a locally owned contemporary brewpub and restaurant. They are inspired by the wild beauty of Lake Superior, the steadfast nature of the community, and the epic adventures right outside the back door. Enjoy a brew and a meal on their all-season patio and appreciate the scenic view of the Lake. Take a tour and visit their remarkable 15-barrel, three vessel system.
Duluth, MN
Located in the beautiful Great Lakes port town of Duluth, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is an impressive 30-barrel production craft brewery and taproom. They make balanced, delicious beers with an edge of inventiveness for every beer lover to enjoy. Grab some of their cans to accompany your water or hiking experience or fill a growler to enjoy on your camp site. If you are visiting on the weekend, take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their award-winning beers.
Duluth, MN
Hoops brewing is an independent brewery located in Duluth's bustling Canal Park. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art brewery with floor to ceiling windows that beautifully showcases their amazing 15-barrel system. The beer hall seats over 250 people and has a gorgeous hand hammered copper bar to sit at and indulge in some of the many selections of hand-crafted beers. This beer hall and brewery is truly a sight to behold.
Duluth, MN
Follow the North Star to this inspired Duluth taproom. Ursa Minor Brewing is small 5 BBL brewery built to serve the taproom with a large selection of rotating styles of beer. Feel at home and be welcomed with handcrafted beers and artisan wood fire pizzas made to bring people together. The taproom is designed to be a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy friends, familiar faces, and make meaningful connections.
Duluth, MN
Located right on the lakefront in Duluth, Fitger’s is a one stop historic destination to shop, eat, sleep and of course, drink some amazing hand crafted beer! Fitger’s Brewhouse & Grille boasts over 100 different recipes of unfiltered ales and lagers brewed within their 10-barrel brewery as well as many awards. Compliment your brew with authentic Duluth pub food such as a local favorite, “Brewhouse Smoked Fish Wrap”, locally caught in Lake Superior. Yum!
Duluth, MN
This brew pub offers something unique to the city’s bustling craft beer scene. Not only do they have a wide array of artisan ales and hard seltzers on tap but instead of a mediocre dart board, there’s axe throwing! Taking bar games to the next level, the designated axe throwing space in the back is set up for you to safely try your hand at hitting the bullseye with an actual axe. The knowledgeable staff can help you with everything you need to know about their ales and seltzers and how to have an “axe-ceptionally” fun and safe experience. Before you leave you are going to want grab some Blacklist merch as a memento of your visit here.
Two Harbors, MN
Located in downtown Two Harbors, Castle Danger Brewery overlooks picturesque Lake Superior. While in Two Harbors, visit the historical Split Rock Lighthouse and the nearby Breakwater and Lighthouse. Hang out on the pet friendly patio during the summer and enjoy a dangerously good ale while watching incoming Ore Boats. Check their calendar and you may be lucky enough to visit during a rousing trivia night or when a live band is playing.
Lutsen, MN
Lutsen is renowned for its incredible skiing and is quickly becoming well known for its amazing winery as well. For a bit of a change in pace for your palate, the North Shore Winery is a "must" stop while in Northern Minnesota. One second you find yourself surrounded by the majesty of Lake Superior and the next you are in this cool and inviting winery. They have seating inside and out with tastings and tours. Join them for “date night” or other events for some delicious wine and live music.
Grand Marais, MN
Voyageur Brewing Company is located in Grand Marais Minnesota. Grand Marais sits directly between the ancient Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. Spectacular scenery matched with adventurous Craft Beers is what you’ll find at Voyageur Brewing Company. From the wooden bar and split rock fireplace to the noble view of Lake Superior itself, it feels like home. The shareable appetizers, variety of craft beer, and view from the brewery taproom and rooftop deck are truly remarkable.
Thunder Bay, ON
Situated at the Thunder Bay Marina Park, Sail Superior offers a diverse collection of tours and vessels to suit every need. From high-speed adventures to leisurely cruising, instructional outings, to self-driven adventures, the opportunities to explore are endless. Wine & Cheese Cruises, Harbour Tours and the Welcome Islands Blast are among the most popular excursions. Aboard you will find offerings from local breweries making Sail Superior one of your most unique Ale Trail stops.
Terrace Bay, ON
Slate Island Brewing Company opened it's doors in the Spring of 2021 and are new to the Ale Trail block! This Brewing Company is named after the nearby Slate Islands and their taproom showcases a replica of the lighthouse found on the island. Stay tuned for their upcoming quirky historical brew tours, where you can witness not only how their beers are made, but also a glimpse of local history through stories and artifacts, as well as featured local artists.