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.
The story of Latte Stone Brewing Co. is really quite fascinating. Owned by the husband-and-wife team of Ryan and Jennifer DiGiacomo, the premise of this craft brewery and tapas-style restaurant is to educate patrons about the island of Guam, where they have family ties. Ryan and Jennifer’s passion for food, beer, and good times led them to choose Wisconsin Dells for their one-barrel-system brewpub, beer garden and eatery. All the beer here is named for a part of Guam culture - you might say it’s beer with a story. Try the Hafa Adai Hazy IPA, the Coco’s Island Kolsch, and the Taotao Mona IPA. Sample the Lumpia egg rolls, the Chamorro shrimp patties, and the chicken Kelaguen. Latte, by the way, is pronounced lad-EE.
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.
Beer and Bites: Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen
In the shadow of the north entrance to Devil’s Lake State Park is where you’ll find Tumbled Rock. The food here is worth the drive, with elevated foodie-worthy old world favorites. From the taproom beer menu, order a flight of five and be sure to include some of their flagship beers including Udder’s Up Cream Ale, Devil’s Doorway Double IPA, and Chuck Brown Dog English Brown Ale. Ask about their rotating seasonal brews too. Once warm weather arrives, the outdoor courtyard between the restaurant and the brewhouse is a fun spot for backyard games and it’s pet-friendly too.
Brewery with Circus Connection: Al. Ringling Brewing Co.
When a long-lost family beer recipe of the Ringling family (yes, that circus family who overwintered their circus in nearby Baraboo) was found buried beneath the floorboards of the Al. Ringling Mansion, this namesake brewing company concept was born. That recipe is served today as the Ringling Original, a prohibition-style ale. There are also IPAs, Stouts, and Belgian Reds on the tap list. Add on a meal from the full kitchen while you’re here and linger in the beer garden. This microbrewery is located right next to the Ringling Mansion – ask about a mansion tour!
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 30th to be exact. It’s held at Vennebu Hill Event Venue and the hours are 1-5 PM 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, Oct. 14-15th , 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 1st at 6:00 PM.
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.