Ava, Illinois | 1.5 hours
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Set in an idyllic location near Shawnee National Forest, this farmhouse brewery is a perfect fall destination. All About Beer magazine named the brewery one of the most beautiful places to drink beer in the world. It has a rotating draft list, including a seasonal barrel-aged strawberry and a farmhouse ale. Scratch Brewing is a cash-only business, but it does have an ATM onsite.
See Also: A guide to St. Louis’ brewery scene
Bucyrus, Missouri | 3 hours
Located in the Ozarks, this farmhouse brewery has everything for a great weekend getaway, including accommodations. The beer list is extensive and includes a Mexican-style lager Cerveza Rio Ale, which won gold at the 2020 Open Beer Championship.
Kansas City | 4 hours
When BKS Artisan Ales opened in 2017, it was the first craft brewery in the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City. In recent years, the brewery has been recognized on a national stage for several of its beers, including Clouds Hazy Double IPA, Rockhill & Locust English Mild Ale, and Pivo Project Bohemian-Style Pilsner. You can try Hazy Double IPA and others at the tasting room, which is open seven days a week.
Bloomington, Indiana | 4 hours
Upland has breweries in several locations in Indiana, including Bloomington, Carmel, and Indianapolis. It offers an extensive beer menu, with ales, lagers, and experimental beers. And the brewery’s opening a new tap house on the north side of Indy later this fall.
Kansas City, Missouri | 4 hours
The focus of this Kansas City favorite is local pride and German beer. It offers six beer options year-round and a seasonal menu, which includes a Vienna-style lager for the fall. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Oktoberfest, it has a Bavarian-style Biergarten.
Chicago, Illinois | 5 hours
Founded in 2010, Revolution is Illinois’ largest independently owned brewery. Its Hero Series includes five versions of IPA, while the City Series features Chicago-only brews like a crisp pale ale and pilsner. The Kedzie Avenue Brewery & Taproom pours 20 drafts on rotation, including non-alcoholic and gluten-free options.
Chicago, Illinois | 5 hours
Established in 2007, Half Acre is celebrated for its innovative flavors and artistic labels. Flagships like Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and Tuna Extra Pale Ale are local staples. Visit the Lincoln Square taproom or the Balmoral Avenue beer garden for fresh pours and limited releases.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 6 hours
Founded in 1987 in a former bakery in the Beerline B neighborhood, Lakefront was a pioneer in the city’s modern craft movement. It was the first brewery to bottle fruit beer and produce a certified organic beer. The beer hall features 18 taps, including Dive Beer (a light lager) and Fuel Cafe (a coffee stout), alongside several gluten-free options. Daily brewery tours are offered both in person and virtually.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 6 hours
Opened in 2016, Third Space focuses on community and craftsmanship. With cheerfully named beers like Happy Place and Nice Day, the taproom radiates positivity. Through the Pints with a Purpose program, every pint supports local nonprofits. On Saturdays, guests can join a brewery tour or sign up for Beer School classes exploring hops, barrel-aging, and blind tasting.
Ames, Iowa | 6 hours
Alluvial Brewing is located on a 40-acre organic farm just outside of Ames, Iowa. It offers a taproom with hoppy, sour, and seasonal beers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the Orange Lazarus Milkshake IPA, brewed with malted and flaked oats, vanilla, orange juice, and mangoes.
Holland, Michigan | 6.5 hours
New Holland Brewing has been serving up beer since 1997, when owner Brett VanderKamp thought his hometown needed something new. Today, the company employs more than 500 people and is recognized as one of the craft brewing scene’s leaders. In addition to its year-round beers, the brewery has seasonal beers and a release calendar, so you always know what’s coming.
Grand Rapids, Michigan | 7 hours
Founded in 1997, Founders is the cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ craft beer community. Known for bold flavors and innovation, the brewery produces favorites like Dirty Bastard (a Scotch-style ale) and Devil Spiked (a hard ginger beer). The taproom—housed in a former trucking depot—offers exclusive on-tap selections and guided tours.
Grand Rapids, Michigan | 7 hours
Just a few miles away, Brewery Vivant operates out of a refurbished funeral home that resembles a European chapel, complete with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Established in 2010, it’s the world’s first LEED-certified microbrewery, serving European-inspired beers and cuisine. Expect standout farmhouse ales and Belgian-style brews, and stop by for Stein Night on Mondays or Monk Night on Tuesdays.
Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota | 8.5 hours
Housed in a historic World War II–era manufacturing facility, Forgotten Star opened in 2019 and offers a family- and dog-friendly taproom. The spacious setting features rotating beer selections and frequent events—from yoga and bingo to seasonal festivals.
Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota | 8.5 hours
Located in the heart of the Arts District, Indeed is known for imaginative creations such as Day Tripper Pale Ale, Flavorwave IPA, and Pistachio Cream Ale—the latter once accounted for 30% of total sales. Through the Indeed We Can initiative, 100 percent of net profits from select Tuesday and Wednesday nights support local community organizations.
Minneapolis, Minnesota | 9 hours
What began in a south Minneapolis garage in 2009 now has two breweries and beer in more than 100 bars throughout the Twin Cities region. The taproom offers a long list of beers, including IPAs, India pale ales, and several lagers, as well as a great food menu.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version.
