Michigan is gaining national attention for its award-winning craft beers, and some of the best are made in the Upper Peninsula. From the shores of Lake Superior to quiet inland towns, the region is home to nearly two dozen breweries and distillers stretching from Ironwood to Drummond Island and Menominee to Copper Harbor. Whether you are planning a dedicated brewery crawl or looking for a good pint after a day on the trails, the Upper Peninsula offers a lineup of breweries that reflect the character of the area itself. Below is a guide to some of the notable breweries worth seeking out on your next UP trip.
Marquette Breweries
The city of Marquette serves as the heart of the Upper Peninsula’s craft beer scene. Several breweries are concentrated here, making it easy to visit multiple stops in a single afternoon or evening. The walkable downtown area and waterfront location add to the appeal for visitors staying at nearby hotels.
Blackrocks Brewery
Blackrocks Brewery is located at 424 N 3rd St in Marquette. It is frequently described as a top notch brewery by locals and visitors alike. If you are staying at the Hampton Inn Waterfront in Marquette, Blackrocks Brewery is approximately a 20 minute walk from the hotel. The brewery has earned a strong reputation among those who know the UP beer scene well.
Barrel and Beam
Barrel + Beam Brewery is located at 260 Northwoods Rd in Marquette. It is known for producing European style beer, making it a standout choice for drinkers who prefer traditional brewing methods and subtle, refined flavors. The atmosphere and setting offer a different experience from some of the larger, busier taprooms in town.
Ore Dock Brewing Company
Ore Dock Brewing Company, also in Marquette, is another brewery that specializes in European style beer. It has earned a loyal following among those who appreciate carefully crafted lagers and ales. Located in the downtown area, Ore Dock fits well into a walking tour of Marquette breweries.
Drifa Brewing Company
Drifa Brewing Company is situated at 501 South Lake Street in Marquette. It adds to the variety of options available in the city and rounds out a solid lineup of craft beer destinations within a short distance of one another.
Breweries Beyond Marquette
While Marquette has a strong concentration of breweries, the rest of the Upper Peninsula offers plenty of excellent options. From the western edge near Ironwood to the eastern side near the bridge, each brewery brings its own character and story.
Keweenaw Brewery
Keweenaw Brewery is listed among the best breweries in Michigan. Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, it is a well known name for anyone exploring the Copper Country. It is often abbreviated as KBC in casual conversation, and along with Blackrocks, it is considered top notch by regulars on the UP beer circuit.
Upper Peninsula Brewing Company
Upper Peninsula Brewing Company was established in 2016 and opened to the public in 2021. It is located in Negaunee, Michigan. The building that houses the brewery was originally a slaughterhouse, giving the taproom a unique history. It does not have a kitchen, but the brewery allows outside food, so you can bring in your own meal or order delivery. The outdoor patio is dog friendly, and the space features an open layout with communal tables and smaller tables, along with a bar that seats 10 to 15 people. Upper Peninsula Brewing Company hosts events including live music, comedy, and open mic nights. It also rents its space for private events.
Upper Hand Brewery
Upper Hand Brewery states that it brews the best beer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located in Escanaba, it has become a known name among UP beer drinkers. Their motto and branding lean into local pride, and the brewery has built a following that appreciates both the beer and the attitude.
Cold Iron Brewing
Cold Iron Brewing is located at 104 S Lowell St in Ironwood. This spot serves the western end of the Upper Peninsula and gives travelers heading toward the Porcupine Mountains or the Wisconsin border a quality place to stop for a pint.
51st State Brewing Co
51st State Brewing Co is located at 115 Harding Ave in Kingsford, Michigan. It serves the area near the Wisconsin border and provides another option for those exploring the southern part of the Upper Peninsula.
Alpha Michigan Brewing Company
Alpha Michigan Brewing Company is located at 303 E Center St in Alpha, Michigan. This small town brewery adds to the growing number of craft beer destinations spread across the region.
ByGeorge Brewing Co
ByGeorge Brewing Co is located at 231 E Superior St in Munising. It is a convenient stop for visitors exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the many waterfalls in the area. After a day of hiking, it is a fitting place to relax with a locally made beer.
The Church Brewery
The Church Brewery is located at 5133 I Road in Bark River. The name hints at the building’s former life, and the brewery has carved out its own identity in the UP beer landscape.
Breweries with Food and Unique Amenities
Not all breweries in the Upper Peninsula serve food, but several offer full menus or have partnerships that make it easy to grab a meal alongside your beer. Knowing which breweries have kitchens and which allow outside food can help you plan your visit.
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub offers a selection of micro brewed beers along with food. Located near Tahquamenon Falls State Park, it is a natural stop for visitors seeing one of Michigan’s most famous waterfalls. The combination of house made beer and full food service makes it a practical and enjoyable destination.
Upper Peninsula Brewing Company Dog Friendly Patio
As noted above, Upper Peninsula Brewing Company does not have a kitchen but allows outside food. Its dog friendly outdoor patio makes it a good choice for travelers who want to bring their dog along. The open space and flexible food policy mean you can settle in with snacks or a takeout meal while you enjoy a beer.
The U.P. Brew Trail
The U.P. Brew Trail connects breweries across the Upper Peninsula. It is a useful resource for anyone planning to visit multiple breweries during a single trip. By following the trail, you can map out stops from one end of the region to the other. The trail includes many of the breweries listed above and provides a structured way to experience the variety of craft beer available in the Upper Peninsula. Whether you are a dedicated beer traveler or just looking for a fun way to explore the region, the trail offers a framework for your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many breweries are in the Upper Peninsula?
The Upper Peninsula has nearly two dozen breweries and distillers stretching from Ironwood to Drummond Island and Menominee to Copper Harbor. The exact number changes as new breweries open, so it is a good idea to check the U.P. Brew Trail website or local tourism resources for the most current count.
Which Upper Peninsula breweries serve food?
Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub offers both micro brewed beers and food. Upper Peninsula Brewing Company does not have a kitchen but allows outside food. Many other breweries may offer food or have food trucks on site, so it is best to check with each brewery directly before visiting.
What is the U.P. Brew Trail?
The U.P. Brew Trail is a route that connects breweries across the Upper Peninsula. It is designed to help visitors plan visits to multiple breweries in a logical sequence. The trail covers breweries from the western edge near Ironwood to the eastern side of the region.
Are any Upper Peninsula breweries dog friendly?
Upper Peninsula Brewing Company has a dog friendly outdoor patio. Other breweries may also allow dogs on their patios, but policies vary. It is recommended to call ahead or check each brewery’s website or social media page for their current pet policy before you go.
Where are the most breweries concentrated in the Upper Peninsula?
Marquette has the highest concentration of breweries in the Upper Peninsula. Blackrocks Brewery, Barrel and Beam, Ore Dock Brewing Company, and Drifa Brewing Company are all located in or near the city. This makes Marquette a convenient home base for anyone planning to visit multiple taprooms.
Whether you are a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a good place to relax after a day of hiking waterfalls and exploring state parks, the Upper Peninsula offers a diverse and welcoming brewery scene. From the European style beers at Barrel and Beam and Ore Dock to the top notch reputation of Blackrocks and Keweenaw Brewery, there is something for every palate. Plan your route using the U.P. Brew Trail, check ahead for food options and pet policies, and enjoy tasting your way through one of Michigan’s most scenic regions.