Brewing beer has been a Wisconsin tradition since the early 1800s, with the state’s earliest breweries even predating Wisconsin’s statehood. Instilled in the many German immigrants who settled in Wisconsin was a deep tradition of brewing and, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society, there were more than 300 breweries in the state by the 1890s. Even the state’s Major League Baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers, celebrates decades of beer production with its name. Whether a beer connoisseur or a history buff, touring Wisconsin’s iconic breweries will not disappoint.
A classic venue located in Potosi is the Potosi Brewing Co. Founded in 1852, this brewery houses a museum detailing its heritage and local history. Restored in 2008, the brewery offers a collaboration of modern brewing and historical appeal. “Potosi Brewery remains a beloved institution, reflecting its commitment to quality, tradition, and community engagement,” says Travel Wisconsin spokesperson Jacob Strimling.
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., another historic brewery formerly located in Chippewa Falls, is known for its seasonal and classic beers, including the renowned Summer Shandy and Original Lager. “With a strong focus on community and family heritage,” Strimling says, “Leinenkugel’s continues to be a beloved name in American craft brewing, offering a taste of Wisconsin’s rich brewing history.” The brewery recently closed its doors in Chippewa Falls, but the Leinie Lodge tasting room is still open.

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In Sheboygan, 3 Sheeps Brewing has offered high-quality, flavorful craft beverages since 2012. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal lagers, 3 Sheeps’ flagship beers like the “No Coast IPA” and “Oktoberfest” have garnered a loyal following. With a focus on creativity and community, the brewery also hosts events, tastings, and collaborations within the community.
Emphasizing sustainable practices and offering a tour and taproom experience, Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee is a must-see stop. Founded in 1987, the brewery has been dubbed a pioneer in the local craft beer scene. Some well-known brews include the Riverwest Stein and East Side Dark. “Lakefront Brewery continues to blend tradition with creativity, shaping Milwaukee’s vibrant craft beer culture,” Strimling says.
When in New Glarus, make a stop at New Glarus Brewing Co., a prominent craft brewery focusing on exclusive beers. Strimling notes, “Its flagship beer, Spotted Cow, and other unique brews embody the ‘Only in Wisconsin’ ethos, reflecting the brewery’s commitment to quality and regional flavor.”
Don’t forget the iconic Miller Brewing Co. in Milwaukee. In the home of the original Miller brewery, multiple intriguing tours are offered. The “Public Brewery Walking Tour” will take your group along the path of Miller’s 170-year history. Each tour begins with a beer, according to the company’s website. “We will immerse your senses as we take you back in time to our famous underground caves and historic, Bavarian-style Miller Inn,” it reads. “Don’t worry, you will rejoin us in the 21st century as we move on to our modern operations, including our Brew House, Packaging, and Distribution Centers.”
The “Historical Tour” is another walking tour that takes a deeper dive into the founder’s story. Along the way, group members will learn about Frederick Miller’s passion for making quality beer, as well as the company’s innovation and topics like the “expansion of the brewing process in the early 1900s, the brewery’s survival during the prohibition era, and the impact Frederick C. Miller had on Miller Valley and the city of Milwaukee.” Finally, the “Miller Brewery Archives Experience” allows visitors to pore over thousands of archives and finish off the day with refreshing beer tasting.
Make final stops at Door County Brewing in Baileys Harbor and City Brewing in La Crosse. Your group’s taste buds will be pleased as they indulge the modern and traditional iconic brews of Wisconsin.
By Maya Mackinnon
Main Image: Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee; Credit: Travel Wisconsin