Iowa’s craft beer scene blends small town charm, scenic farmland drives, and vibrant local communities into a brewery trail that’s full of character. Through the Minnesota Hop Passport, select breweries in Iowa offer a Buy One, Get One Free beer, giving craft beer travelers an extra reason to stop in and explore the state’s growing lineup of taprooms.
Why Iowa’s Brewery Trail Is Worth Exploring
This guide is perfect for road trippers, craft beer enthusiasts, and travelers discovering Iowa through its independent breweries. The Minnesota Hop Passport adds extra value with a Buy One, Get One Free beer perk at participating brewery partners. Along the way, you’ll find cozy neighborhood taprooms, renovated historic buildings turned breweries, and relaxed patios where locals gather for a fresh pour. Pair great beer with charming downtown squares, rolling countryside views, and friendly Midwestern hospitality that make every Iowa brewery stop a memorable experience. 🍻
#1. 7 Hills Brewing Company – Dubuque, Iowa | Historic Millwork District Brewpub
Located in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District, 7 Hills Brewing Company is a craft brewery and restaurant dedicated to bringing the city’s brewing heritage back to life. The brewery pours a wide range of house crafted beers with multiple taps featuring everything from hop forward IPAs to smooth lagers and seasonal specialties.
Inside, the spacious brewpub combines rustic industrial design with the welcoming feel of a classic bier hall. Guests can enjoy communal seating, a lively taproom atmosphere, and a full kitchen serving burgers, sandwiches, and hearty pub favorites that pair perfectly with a fresh pint.
7 Hills Brewing Company also hosts regular events and community gatherings that keep the taproom lively throughout the year. The venue offers private event bookings for parties, celebrations, and group gatherings, making it a popular destination for both casual visits and special occasions in Dubuque.
#2. 7 Hills West – Dyersville, Iowa | Craft Beer, Bowling & Events Destination
Located in Dyersville, 7 Hills West is a lively extension of the 7 Hills Brewing Company brand, combining craft beer, food, and entertainment in one energetic venue. Guests can enjoy locally brewed beers crafted at the Dubuque brewery alongside a full bar and a menu of pub favorites.
The spacious venue offers more than just a taproom, featuring bowling lanes, arcade games, and a fun social atmosphere perfect for groups and families. With its relaxed setting and entertainment options, it has become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors looking for a unique night out.
7 Hills West regularly hosts events and community activities that keep the venue lively throughout the year. The location also offers event and party bookings, making it a great destination for celebrations, group outings, and special occasions in Dyersville
#3. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom – Des Moines, Iowa | Community Taproom with Craft Beer & Events
Located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood near downtown Des Moines, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom is a vibrant craft brewery known for combining fresh beer, creative cuisine, and welcoming Midwest hospitality. The taproom pours a rotating lineup of house crafted beers alongside a full food menu featuring elevated pub favorites and seasonal dishes.
Inside, the spacious taproom offers a lively yet comfortable setting where guests can gather for drinks, meals, and social outings. The venue also features a large outdoor patio that creates a relaxed space for enjoying craft beer with friends during warmer months.
Big Grove regularly hosts community gatherings, special events, and group meetups that keep the taproom active throughout the year. The Des Moines location also offers reservations and private event bookings for celebrations, corporate gatherings, and social events, making it a popular venue for both casual visits and special occasions.
#4. Big Rack Brew Haus – Winterset, Iowa | Craft Beer in the Hills of Madison County
Located just outside Winterset in the scenic rolling hills of Madison County, Big Rack Brew Haus is a small craft brewery known for its laid back rural atmosphere and handcrafted beers. The brewery produces a variety of house made brews ranging from IPAs and lagers to creative specialty beers crafted with quality ingredients.
The tasting room offers a relaxed and welcoming space where visitors can gather with friends while enjoying fresh pours in a unique countryside setting. Guests often appreciate the friendly environment, fun games, and the chance to chat with the passionate brewers behind the beers.
Big Rack Brew Haus also hosts occasional live music, seasonal events, and community gatherings that bring locals and visitors together. The brewery welcomes event inquiries and gatherings, making it a memorable destination for casual visits or small celebrations while exploring Madison County’s craft beer scene.
#5. BIT Brewery – Central City, Iowa | Craft Beer & Wood-Fired Pizza Taproom
Located in Central City, BIT Brewery is a local craft brewery founded by three friends who share a passion for great beer and community gathering spaces. The brewery serves a variety of handcrafted beers across multiple styles, giving guests a chance to explore everything from refreshing ales to bold specialty brews.
Inside the taproom, visitors can enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while pairing fresh beer with their signature wood-fired brick oven pizzas. The cozy setting makes it a popular stop for locals and travelers looking for good food, craft beer, and friendly conversation.
