If you are looking for a city that takes its craft beer seriously, Duluth, Minnesota, more than delivers on that promise. The breweries in Duluth MN have a history that stretches back to the mid-1800s, when early brewers discovered something special: the pure, cold waters of Lake Superior made for an exceptional brew. That tradition never really went away. It just got a whole lot more interesting.
Today, Duluth is home to a thriving craft beer scene that draws beer enthusiasts from across the Midwest, and with good reason. From award-winning flagships to experimental small-batch releases, the variety here is genuinely impressive, and the community behind it is passionate, welcoming, and always pushing the craft forward.
Of course, breweries in Duluth MN are just one part of what makes a trip here worth planning. There is no shortage of things to do in Duluth when you step outside the taproom. The Lakewalk offers stunning views of Lake Superior and easy access to Canal Park, one of the most walkable and lively neighborhoods in the city. The Aerial Lift Bridge is an iconic landmark worth seeing in person, and for those who love the outdoors, the Superior Hiking Trail makes for a great afternoon. The food scene here has grown alongside the beer culture, so you will find excellent farm-to-table dining, local coffee roasters, and independent shops woven throughout the neighborhoods.
When you are ready to rest and recharge between adventures, Solglimt Bed and Breakfast is the kind of place that turns a trip into a memory. As the only lakefront Duluth Bed and Breakfast, our beautifully appointed retreat sits right on the shores of Lake Superior, putting you steps from the water and within easy reach of Canal Park. The artfully presented gourmet breakfasts are a highlight, with locally sourced ingredients and a three-course spread that sets the tone for a perfect day. The personalized hospitality creates an experience that goes well beyond a typical hotel stay. Book your stay today!
Breweries in Duluth MN Worth Knowing About
The modern craft brewing movement in Duluth took root in 1994, when Lake Superior Brewing Co. first opened its doors and proved the city had both the water and the appetite for exceptional beer. From that point forward, new breweries in Duluth MN kept arriving, each one adding its own personality to the scene. The community of beer drinkers here is sophisticated and curious, which keeps brewers constantly experimenting. If you plan to spend any real time exploring the breweries in Duluth MN, here are the ones worth putting on your list.
Bent Paddle Brewing Company is widely considered the best brewery in Duluth, and it earns that reputation. A 30-barrel craft brewery located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Bent Paddle was founded with a mission to “bend the tradition” of classic brewing while staying deeply connected to the community it serves.
Bent Paddle’s 14 Degree Amber is the flagship and has taken home Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival, which is about as strong a resume as a single beer can have. Bent Paddle has been a consistent supporter of local nonprofits through its “Paddle It Forward” initiative since 2013. It is the kind of place that is easy to love for the beer, and even easier to love for everything else.
Canal Park Brewing Company is a natural stop if you are already spending time in the Canal Park district. With a dozen beers on tap plus rotating cask options, the selection here holds up well, and the patio seating with views of Lake Superior is hard to beat on a nice day. It is walkable from the Lakewalk and sits right in the middle of one of Duluth’s most visited neighborhoods.
Ursa Minor Brewing takes a different approach, one rooted in the idea that beer is meant to bring people together. Their range is notably eclectic, from a Boysenberry Cherry Lactose Sour to a coffee cream ale to a Pilsner made entirely from Minnesota ingredients. If you like breweries in Duluth MN that take creative risks, Ursa Minor is worth the visit.
Fitger’s Brewhouse holds a special place among the Duluth breweries as the city’s original brewpub, operating out of the historic Fitger’s complex on the lakeshore. The award-winning ales and lagers speak for themselves, and the burgers, voted best in the city by Duluth Reader Weekly, are worth the trip on their own.
Blacklist Brewing is another strong option, with numerous craft beer awards to its name and the distinction of being one of the breweries in Duluth, MN, making handcrafted hard seltzer alongside its beer lineup.
For something with a bit more old-world character, Dubh Linn Brew Pub is an Irish nano-brewery tucked into the cellar of a 125-year-old downtown building. The pub menu leans on fresh local ingredients, and the atmosphere is unlike anything else in the city.
A short drive across the bridge into Superior, Wisconsin, takes you to Earth Rider Brewery. This independently owned operation brews sustainably and hosts live music and events regularly in its cedar lounge taproom. If you prefer to have options all in one place, 7 West Taphouse offers 46 beers on tap and a wide-ranging menu across multiple locations.
And rounding out the breweries in Duluth MN, Duluth Cider was the first cidery to open in the city. The owners spent years traveling the world to learn from cider masters before returning to Duluth to launch what has become a fascinating spot for anyone who appreciates craft beverages beyond the pint glass. The range runs from sweet to dry, with hopped varieties and experimental juice blends that are worth trying even if cider is not normally your thing.
Come Stay at the Best Duluth Bed and Breakfast
After a day of exploring the breweries in Duluth MN, there is something especially satisfying about returning somewhere that feels like more than just a room for the night. Solglimt Bed and Breakfast offers exactly that. As the only lakefront Bed and Breakfast in the city, our Duluth Bed and Breakfast places you right on the water, with Lake Superior views, private beach access, and a front-row seat to the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and the boat traffic moving through the shipping canal. It is a setting that is hard to replicate, and the experience inside matches it.
Every morning begins with a thoughtfully prepared three-course gourmet breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients, served in the communal dining room or outside overlooking the lake. Our guest suites are individually decorated, and the attention to detail throughout the property reflects the kind of hospitality that guests remember long after checkout. Whether this is your first visit to breweries in Duluth MN or your tenth, the Duluth Bed and Breakfast gives you a home base that makes the whole trip better. Book your stay at Solglimt today and see why it is consistently the most memorable way to experience this city.