Popular craft breweries in Wisconsin: 6 places to know
Six Wisconsin breweries from Milwaukee to Madison and beyond, with a current warning about the New Glarus Hilltop closure.
Wisconsin craft beer includes far more than one famous brewery and a long lager tradition. These six stops connect New Glarus, Milwaukee, Amherst, Sheboygan, Muskego, and Madison, with local-only beer, riverfront tours, barrel aging, and neighborhood taprooms.
The short answer is New Glarus Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Central Waters Brewing Company, 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Eagle Park Brewing Company, and Working Draft Beer Company. They are not the only breweries worth visiting in Wisconsin. They are a curated starting point with active first-party locations and enough stylistic range to plan a useful trip.
1. New Glarus Brewing Company
Where: New Glarus
New Glarus is known for selling its beer only in Wisconsin, with Spotted Cow as the familiar entry point. Its official site currently says Hilltop Brewery is closed. A gift shop is open at 218 Hoesly Drive, but do not plan a brewery visit until the company posts new visitor guidance.
Visit New Glarus Brewing Company's official site
2. Lakefront Brewery
Where: Milwaukee
Lakefront combines a Milwaukee River setting, brewery tours, food, and a wide-ranging lineup. It is a practical group stop because visitors can compare lager and ale while learning how the brewery presents its own history.
Visit Lakefront Brewery's official site
3. Central Waters Brewing Company
Where: Amherst and Milwaukee
Central Waters is a Wisconsin reference point for barrel-aged strong beer as well as year-round releases. Its Amherst and Milwaukee locations offer different trip options, so check the official pages before choosing one.
Visit Central Waters Brewing Company's official site
4. 3 Sheeps Brewing Company
Where: Sheboygan
3 Sheeps gives the Lake Michigan side of the state a large, active taproom and a broad beer lineup. The brewery's current menu is a better guide than one flagship because the selection crosses several styles.
Visit 3 Sheeps Brewing Company's official site
5. Eagle Park Brewing Company
Where: Milwaukee and Muskego
Eagle Park brings a modern range of hop-forward beer, lager, strong dark releases, and food to southeastern Wisconsin. Its two official locations make it easier to fit into either a city or suburban route.
Visit Eagle Park Brewing Company's official site
6. Working Draft Beer Company
Where: Madison
Working Draft is a neighborhood Madison brewery with a clear interest in precise lager and modern hop flavor. The taproom format makes it a good place to order small comparisons rather than hunt one package release.
Visit Working Draft Beer Company's official site
How to plan a Wisconsin brewery trip
Milwaukee offers the easiest cluster through Lakefront, Eagle Park, and the Milwaukee Central Waters location. Pair Madison with New Glarus if visitor access is confirmed. Sheboygan and Amherst need separate legs, especially if weather slows Wisconsin driving.
Use pilsner vs lager for the state's crisp-beer tradition and our draft beer guide before ordering at the source.
Before you go
Tap lists, hours, ticketing, food service, and release limits can change. Check every brewery's official site on the day of your visit. Bring a designated driver or arrange transportation, order smaller pours when comparing several beers, and skip any stop that makes the route rushed.
Related questions
What are some popular craft breweries in Wisconsin?
This guide includes New Glarus Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Central Waters Brewing Company, 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Eagle Park Brewing Company, and Working Draft Beer Company. The list is a curated starting point, not a universal ranking.
Which Wisconsin city is best for a brewery trip?
Milwaukee has the largest cluster in this list. Madison and New Glarus pair well when the New Glarus visitor facilities are open, while Sheboygan and Amherst sit on separate routes.
Do Wisconsin breweries require reservations?
Policies vary by brewery, location, event, and release. Check each brewery's official hours and visit page before traveling, especially for tours, rural destinations, and limited releases.
Official brewery sources
- New Glarus Brewing Company
- Lakefront Brewery
- Central Waters Brewing Company
- 3 Sheeps Brewing Company
- Eagle Park Brewing Company
- Working Draft Beer Company
First-party visitor details were checked on September 18, 2026.
