January 20, 2024
For all of you who enjoy visiting breweries on vacation, we toast your good taste with this ultimate rundown of craft breweries and other beer-centric destinations and events in Wisconsin Dells.
Best Breweries in Wisconsin
Quick, say the word that first comes to mind when we say “beer.” “Wisconsin,” right? How about “craft brewery” or “artisan brews?” “Wisconsin” for both, correct? The brewing heritage in the state runs deep and wide, so much so that beer aficionados even plan vacations around the many opportunities to visit breweries. How great that some of the best breweries in Wisconsin can be found right here in the Dells. See which Wisconsin Dells brewery sounds good to you, courtesy of this definitive list which covers all the sudsy details.
You’ll always find 12 microbrews on tap at Wisconsin Dells Brewing Co., courtesy of Wisconsin’s first female brewmaster, Jamie Baertsch. The open-concept layout of this brewery makes it easy for customers to stop by and chat with Jamie pretty much any weekday. Catch her between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and she might even give you a quick tour. Favorites on the beer menu include Hazel’s Nut House brown ale, Rustic Red ale, and Sconnie Hazy Hop. Beers on tap can always be purchased in half-gallon growlers-to-go. Their beer and food pairing rundown, featuring menu items from their famous Moosejaw Pizza restaurant located in the same building, is a mouthwatering read.
For the ultimate brewery experience, book the Beer Lover’s Brewery Tour where you’ll sip and sample your way through Wisconsin Dells’ best breweries while someone else does the driving. If you’re looking for something more tailored, Dells Trolley Tours & Limo Bus offers a personalized private tour where you can choose the stops.
Beer-Centric Bars
Along with visiting your favorite Wisconsin Dells brewery, make time during your overnight stay to pop into some of the popular beer-centric bars in town. Showboat Saloon is a classic, with 24 revolving beers on tap. You can also grab a bite to eat here with flatbreads, pizzas and wings all on the menu. Wisconsin Brew Pub at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is another fine choice, with a long list of ales, IPAs, porters and lagers to choose from. Order a side of cheese curds, a cup of beer cheese soup, and the Spotted Cow Beer Battered Fish & Chips for the full Wisconsin experience.
Popular Wisconsin Beer Events
The annual Dells Rare Barrel Affair is days away, April 13 to be exact. It’s held at Swan Barn Door and the hours are 1-5pm Beer fans will be wowed by the rare and barrel-aged beers and the classic Wisconsin brews too, with nearly 25 breweries participating. Light snacks are also included in the price of admission. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase online.
While we’re at it, allow us to put in a good word for Dells on Tap Weekend, October 18 – 19, with a craft beer walk on Friday followed by the main sampling event on Saturday. Artisan brew devotees, you’ll be sad if you don’t get this on your calendar. Tickets go on sale August 1.
Root Beer on Tap
Did you know: Wisconsin Dells is home to the world’s only public Museum of Root Beer. There are interactive displays and fun collections, and they have root beer on tap.