Southeast Minnesota offers one of the best brewery experiences in the state, featuring top craft breweries, scenic river towns, and hidden gem taprooms across the region. Explore this growing craft beer scene and enjoy buy one beer, get one free with Hop Passport as you discover must-visit breweries from Cannon Falls to Winona.
🧭 Southeast Minnesota Brewery Trail at a Glance
This trail begins in Cannon Falls, then moves through Northfield and Owatonna, builds into a strong Rochester brewery hub, and continues through southern towns before finishing in Winona along the Mississippi River. Expect a mix of top-rated breweries, laid-back taprooms, and one of the best scenic beer routes in Minnesota.
🍻 1. Cannon Falls, Minnesota – Scenic Start with Local Craft Charm
Cannon Falls kicks off the trail with a relaxed small-town setting and a welcoming brewery stop just outside the Twin Cities. It’s a smooth and easy starting point that sets the tone for exploring some of the best breweries in Southeast Minnesota.
Tilion Brewing Company – Cannon Falls, Minnesota | Creative Taproom with Artisanal Craft Beer & Scenic Patio
Tilion Brewing Company in Cannon Falls crafts artisanal beers that blend creativity with approachable flavor, inspired by the maker culture. Their rotating selection offers fresh, small-batch brews that go beyond traditional styles while staying easy to enjoy.
The taproom provides a relaxed, family-friendly space where guests can unwind, play games, and enjoy house-made craft beverages. With cans and crowlers available to-go, it is an easy stop for both locals and travelers exploring Southeast Minnesota.
A highlight is the outdoor patio overlooking the Little Cannon River, adding a scenic touch to every visit. Located near the Cannon Valley Trail, it is a perfect stop for a refreshing break on your Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍻 2. Northfield, Minnesota – Historic Stop with Top Craft Variety
Northfield adds a lively stop to the trail with a mix of breweries and a distillery set in a historic riverfront town. It’s a well-rounded section that features some of the top craft beer stops in Southeast Minnesota while keeping the route easy to explore.
Imminent Brewing – Northfield, Minnesota | Local Ingredient Brewery with Dog-Friendly Taproom
Imminent Brewing in Northfield focuses on crafting fresh ales and lagers using locally sourced ingredients that reflect the flavors of the Cannon Valley. Their lineup ranges from easy-drinking classics to hop-forward and seasonal creations, offering variety for every type of craft beer fan.
The taproom is a welcoming, community-focused space with indoor and outdoor seating, rotating food trucks, and live music events. It is family-friendly and fully dog-friendly, making it an easy and inclusive stop along the Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
Located in the heart of Northfield, it serves as a lively hub for both locals and visitors exploring the region. With to-go options and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a must-visit stop for a true Cannon Valley craft beer experience.
Tanzenwald Brewing Company – Northfield, Minnesota | German-Inspired Brewery with Full Kitchen
Tanzenwald Brewing Company blends traditional German brewing styles with modern craft techniques, creating balanced and flavorful beers. Their lineup pairs perfectly with a full food menu, offering a complete brewery and dining experience in one location.
The space combines a classic beer hall feel with a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, making it ideal for casual gatherings or relaxed meals. With regular specials, events, and a focus on quality, it stands out as a well-rounded stop on the trail.
Situated in downtown Northfield, it provides an easy and enjoyable stop for travelers exploring Southeast Minnesota. Whether you are visiting for the beer or the food, it delivers a satisfying and memorable experience.
Loon Liquors – Northfield, Minnesota | Organic Craft Distillery with Cocktail Room & Pizza
Loon Liquors in Northfield is a destination distillery producing organic craft spirits made from locally sourced grains. Their lineup includes award-winning gin and whiskey, along with over 20 scratch-made spirits crafted with precision and sustainability in mind.
The cocktail room offers a cozy, interactive space with handcrafted drinks, house-made non-alcoholic options, and board games for a relaxed visit. Guests can also enjoy brick oven pizzas made from stone-milled flour, adding a unique culinary element to the experience.
Housed in a historic building in downtown Northfield, it blends innovation with local character. This stop adds a distinct craft spirits experience to any Southeast Minnesota brewery and distillery trail.
🍻 3. Dundas, Minnesota – Small-Town Stop with Local Craft Appeal
Dundas adds a quiet and easygoing stop along the trail with a local brewery rooted in a small-town setting. It’s a relaxed section that complements nearby Northfield while continuing to highlight the best local craft stops in Southeast Minnesota.
