THE UPPER PENINSULA... BEER BY BEER, MILE BY MILE. A CRAFT BEER LOVERS BREWERY TOUR

Whether you’re heading north from Grand Rapids. Fleeing the hustle of Detroit. Leaving Traverse City for an even more northern adventure. There’s nothing like the feeling of crossing the Mighty Mac!

On the clearest of days, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Grand Hotel. On those overcast, windy days your knuckles have never been so white. The slightest gust has your vehicle being pushed in a direction you don’t think it should go. On many occasions your significant other is ducked down in the back seat with the feeling of anxiety pumping thru their veins. “Tell me when we’re across!”

Ahhhhh, you made it. Toll is paid and instantly you feel you’ve entered the 51st State. All your worries and troubles are waiting for you back in Mackinaw City. Nothing ahead of you but miles on your car, new breweries, and nature like you’ve never seen.

This trip will start you westward. Although there’s nothing wrong starting eastbound and doing everything in reverse. Sit back, get comfy and enjoy the views of Lake Michigan and rolling dunes.

With Manistique no longer having a brewery (insert sad face), the first stop on this trip is 98 miles across US 2. To a body of water unlike any other. It would be a crime to drive through Manistique and not stop at Kitch-iti-kipi, or “The Big Spring”. At Palms Book State Park you pull yourself across the bubbling springs on a wooden raft with an open bottom. Gazing 40 feet down into a world of emerald colored water, petrified tree trunks, and trout that are five feet long. Well, not that big! But they are REALLY big! Add this to the list of must see U.P. treasures.

Ready for your first beer? Get back on the road, it’s an hour east to Escanaba. The town experienced a boom in the early 1900’s. If it were 1914 you could plan on getting a room and stay the night at the Delta Hotel. Rooms which were once for rent, are now apartments sitting above a brewery. Hereford & Hops Restaurant and Brewpub, is located in the lobby of the Delta. If you were wondering, the brewery name comes from a breed of cattle. Usually there are seven beers on tap including the Light Haus Lager, St. Edmunds Porter and Redemption IPA. You can enjoy these brews while washing down a steak you grilled yourself. That’s right, prepare your own steak around the indoor charcoal grill. If you see the manager, ask for a quick peek downstairs. Once used as a Speakeasy below the Delta Hotel, CJ’s Lounge can be rented out for private parties. It’s like stepping into a time machine. A room that hasn’t been touched since it opened. Small booths, tables for two, and the original bar. Something out of an old gangster movie.

Lucky for us the next brewery along the long and winding road is only 4 miles away. Escanaba also has Upper Hand Brewery. Here you’ll feel like a true Yooper. With beer names like Deer Camp Lager, 906 Red Ale, and Escanaba Black Beer Dark Ale, you know where you’re at. The brewery has a definite log cabin feeling inside. Upper Hand is a sister company of Bell’s out of Kalamazoo. Brewed and bottled on site, grab a 6 pack to take home or to Deer Camp!

On your way to Menominee, a fifty-five mile drive south along the western shore of Lake Michigan, you’ll find Three Bridge Brewing Co. I truly enjoy being able to talk with many different brewers and brewery owners in my travels across Michigan. I’ve found each come with a different story on how they ended up making beer for a living. At Three Bridge it was no different. It’s one of the most unique stories. Kris, the owner and brew-master was on his way to a PHD in Neuroscience. After getting fed up with big pharma and the direction it was taking him, Kris changed course and followed his other passion. Thankfully for craft beer lovers he did so. His Golden Stein Bavarian Lager, Dragon’s Blood Imperial Irish Red, Rise Up Marzen Lager, & Druidic Moon Smoked Maple Stout are all great! Three Bridge Brewing Co. is quickly making their mark on the U.P. craft beer scene.

