Southwest Minnesota offers a unique and growing craft beer scene, featuring some of the best small-town breweries, taprooms, and hidden gems in Minnesota. Explore this laid-back region and enjoy buy one beer, get one free with Hop Passport as you discover top local breweries, scenic drives, and must-visit craft beer destinations.
👉 Start your Southwest Minnesota brewery adventure with Hop Passport and collect stamps along the way.
🧠Southwest Minnesota Brewery Trail at a Glance
This trail moves through smaller cities and rural communities across Southwest Minnesota, connecting a mix of local breweries, neighborhood taprooms, and scenic countryside routes. Expect a relaxed pace, friendly atmospheres, and some of the best hidden gem breweries in Minnesota along an easy-to-follow route.
🍻 1. Jordan & Belle Plaine, Minnesota – Easy Start with Top Local Craft Stops
Jordan and Belle Plaine kick off the trail just outside the Twin Cities with a pair of relaxed, small-town breweries. It’s a smooth starting point that introduces some of the best local craft beer stops in Southwest Minnesota before heading deeper into the region.
Brew d’État – Jordan, Minnesota | Creative Taproom with Rotating Craft Beer Selection
Start your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Jordan at Brew d’État, a downtown taproom focused on variety and fresh craft beer. It’s a strong choice for those searching for a rotating tap experience near Jordan Minnesota.
The brewery features 17 taps of house-made beer and beverages, including ales, lagers, and seltzers that are regularly updated. Guests can also enjoy pizza and simple snacks while exploring a lineup designed to offer something new on each visit.
With its emphasis on rotation and selection, Brew d’État offers a different experience every time you stop in. It fits naturally into searches like “Jordan Minnesota craft brewery” and “Southwest Minnesota brewery trail stop.”
Union Trail Brewing – Belle Plaine, Minnesota | Relaxed Craft Brewery Near the Minnesota River Valley
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Belle Plaine at Union Trail Brewing, a local brewery offering craft beer and a welcoming taproom setting. It’s a convenient stop for travelers looking for craft beer near Belle Plaine Minnesota.
The brewery serves a range of house-made beers alongside food options, creating a space where guests can enjoy both drinks and a casual meal. Its taproom setup supports group visits and relaxed gatherings throughout the week.
Union Trail Brewing adds a steady and accessible stop along your route with its combined food and beer experience. It aligns well with searches like “Belle Plaine Minnesota brewery” and “craft beer near Belle Plaine MN.”
🍻 2. New Prague, Minnesota – Small-Town Stop with Craft Variety
New Prague adds a charming stop to the trail with a mix of brewery and winery experiences in a relaxed setting. It’s an easygoing section that highlights some of the top small-town craft stops in Southwest Minnesota before continuing south.
Giesenbräu Bier Co. – New Prague, Minnesota | German-Inspired Craft Brewery with Biergarten Experience
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in New Prague at Giesenbräu Bier Co., a brewery rooted in German tradition and modern craft brewing. It’s a go-to destination for those searching for German-style craft beer in New Prague Minnesota.
The brewery focuses on fresh, locally crafted lagers and ales with an emphasis on traditional German styles, served across a large taproom and expansive biergarten. With up to 15 taps pouring both classic and modern beers, the lineup reflects a balance of tradition and variety.
Guests can enjoy events, food trucks, and a welcoming space that allows both families and dogs in the taproom and biergarten. It fits naturally into searches like “New Prague brewery biergarten” and “German-style brewery Minnesota.”
Next Chapter Winery – New Prague, Minnesota | Scenic Vineyard and Family-Owned Winery Experience
Just outside New Prague, continue your Southwest Minnesota trail at Next Chapter Winery, a family-owned destination set in the countryside with a scenic vineyard setting. It’s a perfect stop for those searching for wineries near New Prague Minnesota.
The winery offers handcrafted wines and spirits along with a cozy tasting room, patio, and elegant Barrel Room designed for relaxing and gathering. Guests can enjoy wine flights, specialty drinks, and a variety of experiences in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
With its vineyard views, event spaces, and focus on creating memorable moments, Next Chapter Winery brings a different pace to your brewery trail. It aligns well with searches like “New Prague winery experience” and “Minnesota vineyard with tasting room.”
🍻 3. St. Peter, Minnesota – Riverside Stop with Growing Craft Scene
St. Peter brings a scenic stop along the Minnesota River with a pair of breweries adding variety to the route. It’s a relaxed and easygoing section that features some of the top emerging craft beer spots in Southwest Minnesota.
Paddlefish Brewing Co. – St. Peter, Minnesota | Award-Winning Craft Brewery and Community Taproom
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in St. Peter at Paddlefish Brewing Co., a local brewery focused on crafting high-quality beer and building community through its taproom experience. It’s a strong stop for travelers searching for craft beer in St. Peter Minnesota.
The brewery produces small-batch, handcrafted beers and has earned global recognition, including a Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup for its Vinter Liv Swedish Ale. Its lineup reflects a mix of rotating brews and locally inspired creations made with attention to quality and detail.