Chapel Brewing – Dundas, Minnesota | Historic Riverfront Brewery with Small-Batch Craft Beer
Chapel Brewing in Dundas is a small-batch brewery set along the scenic Cannon River, offering a unique blend of history and craft beer. Their lineup features American-style ales with rotating limited releases, alongside approachable options for all tastes.
Housed in a restored 1880 chapel, the taproom creates an intimate and welcoming space designed for gathering and community. Guests can enjoy pints, cans, or growlers, with non-alcoholic options and light snacks available.
The outdoor deck and beer garden overlook the river, making it a relaxing stop for bikers, kayakers, and trail explorers nearby. With dog-friendly outdoor seating and easy access from the Cannon River Trail, it is a standout destination on the Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍻 4. Owatonna, Minnesota – Classic Stop with Local Craft Tradition
Owatonna brings a well-established brewery stop to the trail with a blend of local history and craft beer tradition. It’s a smooth and steady section that continues to showcase some of the top breweries in Southeast Minnesota before heading into the Rochester hub.
Mineral Springs Brewery – Owatonna, Minnesota | Spacious Community Brewery with 20+ Rotating Taps
Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna is a microbrewery focused on fresh, locally brewed beer in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Their lineup features 20+ rotating taps, including a wide range of craft styles, seltzers, and seasonal releases inspired by local history.
The taproom offers a large, family-friendly space with indoor seating, games, and a strong community-driven atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food trucks, pizza options, and flexible dining, making it an easy and social stop along the trail.
A standout feature is the spacious patio with seasonal setups like heated igloos, creating a year-round destination for gatherings. Located in downtown Owatonna, it delivers a lively and approachable experience for any Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍻 5. Rochester, Minnesota – Central Hub with Top Craft Breweries
Rochester serves as the heart of the trail, offering one of the top craft beer scenes in Southeast Minnesota with multiple breweries in one area. It’s the main hub where variety, accessibility, and a growing local scene come together before heading into the southern stretch.
Forager Brewery – Rochester, Minnesota | Award-Winning Brewery with Foraged Ingredients & Scratch Kitchen
Forager Brewery in Rochester crafts small-batch beers using locally foraged ingredients, native grains, and wild hops for a truly regional flavor. Their creative brewing approach blends tradition and innovation, producing beers that reflect the unique character of Southeast Minnesota.
The space combines a brewery and full scratch kitchen, serving seasonal dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a rotating menu and vibrant atmosphere, it delivers a complete food and craft beer experience in one stop.
Known for live music, events, and a family-friendly setting, it offers a lively yet relaxed destination in Rochester. This award-winning brewery is a must-visit highlight on any Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
Kinney Creek Brewery – Rochester, Minnesota | Local Microbrewery with 30+ Taps & Dog-Friendly Patios
Kinney Creek Brewery is a locally owned microbrewery in Rochester known for its small-batch craft beer and house-made hard seltzers. Their lineup features over 30 taps, offering a wide mix of beers, seltzers, and creative beverages brewed in-house.
The taproom delivers a fun and welcoming atmosphere with pizzas, snacks, and a flexible bring-your-own-food option. It is family-friendly and features spacious outdoor patios where dogs are welcome, making it an easygoing stop for all visitors.
As Rochester’s first brewery since Prohibition, it holds a special place in the city’s craft beer history. With events, rotating drinks, and a laid-back vibe, it is a key stop on the Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍺 Discover More Across Southeast Minnesota
From river towns to countryside stops, each part of the trail brings a new experience worth exploring. With Hop Passport, you can enjoy buy one beer, get one free while visiting some of the best breweries in Southeast Minnesota.
👉 Stay on the Southeast Minnesota trail and see where it leads next with Minnesota Hop Passport.
🍻 6. Pine Island & Spring Valley – Scenic Stretch with Local Craft Stops
This stretch connects smaller towns with a pair of relaxed brewery stops surrounded by rolling countryside. It’s an easygoing section that highlights some of the best hidden gem breweries in Southeast Minnesota.
South by SouthEast MN Brewing Company – Pine Island, Minnesota | Regional Brewery with Consistent Traditional Craft Beer
South by SouthEast MN Brewing Company in Pine Island focuses on delivering consistent, high-quality craft beer rooted in traditional styles. Their beers are designed to be approachable, balanced, and recognizable, using quality ingredients without relying on extreme flavors.
