If a great craft beer experience is on your radar, a stop at Bent Paddle Brewing is one of the best decisions you can make in Duluth, Minnesota. Tucked into the vibrant Lincoln Park Craft District, this family-owned brewery has been bending traditions since 2013, and it shows in everything from the inventive tap list to the warm, welcoming energy of the taproom. Whether you’re a die-hard IPA fan or more of a lager lover, Bent Paddle Brewing has something that’ll make you glad you stopped in.
Of course, a visit to Bent Paddle Brewing is just one of the best things to do in Duluth. The city is packed with memorable experiences, especially if you love the outdoors. Walk the Lakewalk along Lake Superior, spend a sunny afternoon at Park Point Beach, or watch massive freighters navigate the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. Duluth also offers a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, and some of the best hiking on the North Shore.
When it comes to where to stay, Solglimt Bed and Breakfast stands out as the ideal home base for your Duluth adventure. We are the only lakefront Duluth Bed and Breakfast in the city, we offer artfully presented gourmet breakfasts, lush gardens, and a level of personalized hospitality you simply won’t find at a chain hotel. After a full day exploring Lincoln Park breweries and Lake Superior’s shoreline, coming back to this kind of warmth makes all the difference. Book your stay today!
Getting to Know Bent Paddle Brewing
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. has been bending traditions in Duluth, Minnesota, since 2013, and over a decade in, the brewery is still one of the most energetic and beloved spots in the city. Originally, the brewery and small taproom were housed under one roof, but the operation quickly outgrew that space, and a larger taproom opened in 2018, giving the growing fan base plenty of room to settle in.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is a 30-barrel production craft brewery and taproom located in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The taproom itself is a big, airy, modern-industrial space, with a long bar, plenty of seating, a stage for live music, and rotating food trucks parked just outside. You could easily spend a whole afternoon at Bent Paddle, and most people do. There’s also an outdoor heated patio and a green space called The Yard, which offers live music throughout the summer.
The beer lineup is where Bent Paddle Brewing really earns its reputation. Their year-round flagship beers include Venture Pils, Bent Hop IPA, 14° Degree Amber Ale, Black Ale, Cold Press Black, Light Lager, and Retro Haze. Ordering a flight is a smart move on your first visit, so you can explore the range before committing to a full pint. The Cold Press Black, a coffee ale made with cold-pressed coffee, is a personal favorite and worth seeking out.
The brewers at Bent Paddle use the water of Lake Superior to brew their craft beer and THC beverages, which feels fitting for a brewery so rooted in the spirit of this region. Beyond the flagship lineup, keep an eye out for seasonal releases and pilot batch experiments from the on-site small-batch brewery, which adds a fun element of surprise to every visit.
The mission of Bent Paddle Brewing is to brew craft beverages with a concentration on sustainability for the business, employees, the environment, and the greater community, all while bending the traditions they encounter. That commitment to community isn’t just marketing copy. Bent Paddle has been very active, a positive force supporting hundreds of local organizations, and you can feel that community-first attitude the moment you walk through the door.
Once you’ve made Bent Paddle Brewing your first stop, Duluth has plenty more great options if you’re planning a full brewery tour of the city.
Here are some worth adding to your list:
- Canal Park Brewing Co. might be the Duluth brewery with the best view.
- Ursa Minor Brewing offers fantastic wood-fired pizzas and a great rotating craft beer selection.
- Clyde Iron Works Brewing brings creative Duluth brews to a stunning setting inside a historic steel fabrication plant in Lincoln Park.
- Fitger’s Brewhouse is the oldest brewpub in the area, producing award-winning small-batch ales and lagers crafted from nearly 200 unique recipes.
- Blacklist Brewing Co. rounds out the downtown options with a European-inspired approach to small-batch ales and, if you’re feeling adventurous, axe-throwing lanes to go with your pint.
End Your Day at Duluth’s Only Lakefront Bed and Breakfast
After an afternoon tasting flights and Bent Paddle and other Lincoln Park breweries, there’s nothing quite like returning to the calm of our Bed and Breakfast. As the only lakefront Duluth Bed and Breakfast in the city, you get stunning Lake Superior views, beautifully appointed guest rooms, and a level of care that reminds you why you chose a Duluth Bed and Breakfast over a standard hotel in the first place.
Mornings at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast are a highlight in their own right. Breakfast is an epicurean experience, with beautifully plated three-course gourmet meals prepared with local ingredients and served with a custom blend of Alakef Coffee, roasted right here in Duluth. The gardens are gorgeous, the common spaces feel like a retreat, and the personalized hospitality means your hosts actually know your name and your preferences. If you’re planning a trip to Duluth and want to experience the city the right way, start by booking your stay at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast. Reserve your room today.