BIT Brewery regularly hosts events such as trivia nights, live music, and themed gatherings that keep the taproom lively throughout the year. The venue also welcomes group meetups and community celebrations, making it a fun destination for both casual visits and social events in Central City.
#6. Bremer Brewing Company – Waverly, Iowa | Small-Town Craft Beer with Community Spirit
Located in downtown Waverly, Bremer Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery founded by James and Jade Heine after years of homebrewing. The brewery offers a rotating lineup of handcrafted beers including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and seasonal specialties.
The welcoming taproom provides a relaxed gathering space where locals and visitors can enjoy fresh pours alongside a menu of food options. Its comfortable setting has made it a popular spot for the community to meet, unwind, and enjoy craft beer.
Bremer Brewing Company regularly hosts events such as trivia nights, music bingo, and live music throughout the year. The brewery also offers a private upstairs event space available for parties, celebrations, and group gatherings in Waverly.
#7. Century Farms Distillery – Spencer, Iowa | Farm-to-Bottle Craft Whiskey
Located in Spencer, Century Farms Distillery is a small craft distillery dedicated to producing authentic Iowa spirits using locally grown corn. The distillery focuses on a unique “corn-to-whiskey” program that highlights the farmers and families who grow the grain used in every batch.
Visitors can enjoy cocktails, samples, and tastings in the on-site tasting room while exploring the distillery’s handcrafted bourbons, corn whiskey, and vodka. The facility was custom designed and built by the Bare family, who handcraft and bottle every batch on site.
Guests can also take distillery tours and learn about the full grain-to-glass process behind their spirits. The tasting room hosts gatherings and welcomes group visits, making it a unique stop for those exploring the craft beverage scene in northwest Iowa.
#8. Contrary Brewing Company – Muscatine, Iowa | Riverside Craft Brewery Along the Mississippi
Located in downtown Muscatine along the Mississippi River, Contrary Brewing Company is the city’s first brewery in more than a century. The brewery features around 20 taps pouring a variety of house crafted beers along with selections like cider, wine, and other beverages.
Inside, the taproom offers a relaxed gathering space where visitors can enjoy fresh pours while overlooking the riverfront area. The kitchen serves a menu of hot, freshly prepared food designed to pair well with the brewery’s rotating beer lineup.
Contrary Brewing Company also hosts regular specials and community gatherings that keep the taproom lively throughout the week. Whether stopping by for a pint with friends or exploring Muscatine’s riverfront district, it offers a welcoming and laid back craft beer destination in eastern Iowa.
🍺 More Breweries, More Value
Exploring Iowa’s craft beer scene becomes even better when every stop comes with a reward. With the Minnesota Hop Passport, you can enjoy a Buy One, Get One Free beer at participating partner breweries across the region.
👉 Bring your Minnesota Hop Passport and turn every Iowa brewery stop into a great deal.
#9. Drink Me Brewing Company – Sibley, Iowa | Small-Town Craft Beer with Barrel-Aged Character
Located in Sibley, Drink Me Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery known for its small batch beers and welcoming small-town atmosphere. The brewery opened in 2019 and focuses on brewing beers with locally sourced ingredients and unique barrel-aged flavors.
Inside, the tasting room offers a relaxed place for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy freshly poured craft beer. Guests can explore a range of styles from refreshing ales to bold specialty brews crafted in limited batches.
Drink Me Brewing also hosts occasional gatherings and encourages guests to check their social pages for special events and updates. Whether stopping by for a quiet pint or discovering a new Iowa craft beer stop, it offers a cozy and friendly brewery experience in Sibley.
#10. Front Street Brewery & Taproom – Davenport, Iowa | Historic Riverfront Craft Brewery
Located along the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, Front Street Brewery is known as Iowa’s original brewpub and one of the state’s longest-running craft breweries. Founded in 1992, it helped spark the modern craft beer movement in the Quad Cities and continues to serve a lineup of popular house brewed beers.
The taproom features around 20 taps of handcrafted beer along with cider, wine, and custom cocktails. Guests can relax on the shaded patio at the historic Freight House boardwalk while enjoying riverfront views and fresh pours.
Front Street Brewery regularly hosts weekly events including live music, game nights, and community gatherings throughout the year. The venue also accommodates group celebrations and special events, making it a lively destination for both casual visits and memorable occasions in Davenport.
#11. Front Street Brewery – Davenport, Iowa | Iowa’s Original Brewpub on the Mississippi
Located in downtown Davenport along the Mississippi River, Front Street Brewery is known as Iowa’s original brewpub and one of the state’s longest-running craft breweries. Established in 1992, it helped revive brewing in the Quad Cities and continues to pour a lineup of house crafted beers enjoyed across the region.