Built as a regional brewery for Southeast Minnesota, their mission extends beyond the taproom to supply local bars, restaurants, and stores. This wider reach makes them a strong presence in the local craft beer scene.
The brewery features a spacious outdoor area that is pet-friendly for leashed dogs, creating a relaxed rural setting. Located just off Highway 52, it is an easy and authentic stop on a Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
Bluff Brothers Brewing Company – Spring Valley, Minnesota | Family-Owned Brewery with Small-Town Craft Beer Experience
Bluff Brothers Brewing Company in Spring Valley is a locally owned brewery built on a passion for crafting approachable, easy-drinking beers. Their lineup focuses on familiar styles that appeal to both new and seasoned craft beer drinkers.
The taproom offers a welcoming, laid-back environment designed for gatherings, events, and casual visits. With a focus on community and connection, it reflects the charm of Southeast Minnesota’s small-town beer scene.
Located in downtown Spring Valley, it provides a cozy and accessible stop for travelers exploring the region. This brewery stands out as a relaxed and authentic addition to any Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍻 7. Austin, Minnesota – Southern Loop with Top Local Craft Stops
Austin adds a southern stretch to the trail with a pair of breweries that bring variety and a growing craft presence to the area. It’s a smooth loop that highlights some of the top emerging craft beer stops in Southeast Minnesota before the final destination.
Angry Hog Brewery & Taproom – Austin, Minnesota | Former Local Brewery with Classic Craft Beer Lineup (Closed)
Angry Hog Brewery & Taproom in Austin was a locally loved craft brewery founded by two brothers with a passion for brewing. Their lineup featured a variety of house-made ales, porters, and stouts served fresh in a casual taproom setting.
The space became a community hangout known for approachable beers and a laid-back atmosphere. It was a staple stop for locals exploring Austin’s growing craft beer scene.
The brewery has since permanently closed after several years of operation, marking the end of its run in Southeast Minnesota. Despite closing, it remains part of the region’s craft beer history.
Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative – Austin, Minnesota | Cooperative Nano Brewery with Unique Community Vibe
Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative in Austin is a cooperatively owned nano-brewery focused on small-batch craft beer and community involvement. Their rotating lineup includes a variety of beers along with house-made root beer, offering options for all visitors.
The taproom features a fun, relaxed atmosphere with games, trivia, and a beach-inspired theme that encourages social gatherings. Guests can bring in food from local restaurants, making it a flexible and casual stop along the trail.
Located in downtown Austin, it stands out for its cooperative ownership model that allows locals to be part of the brewery itself. This unique concept makes it a memorable and community-driven stop on the Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🍻 8. Winona, Minnesota – Riverfront Finish with a Scenic Final Stop
Winona wraps up the trail along the Mississippi River with a vibrant riverfront setting and a standout brewery destination. It’s a scenic and memorable finish where great beer and natural views come together to close out your Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
Two Fathoms Brewing – Winona, Minnesota | Experimental Brewery with Limited-Release Craft Beer
Two Fathoms Brewing in Winona specializes in independently crafted, small-batch beers using progressive brewing techniques. Their lineup focuses on unique limited releases, exploring experimental yeast, specialty grains, and locally sourced ingredients.
The brewery delivers a constantly evolving tap list designed for both craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. With a mix of creative styles and approachable options, every visit offers something new to discover.
Located in downtown Winona near the levee, the taproom provides a lively space for gatherings, events, and live entertainment. This makes it a standout stop on any Southeast Minnesota brewery trail.
🧭 Best Places to Explore After Southeast Minnesota
If your journey doesn’t end in Southeast Minnesota, you’re in a great position to keep exploring some of the best brewery regions in the state. Each nearby area offers its own mix of top-rated breweries, scenic routes, and unique local craft experiences that make every stop worth the trip.
👉 Continue your journey with top nearby brewery destinations:
– Twin Cities Metro Minnesota breweries known for one of the best and most diverse craft beer scenes in the Midwest
– Southwest Minnesota breweries offering relaxed small-town stops and hidden gem craft experiences
– Central Minnesota breweries featuring lake country views, growing brewery scenes, and easygoing taprooms
Wherever you head next, there’s always another top brewery stop waiting and a Hop Passport to go with it. 🍻
Cheers! 🥂 #DrinkLocal
