Driftless Brewery Guide: New Glarus, La Crosse & Southwest Wisconsin's Best Craft Beer Trail
The Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin offers some of the state's most scenic brewery hopping terrain. From New Glarus Brewing's hilltop campus to La C… Published 2026-07-06.
The Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin offers some of the state's most scenic brewery-hopping terrain. From New Glarus Brewing's hilltop campus to La Crosse's vibrant craft beer scene along the Mississippi, this unglaciated region combines world-class breweries with dramatic river bluffs and winding country roads perfect for a summer beer adventure.
By Wisconsin Microbreweries · 2026-07-06
Southwest Wisconsin's Driftless Area — that magnificent landscape untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age — isn't just a geological wonder. It's also home to some of Wisconsin's most beloved breweries, tucked into river valleys and perched on rolling hills that seem designed for leisurely weekend exploration. This region stretches from the internationally famous New Glarus Brewing through the Mississippi River towns of La Crosse and Potosi, creating one of the most rewarding brewery circuits in the Midwest. The Driftless brewery guide practically writes itself: dramatic scenery, charming small towns, and taprooms where you can taste everything from traditional German lagers to experimental IPAs. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a week long exploration, this corner of Wisconsin rewards those who take the scenic route. Starting Point: New Glarus Brewing Company No Driftless brewery tour would be complete without New Glarus Brewing, Wisconsin's largest craft brewery and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. Located just off Highway 69 on the north side of New Glarus village, the brewery's hilltop campus offers sweeping views of the surrounding coun…