The brewery’s taproom features around 20 taps of handcrafted beer along with cider, cocktails, and wine. Guests can relax on the shaded patio at the historic Freight House boardwalk while enjoying river views and fresh pours.
Front Street regularly hosts weekly events including live music, game nights, and seasonal gatherings that keep the venue lively year round. The brewery also offers event spaces such as the beer cellar, courtyard, and beer garden for private parties and group celebrations in Davenport.
#12. Green Frog Distillery – Keokuk, Iowa | Small-Batch Corn Whiskey in Southeast Iowa
Located just outside Keokuk in the scenic countryside of southeast Iowa, Green Frog Distillery is a craft distillery known for producing small-batch corn whiskey and flavored spirits. Established in 2016, the distillery blends traditional whiskey-making methods with a modern craft approach.
Visitors can explore a variety of handcrafted spirits including straight corn whiskey, barrel-aged whiskey, and unique flavors like caramel, cranberry, and pear. Many of the spirits highlight locally grown corn and reflect the distillery’s strong connection to the surrounding farmland.
Green Frog Distillery also offers tours and tastings where guests can see the stills in action and learn about the whiskey-making process. Whether stopping in for a tasting or picking up a bottle to take home, it provides a welcoming and authentic craft spirits experience in southeast Iowa.
#13. House Divided Brewery – Ely, Iowa | Craft Beer Near the Hoover Nature Trail
Located in Ely just outside Cedar Rapids, House Divided Brewery is a husband and wife owned nanobrewery known for its friendly atmosphere and rotating lineup of house crafted beers. The brewery features around 12 taps pouring a variety of fresh beers brewed on site, along with other beverage options and a small food menu.
The taproom offers a relaxed gathering space where locals and visitors can enjoy a fresh pint after exploring nearby trails and outdoor attractions. Its name reflects Iowa’s famous sports rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones, creating a fun theme for fans of both teams.
House Divided Brewery regularly hosts live music and events on its spacious outdoor patio during the warmer months. The venue’s welcoming environment and scenic location make it a popular stop for craft beer lovers exploring the Ely and Cedar Rapids area.
#14. Keg Creek Brewing Company – Glenwood, Iowa | Small-Batch Craft Beer with a Hometown Feel
Located in Glenwood, Keg Creek Brewing Company is a local microbrewery known for its small-batch craft beers and welcoming hometown atmosphere. The brewery focuses on quality and experimentation, offering a rotating selection of handcrafted beers ranging from easy-drinking ales to bold specialty brews.
The comfortable taproom gives guests a relaxed place to enjoy fresh pours with friends while exploring the brewery’s diverse beer lineup. Visitors can sample a variety of styles including lagers, wheat beers, IPAs, and seasonal releases brewed right in southwest Iowa.
Keg Creek Brewing also hosts community gatherings and social events that bring locals together throughout the year. Whether stopping in for a casual pint or discovering Iowa’s craft beer scene, it offers a friendly and laid-back brewery experience in Glenwood.
#15. Late Harvest Brewery – Sioux Center, Iowa | Craft Beer, Brick-Oven Pizza & Community Gathering Spot
Located in Sioux Center, Late Harvest Brewery is a modern craft brewery dedicated to serving locally brewed beer in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The brewery focuses on quality craft beer along with premium wine and freshly made brick-oven pizza, creating a full taproom and dining experience for visitors.
Inside, the spacious taproom offers a comfortable setting where friends, families, and groups can gather for great beer, food, and conversation. Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers crafted on site by the brewery’s brewmaster alongside a menu of handcrafted pizzas and appetizers.
Late Harvest Brewery also hosts community events and social gatherings that bring locals and travelers together throughout the year. With its inviting atmosphere and focus on quality beer and food, it has become a popular destination for those exploring the craft beverage scene in northwest Iowa.
#16. Maquoketa Brewing – Maquoketa, Iowa | Community-Focused Craft Brewery Downtown
Located in historic downtown Maquoketa, Maquoketa Brewing is a local craft brewery created to bring fresh, locally brewed beer back to the community. The brewery opened in 2021 and was founded by Mark and Judy Lyon after years of homebrewing and a vision to create a welcoming gathering place for locals.
The taproom offers a wide range of craft beer styles along with cider, wine, and other beverage options so there is something for every guest to enjoy. Visitors are welcome to relax in the friendly taproom, fill a growler, or gather with friends while exploring the rotating beer lineup.
Maquoketa Brewing also hosts community events and supports local nonprofit organizations through fundraising initiatives tied to beer sales. Whether stopping in for a casual pint or connecting with the local community, it offers a welcoming craft beer destination in eastern Iowa.
🍻 Turn Your Brewery Stops Into Perks
From small-town taprooms to vibrant city breweries, Iowa offers plenty of great places to grab a pint. The Minnesota Hop Passport adds even more value by giving travelers a Buy One, Get One Free beer perk at participating locations.
