15 of the Top Brewery Tours to Take in the US
The Pike Brewing Company — Seattle, WA
The Pike Brewing Company offers yet another reason to visit iconic Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. The country’s oldest and most-visited public market opened over a century ago and hosts this brewery that was opened in 1989, producing popular handcrafted brews like the Space Needle IPA and Pike Pale Ale.
It offers free tours of its unique gravity flow, steam powered brewery that are led by the brewery’s expert staff and includes samples of beer and a Pike pint glass. They’re offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 3 p.m.
Afterward you’ll be able to walk it off by checking out the market’s fresh produce and seafood, flowers, vintage items, handcrafted goods and more. Or just be entertained by the fishmongers tossing the fresh catch of the day back and forth while cracking jokes.
Jester King Brewery — Austin, Texas
The Texas capital is famous for its music and food, including mouthwatering barbecue, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular for its brew scene. In fact, when it comes to the state’s brewing circles, you may not find better than Jester King. A suburban giant, it’s a virtual temple of American/Belgian free-thinking experimentation. It’s the only farmhouse brewery in the Lone Star State that allows natural yeast to ferment its beers, resulting in low carbonation, bold flavors and sour notes.
Tours are free, open to all ages and require no reservation. They last about 30 minutes and while they don’t come with a beverage, visitors can enjoy Jester King brews in the tasting room or restaurant. If you can, plan to visit in the springtime when the wide-open field outside the brewery is filled with colorful wildflowers — a scene that can be enjoyed while sipping one of Jester King’s fine brews. It makes for the perfect destination for a Texas weekend getaway or activity as part of a longer vacation.
Tours are available at the following times:
- Fridays at 6 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
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Lakefront Brewery — Milwaukee, WI
In a town famous for its beer, Lakefront Brewery is frequently named the very best. This popular riverfront craft brewery offers weekday tours for $9; however, with production in process you won’t be able to tour the entire facility. On weekends, tours are $11 and will take you through the entire brewery.
You’ll also get a souvenir pint glass and four 6-ounce pours of beer. If you have someone with you that’s a non-beer drinker or under 21 years of age, they can enjoy the company’s Golden Maple Root Beer instead. The tours last about 45 minutes. Saturday tours must be booked online. While times vary, they typically run every half-hour or hour from noon until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.
