Check Out These Michigan Breweries On The Lake Superior Ale Trail
The Lake Superior Circle Tour invites travelers to see the amazing landmarks and attractions in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario, and Minnesota while traveling around the world’s largest freshwater lake. Recently, they have added a focus on craft beer with the Lake Superior Ale Trail, a list of 17 breweries located on the circle tour. “These breweries have an emphasis on quality, flavor, atmosphere and unique brewing techniques with locally sourced ingredients. Many offer tours so you can see first-hand what goes in to crafting these amazing brews right at the source.” In this post you’ll find more information on the five Michigan breweries that are part of the tour, including favorite beers, food offerings, and nearby attractions. Find out more at https://superiorcircletour.com/lakesuperioraletrail/ or on Facebook (download a full PDF here). Also, be sure to check out list of 10 Must-Visit Michigan Locations on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. This is a trip we’ve made five times, and one we highly recommend to anyone!
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub (Paradise) – Michigan’s only brewery inside a state park, Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub is also one of its longest operating (dating back to 1996). Beers like Black Bear Stout, Porcupine Pale Ale, and Harvest Wheat Ale pair well with a full food menu that includes fresh-caught whitefish, steaks, pasta, sandwiches, and more. Be sure to check out the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, the state’s largest waterfall that is reached from the same parking lot as the brewery.
Lake Superior Brewing Co. (Grand Marais) – Grand Marais is located on the eastern edge of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near the Grand Sable Dunes, Sable Falls, and other attractions. Snowmobile traffic keeps this small town busy in the winter, and as tourist head to Pictured Rocks in the summer, Lake Superior Brewing is a great place to quench your thirst before heading out on an adventure. Try beers like Cabin Fever ESB, Puddingstone Wheat, and Hematite Stout while enjoying a full food menu and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Be sure to check out the unique Pickle Barrel House down the street!
Ore Dock Brewing Company (Marquette) – You’ll find Ore Dock Brewing in downtown Marquette, just a few blocks from where large freighters used to load ore at a 1200 foot x 75 foot x 65 foot dock. This brewery has a laid-back vibe and plenty of space to sit and sip on favorites like Reclamation IPA, Bum’s Beach Wheat, Porter, and Fresh Coast IPA.
Red Jacket Brewing Co. (Calumet) – The Michigan House Cafe and Red Jacket Brewing Co. is located in historic downtown Calumet on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The building dates back to 1905 and features a large ceiling mural and massive wooden bar. Try beers like the Keweenaw Cowboy IPA and Oatmeal Express Stout while trying appetizers, seafood, sandwiches and paninis, burgers, and more. Be sure to stop by the historic Calumet Theatre, Italian Hall memorial, Coppertown USA Museum, and the Keweenaw National Historic Park headquarters while in Calumet.
Cold Iron Brewing Company (Ironwood) – One of the newest additions to the Upper Peninsula Brewery scene, Cold Iron offers a laid-back taproom located just minutes from endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Try favorites like Ayer Street Amber, Copper Peak Pale Ale or Drift North IPA. You’ll also find seasonal limited release beers and frequent live music.
The other stops on the tour include Earth Rider Brewery in Wisconsin, five breweries in Duluth, MN (Canal Park Brewing Company, Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Hoops Brewing Co., Ursa Minor Brewing and Fitger’s Brewhouse), Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors, MN, North Shore Winery in Lutsen, MN, and Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais, MN.
In Ontario the trail offers Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. (Thunder Bay), and two stops in Sault Ste. Marie (OutSpoken Brewing and Northern Superior Brewing Co.).
