Nice article.

While not mentioned in the "Outstate Breweries" section, a couple more worth mentioning are New Glarus (in New Glarus and free) and Minhas Craft Brewery (in Monroe and $10pp although they frequently offer GroupOn discounts at half off).

www.newglarusbrewing.com/index.cfm/tour .

http://minhasbrewery.com/brewery-tour .

New Glarus Brewing, particularly since they moved to their state of the art facility, is definitely worth a visit, I wholeheartedly agree with you TimeshareVon and nearby Minhas as well. These areas are also fantastic "quiet" and "scenic" gems of Wisconsin. And who can beat the cheese Monroe has to offer---you know how well beer and cheese go together here.

Good article. thank You for posting.

Since this resurfaced, I'll add that I just did the Lakefront Brewery earlier this week and love it. It is well worth the $7 tour fee . . . four 6oz pours and a high quality pint glass to keep. Also if you tour before 4pm, you get a coupon good for a free pint at a number of local pubs/taverns in the city.

I recently completed my own travel journal for the internet site IgoUgo.com. Entitled "The Wisconsin Series - Beer, Cheese & Brats" it includes a number of the breweries I've personally toured.

For those interested in reading more (including photos) here's the link: igougo.com/journal-j77424-Wisconsin-The_Wisc… .

Enjoy!

Thanks for posting! Great info!

I'm always happy to share.

Speaking of sharing, Minhas Brewery in Monroe, WI has a nice 2:1 GroupOn offer right now. For $10 admission for two, including plenty of sampling, the tour plus a gift pack of beer + glass to go.

www.groupon.com/deals/minhas-craft-brewery-4… .

And the Minhas Distillery (across the street from their brewery) has a Living Social 2:1 deal right now for $10 . . . livingsocial.com/deals/533576-microdistiller… .

I did this one last month and had a great time. Free booze to go after the tour!

I'm planning a two day trip from Chicago to Milwaukee to surprise my boyfriend. I am not familiar with Milwaukee. Are there any hotels that are within walking distance from the breweries (one or two)? I am looking into staying at either the Iron Horse Hotel or Hotel Metro. Any information is appreciated!

I don't think any of the operating breweries I've been to are within walking distance of the downtown hotels.