Northwoods Brewery Guide: Craft Beer in Wisconsin's Lakes and Pines
Wisconsin's Northwoods region offers more than pristine lakes and towering pines—it's home to some of the state's most acclaimed breweries. From Central W… Published 2026-09-07.
Wisconsin's Northwoods region offers more than pristine lakes and towering pines—it's home to some of the state's most acclaimed breweries. From Central Waters' barrel-aged masterpieces in Amherst to The Brewing Projekt's innovative brews in Eau Claire, this guide maps out the perfect fall brewery road trip through Wisconsin's heartland, where craft beer culture meets wilderness beauty.
By Wisconsin Microbreweries · 2026-09-07
As autumn paints Wisconsin's Northwoods in shades of crimson and gold, there's no better time to explore the breweries tucked among the region's lakes, rivers, and pine forests. This isn't your typical brewery trail—the Northwoods Wisconsin brewery guide takes you beyond Milwaukee's urban taprooms into the heart of central Wisconsin, where small town breweries have cultivated national reputations and lakeside taprooms offer the perfect après paddle refreshment. The Northwoods brewing scene combines the region's logging and industrial heritage with modern craft beer innovation. Whether you're planning a fall color tour, a fishing weekend, or simply escaping to cabin country, these breweries deserve a spot on your itinerary. Central Waters Brewing Company: Amherst's Barrel Aged Powerhouse Central Waters in Amherst has become synonymous with world class barrel aged beers, making this small village of 1,000 people a pilgrimage site for serious beer enthusiasts. Located about 20 minutes south of Stevens Point, Central Waters occupies a modern facility that's transformed this quiet community into a craft beer destination. The brewery's reputation rests largely on its barrel aging progra…