With regular events like trivia nights, game nights, and community gatherings, Paddlefish creates a space centered around connection and shared experiences. It fits naturally into searches like “St. Peter Minnesota brewery” and “award-winning craft beer Minnesota.”
Tremendous Brewing – St. Peter, Minnesota | New Craft Brewery Focused on Style and Taproom Experience
Keep your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail going in St. Peter at Tremendous Brewing, a newer addition to the local craft beer scene that opened in November 2024. It’s a great stop for those looking for a fresh brewery experience near St. Peter Minnesota.
The brewery focuses on producing quality, true-to-style ales while delivering a strong taproom experience built around consistency and craftsmanship. Its approach centers on creating beers that stay true to their style while remaining approachable for a wide range of drinkers.
With a commitment to community and a growing presence in the area, Tremendous Brewing adds a modern and evolving stop to your trail. It aligns well with searches like “new breweries in Minnesota” and “St. Peter craft beer taproom.”
🍻 4. New Ulm, Minnesota – Historic Mid Hub with Top Brewery Stops
New Ulm serves as the heart of the trail, known for its deep brewing heritage and strong craft beer presence. It’s a standout stop where tradition and innovation come together, featuring some of the top breweries in Southwest Minnesota in one central location.
August Schell Brewing Company – New Ulm, Minnesota | Historic German Brewery Since 1860
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in New Ulm at August Schell Brewing Company, a historic brewery founded in 1860 and still family-owned today. It stands as the oldest brewery in Minnesota and one of the oldest family-run breweries in the United States.
The brewery continues to produce a wide range of lagers and ales rooted in German brewing traditions, with a legacy that has carried through multiple generations. Visitors can explore the original grounds, including the brewery site, gardens, and spaces where beer has been crafted for over 160 years.
With its deep history and traditional brewing approach, Schell’s offers a meaningful stop along your Minnesota beer road trip. It fits naturally into searches like “historic breweries in Minnesota” and “New Ulm craft beer destinations.”
The Starkeller – New Ulm, Minnesota | Specialty Sour Beer Facility (Currently Closed to Public Walk-Ins)
Located in New Ulm, The Starkeller is a specialty facility from Schell’s Brewery that focused on producing Berliner Weisse-style sour beers under the Noble Star series. It was designed as a dedicated space for mixed fermentation brewing and unique beer styles.
At present, the taproom is closed to general public visits and is instead used for private events and reservations. The location continues to serve as an event space rather than a regular stop for walk-in guests.
While it’s not currently part of a standard brewery visit, it remains a notable part of Schell’s broader brewing operation. It aligns with searches like “New Ulm brewery event space” and “Schell’s Starkeller Minnesota.”
🍺 Keep Exploring Southwest Minnesota
From small-town breweries to scenic countryside routes, every stop adds something new to the journey. With Hop Passport, you can enjoy buy one beer, get one free while discovering some of the best hidden gems in Southwest Minnesota.
👉 Stay on the Southwest Minnesota trail and see where it leads next with Minnesota Hop Passport.
🍻 5. Sleepy Eye & Gibbon, Minnesota – Quiet Stretch with Local Craft Charm
This stretch slows the pace with small-town stops in Sleepy Eye and Gibbon, where local breweries bring a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s an easygoing section that highlights some of the best hidden gem breweries in Southwest Minnesota.
Sleepy Eye Brewing Company – Sleepy Eye, Minnesota | Small-Batch Brewery in a Historic Theater Setting
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Sleepy Eye at Sleepy Eye Brewing Company, a small-batch craft brewery located inside the renovated historic PIX Theater. It’s a unique stop for those searching for craft beer in Sleepy Eye Minnesota.
The brewery operates a taproom serving house-made beers brewed on-site using a small brewing system, with multiple craft options available on tap. Guests can also enjoy food offerings like pizza and pretzels while experiencing a space that blends brewing with a restored historic venue.
Opened in December 2019, Sleepy Eye Brewing combines local craft beer with a distinctive setting rooted in the town’s history. It fits naturally into searches like “Sleepy Eye Minnesota brewery” and “historic brewery taproom Minnesota.”
Whit Wort Brewing – Gibbon, Minnesota | Small-Batch Brewpub with Rotating Craft Beers
Make your next stop in Gibbon at Whit Wort Brewing, a small-town brewery and taproom focused on handcrafted beer and a casual brewpub experience. It’s a great destination for those searching for craft beer in Gibbon Minnesota.
The brewery offers a mix of staple beers and rotating brews on tap, with a focus on small-batch production and variety. Guests can enjoy drinks alongside food options in a comfortable setting, with additional offerings like mixed drinks and live entertainment depending on the day.
With its rotating selection and local atmosphere, Whit Wort Brewing adds a relaxed and approachable stop to your brewery trail. It aligns well with searches like “Gibbon Minnesota brewery” and “small batch craft beer Minnesota.”
🍻 6. Madelia, Waseca & Montgomery – Scenic Loop with Top Local Stops
This loop brings together a mix of small towns and locally driven breweries across a relaxed countryside route. It’s a flexible section that adds variety while featuring some of the top hidden gem craft stops in Southwest Minnesota.
