What pairs best with an ice cold beer? A scenic bike ride, of course! Wisconsin is the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds and pedal for a pint. As late summer meets early fall, it’s prime time to explore the ample array of Wisconsin breweries on bike trails.
Here are our top five picks to check out this summer and beyond:
New Glarus Brewing Company
New Glarus
Veer off of your ride on Sugar River State Trail to sample some award-winning beers and bask in the beauty of bird’s-eye views from the hilltop beer garden at New Glarus Brewing Company. Notorious for its slogan, “Only in Wisconsin,” there’s no doubt that you’ll encounter the most sought-after brews in the state. You know you’re in Wisconsin when you see the famous Spotted Cow, a fun, fruity and satisfying ale. You also can’t go wrong with the Belgian Red, over a whopping pound of Door County cherries go into the creation of every bottle. And it’s always a good idea to test out a seasonal brew, like the Coffee Stout, a hearty and satisfying full-bodied brew featuring Wisconsin water, roasted malts and American hops. Take a break from the bike trail and visit New Glarus Brewing Company, the destination for sipping and socializing while overlooking the magnificent rolling Green County hills. For more information, visit newglarusbrewing.com.
Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee
Breeze by the Milwaukee River on the Beerline Trail, named after the location where many historic Milwaukee breweries were built, to visit the classic Lakefront Brewery. Known for its indigenous brewing and locally sourced ingredients, Lakefront Brewery introduced the first beer in the United States made from 100 percent in-state-grown ingredients. It feels even more satisfying to sip a pint while supporting Wisconsin small businesses. Make sure to check out some signature beers like the famous Cherry Lager, a barrel-aged lager infused with Door County cherries. And as fall is just around the corner, prepare to indulge in the Pumpkin Lager, a seasonal favorite which is one of the few pumpkin lagers available in the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a brew or a bite, Lakefront Brewery’s beer hall and riverwalk outdoor patio offer an atmosphere to do both. The dining menu includes Milwaukee classics like grilled beer brats and beer battered fish tacos. For an authentic experience, be sure to make a pit stop at Lakefront Brewery to get a feel for one of Wisconsin’s top breweries on bike trails. For more information, visit lakefrontbrewery.com.
Tyranena Brewing Company
Lake Mills
Located midway between Milwaukee and Madison on the expansive Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Tyranena Brewing Company is an ideal spot for an intermission. Enjoy a legendary Wisconsin brew in the indoor tasting room while convincing your family and friends to play nostalgic board games. Or take your pint outside to the lively beer garden, a sociable atmosphere which offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. There will be no shortage of beer; Tyranena Brewing Company uses a modern 30-barrel brewhouse with a production capacity of 45,000 barrels. Some classic flagship beers include Three Beaches Honey Blonde, Lake Millionaire IPA and Mangy Fox Copper Ale. And as the weather becomes more crisp, you’ll definitely want to splurge on a seasonal favorite like the Painted Ladies, a pumpkin spice ale, or the Down N’ Dirty, a chocolate oatmeal stout. With so much to see and do, it’s a no-brainer to check off your bucket list and visit one of Wisconsin’s best breweries on bike trails. For more information, visit tyranena.com.
Lucette Brewing Company
Menomonie
Quench your thirst after a picturesque ride on the crushed limestone Red Cedar Trail by refueling at Lucette Brewing Company. The brewery’s name is a nod to the town’s lumber roots, inspired by lumberjack Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart, Lucette, to remind guests of the past and move forward to build a better future. By crafting quality beers using traditional Wisconsin brewing techniques, Lucette Brewing Company is best-known for concocting stimulating sips unique to the area. Some dangerously satisfying brews include the Wisco, a slightly sweet IPA filled with flavors of coconut, tangerine and pineapple; the 44 North, a midwestern IPA with pleasant bitterness, watermelon Jolly Rancher flavors and a sweet aroma; and the Toasted, a Märzen-style lager which is brewed specially for fall and the enjoyment of all. Lucette Brewing Company also fires up Neapolitan-style pizzas and beer recommendations to savor alongside them. A particularly mouthwatering flavor to look out for is the Sweet Honey Love, featuring red pepper flakes, oregano and a honey drizzle. And don’t miss out on the pizzas featuring home-made beer steeped fennel sausage. For more information and a closer look at the menus, visit lucettebrewing.com.
Lazy Monk Brewing
Eau Claire
After pedaling over the stunning St. Croix River on the Chippewa River State Trail you can find Lazy Monk Brewing, a European craft brewery that focuses on old world tradition. Lazy Monk Brewing has made a name for itself through its traditional Bohemian and German lagers, but also offers IPAs, stouts and ales, all hand-crafted using the finest local and imported ingredients. With over 13 beers on tap, it’s hard to make a decision, but some invigorating brews to keep an eye out for include the Peanut Butter Milk Stout, a rich chocolatey dessert stout, and the Good King Wenceslas, a fruity lager infused with dark plums and notes of cinnamon. Enjoy your brew in the large German-style beer hall or at the outdoor beer garden perched above the glistening Chippewa River. And don’t leave without asking about Oktoberfest. Lazy Monk Brewery has brought the Oktoberfest celebration to Eau Claire for years through good friends, an authentic environment and, of course, traditional Oktoberfest beer. With so much to offer the community, it’s no surprise that Lazy Monk Brewing is one of Wisconsin’s premier breweries on bike trails. For more information, visit lazymonkbrewing.com.