👉 Grab your Minnesota Hop Passport and make the most of every brewery you discover.
#17. PIVO Brewery – Calmar, Iowa | Craft Beer, Taproom & Event Center
Located in Calmar, PIVO Brewery is a unique craft brewery and taproom known for its Czech-inspired name, as “Pivo” simply means beer. The brewery features an impressive taproom with around 40 taps pouring house brewed beers and cider for guests to enjoy.
The spacious venue sits between the brewery and an art studio, creating a creative gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Guests can enjoy fresh pours alongside a food menu while relaxing in the lively and welcoming taproom.
PIVO Brewery also hosts tours, tastings, and unique events such as their interactive beer school experience. The large event space can accommodate hundreds of guests, making it a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, and group gatherings in northeast Iowa.
#18. The Cellar Winery – Madrid, Iowa | Cold-Climate Wines & Event Vineyard
Located near Madrid, The Cellar Winery is a family-owned winery known for producing wines made from locally sourced cold-climate grapes. Founded by John Barber and Barb Hokel, the winery grew from a backyard winemaking hobby into a full vineyard and tasting room experience.
Guests can visit the tasting room to enjoy wine by the flight, glass, or bottle while relaxing in the scenic countryside setting. The winery produces a variety of styles ranging from sweet and semi-sweet whites to bold red wines crafted from hybrid grape varieties suited for Midwest climates.
The Cellar Winery regularly hosts live music, wine events, and seasonal gatherings that attract visitors from across central Iowa. The venue is also available for private events, weddings, and group celebrations, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for memorable occasions.
#19. The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery – Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Craft Beer, Pizza & Retro Arcade Fun
Located in downtown Cedar Rapids, The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery is a unique brewpub that blends craft beer, handmade pizza, and classic arcade gaming into one lively destination. The brewery serves a variety of house brewed beers alongside guest taps and a full bar, giving visitors plenty of options to enjoy with their meal.
Inside the industrial-style space, guests will find vintage video arcade games and pinball machines that create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. The kitchen focuses on scratch-made food and locally sourced ingredients, with pizza and pub favorites designed to pair perfectly with a fresh pint.
The Quarter Barrel also hosts events, trivia, and social gatherings that keep the venue lively throughout the week. Whether stopping in for craft beer, arcade games, or a casual night out with friends, it offers a one-of-a-kind brewery experience in Cedar Rapids.
#20. Titonka Brewing Company – Titonka, Iowa | Small-Town Nano Brewery with Big Flavor
Located in the small community of Titonka, Titonka Brewing Company is a locally driven nano brewery focused on producing high-quality handcrafted beers. Founded in 2020 by brewer Jeff Brandt after years of homebrewing, the brewery brings fresh craft beer to this tight-knit Iowa town.
The cozy taproom offers a welcoming place for locals and visitors to gather for a pint while enjoying music, television, and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can explore a rotating selection of house-brewed beers crafted on a small 3.5-barrel brewing system.
Titonka Brewing Company also hosts fun community events such as trivia nights, puzzle contests, and casual competitions that keep the taproom lively. Whether stopping by for a fresh craft beer or connecting with the local community, it offers a friendly and authentic small-town brewery experience in northern Iowa.
#21. Worth Brewing Company – Northwood, Iowa | Historic Small-Town Craft Brewery
Located in Northwood’s historic Central Avenue district, Worth Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery dedicated to producing distinctive handcrafted beers. The brewery opened in 2007 with the goal of reviving the tradition of small-town breweries that once served as gathering places for their communities.
Inside, the taproom is set within a beautifully restored historic building that reflects Northwood’s heritage while offering a welcoming space to enjoy fresh beer. Guests can explore a rotating lineup of flagship brews, seasonal releases, and limited small-batch creations crafted on site.
Worth Brewing also hosts festivals, seasonal celebrations, and community events throughout the year. The historic Bee Hive Ballroom above the taproom is available for private gatherings, weddings, and special events, making it a unique destination for both craft beer and memorable celebrations in northern Iowa.
🧠Planning Your Next Beer Adventure?
If your brewery travels don’t stop in Iowa, you’re in luck. We’ve put together brewery guides for nearby states and top craft beer destinations, each one designed to help you discover more great beer, support local breweries, and make the most of every stop along your journey.
👉 Continue your brewery travels with these guides:
• Michigan breweries worth the trip across the Great Lakes State
• Minnesota breweries perfect for scenic craft beer road trips
• Wisconsin breweries to add to your Midwest beer trail
Wherever your next stop takes you, there’s always another taproom waiting to be discovered—and a Hop Passport ready to make the journey even better. 🍺
Cheers! 🍻 #DrinkLocal