Lost Sanity Brewing – Madelia, Minnesota | Local Craft Brewery with “Crazy Good Beer” Focus
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Madelia at Lost Sanity Brewing, a small-town brewery built around local pride and community roots. It’s a great stop for those searching for craft beer in Madelia Minnesota.
The brewery highlights its “crazy good beer” made using locally sourced ingredients and specially treated local water to enhance quality and flavor. From locally sourced honey to community-driven brewing practices, everything is centered on keeping the process local and intentional.
With its focus on local ingredients and approachable taproom experience, Lost Sanity Brewing offers a true small-town Minnesota beer stop. It fits naturally into searches like “Madelia Minnesota brewery” and “local craft beer Southwest Minnesota.”
Half Pint Brewing Company – Waseca, Minnesota | Minnesota’s First Farm Brewery with Homegrown Ingredients
Make your way to Waseca and visit Half Pint Brewing Company, a farm brewery centered on locally grown ingredients and small-scale production. It’s a standout destination for those searching for farm breweries in Minnesota.
The brewery produces beer using homegrown hops, clean country water, and locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing a farm-to-glass approach. Known as Minnesota’s first farm brewery, it focuses on crafting beer with ingredients grown on-site or sourced as locally as possible.
With its agricultural roots and commitment to local sourcing, Half Pint Brewing adds a unique and authentic stop along your brewery trail. It aligns well with searches like “farm brewery Minnesota” and “Waseca craft beer experience.”
Montgomery Brewing – Montgomery, Minnesota | Small-Town Taproom with Rotating Craft Beer Selection
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Montgomery at Montgomery Brewing, a local taproom offering a rotating lineup of house-made craft beer. It’s a convenient stop for those exploring breweries near Montgomery Minnesota.
The brewery serves a variety of beer styles ranging from hazy IPAs and fruited sours to crisp lagers and robust ales, all available directly from the taproom. Guests are encouraged to visit on-site, as sales are limited to the taproom experience.
With its rotating selection and classic taproom setup, Montgomery Brewing provides a straightforward and approachable craft beer stop. It fits naturally into searches like “Montgomery Minnesota brewery” and “craft beer near Montgomery MN.”
🍻 7. Fairmont, Minnesota – Southern Stop with Lakeside Charm
Fairmont adds a scenic stop to the trail with its chain of lakes and relaxed small-town setting. It’s a laid-back section that features one of the top local brewery stops in Southwest Minnesota before the final stretch.
Fairmont Brewing Company – Fairmont, Minnesota | Downtown Craft Brewery with Rotating Taps and Community Vibe
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Fairmont at Fairmont Brewing Company, a downtown taproom known for fresh craft beer and a relaxed community setting. It’s a great stop for travelers searching for craft beer in Fairmont Minnesota.
The brewery serves a rotating selection of 8 to 10 beers on tap along with seltzers, all brewed with a focus on quality and variety. Guests can enjoy snacks on-site or bring in food while exploring a lineup that changes regularly to keep each visit different.
With its welcoming atmosphere, rotating taps, and focus on good times, Fairmont Brewing Company delivers a laid-back and approachable brewery experience. It fits naturally into searches like “Fairmont Minnesota brewery” and “Southwest Minnesota craft beer stop.”
🍻 8. Luverne, Minnesota – Final Stop with a Strong Craft Finish
Luverne wraps up the trail in the far southwest corner of Minnesota with a laid-back small-town setting and a standout brewery destination. It’s a smooth and satisfying finish where you can unwind and enjoy one of the top craft beer stops in Southwest Minnesota.
Take 16 Brewing Company – Luverne, Minnesota | Craft Brewery with Taproom, Events, and Family-Friendly Experience
Continue your Southwest Minnesota brewery trail in Luverne at Take 16 Brewing Company, a local brewery with a taproom located on Main Street. It’s a great stop for travelers searching for craft beer in Luverne Minnesota.
The brewery offers a full taproom experience with food, house-made beverages, and a variety of drink options, including its own Rock River root beer made with real vanilla and cane sugar. Guests can enjoy a family-friendly setting with games, ice cream treats, and indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio area.
With regular events like live music in the beer garden and seasonal features such as heated igloos for small groups, Take 16 provides a flexible and social brewery experience. It fits naturally into searches like “Luverne Minnesota brewery” and “family friendly brewery Minnesota.”
🧠Best Places to Explore After Southwest Minnesota
If your journey doesn’t end in Southwest Minnesota, there’s even more of the state waiting to be explored. From here, you’re within reach of some of the best brewery regions in Minnesota, each offering top-rated breweries, scenic routes, and new local flavors perfect for your next craft beer adventure.
👉 Continue your journey with top nearby brewery destinations:
– Central Minnesota breweries featuring relaxed lake country stops and growing craft beer scenes
– Twin Cities Metro Minnesota breweries known for some of the best and most diverse breweries in the Midwest
– Southeast Minnesota breweries offering scenic river towns, historic stops, and hidden gem taprooms
Wherever you go next, there’s always another top brewery experience waiting and a Hop Passport to go with it. 🍻
Cheers! 🥂 #DrinkLocal