90 minutes northwest of Menominee, your next stop is at 51st State Brewing Co. Located in Kingsford, this is my favorite brewery name along this trip. Why you ask? Again, that’s what the Upper Peninsula feels like to me. 51st makes my favorite brewery pizza in Michigan. Add in their delicious craft beer… heaven! Family owned and operated. Victoria (mom) may take your beer order, and Ben (son) may serve it to you. This is what actually happened to me. All the while Jeff (dad) and brew-master is overlooking the operation. Their wood fired stove cooks the pizzas to perfection. The 12” is supposed to serve 2-3 people. Ha!!! This one was all mine. Washed down with an easy drinking 3 Vagabonds Lager, My Neighbors Wife IPA, & Primordial - Lithuanian Farmhouse Ale. 51st State will be one of the highlights on your trip!

With a belly full of amazing pizza and beer, we’re on to Alpha. “The Smallest Village In America With A Brewery!” Here you’ll find… you guessed it Alpha Michigan Brewing Co. 35 miles northwest from Kingsford. These two breweries make for great back to back stops. I walked into Alpha while they were having a pig roast supporting the local 4H. Their Krystal Koelsch, Blood Orange Saison, Porter School Porter, & Bear Cave IPA were a great way to end my night. There’s a very strong community feel here. Everyone knows everyone and made this Troll feel right at home.  

Leaving Alpha and heading west, is one of my favorite drives thru the U.P. 100’s of miles of open road with plenty of possible stops before your next beer. So many options to choose from. You want waterfalls? Bond Falls, Agate Falls, or Gabbro Falls are some of the best in the western U.P. Maybe fishing is your thing? Lake Gogebic offers some of the best inland fishing in the area. You won’t catch Perch like these in many other places! No matter where you decide to stop on this leg of your tour, the next beer destination is Ironwood.

How does that Bob Seger song go? “6 hours outta Mackinaw City, stopped in a brewery to have a beer.” Something like that. You’re now in the home of Michigan’s most western brewery. Cold Iron Brewing. If you didn’t already know, “look south” on a map. You’re further west than the most eastern edge of Iowa. This amazing state we live in is F’ING HUGE! At Cold Iron you can choose between the Black River Dark Ale, Drift North IPA, Drift South Jalapeno Pale Ale and many more. No matter which brew you order here you won’t be disappointed. Hang out for a while and play some of their games. Just make sure that before you leave you grab a growler fill to go. Maybe two!?! We’re about to have a ton of fun playing outside in god’s country!

Is there snow on the ground? You’re in the western U.P. so there’s a good chance of that. Some of the best downhill skiing in Michigan is nearby. Bigpowder, Blackjack, Indianhead… any will suffice but why not all three?

Are you scared of heights? Looking for something you won’t find anywhere else in the world? Literally. Copper Peak is an absolute must stop. Going to the top of the largest artificial ski jump can be a bit frightening. At 1782 feet above sea level, on a clear day it allows you a 360-degree view 40 miles in any direction.

If I made one specific recommendation, plan for a few nights to stay and play in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Bring your bikes, kayaks, hiking poles, and tent! Credit cards also work if you’re in the mood for a rustic cabin or yurt. Without a doubt my favorite spot in the entire state. Bonus, you have 2 growler fills to enjoy around the campfire. Whether you’re in the mood for a day hike, get a few miles in on the bike trails, or kayak the shores of Superior, you can’t go wrong. The park has my two favorite spots to either view a Michigan sunrise or watch the sun being swallowed by Lake Superior. The mouth of Presque Isle River offers the amazing sunset. Grab a seat on the beach and relax. Just as good if not better, is waking up while the stars are still glowing to watch the sun rise again. This time over The Lake of The Clouds. I can promise you won’t be the only one up this early. Last time I did there were at least 40 others with cameras in hand perched on top of the overlook. The Porkies offer you ANYTHING you want to do outside in Michigan, in any season. 

You were just 1782 feet above sea level, feel like going underground? Adventure Mining Company is a short drive east from the Porkies. A great stop before heading north into the Keweenaw Peninsula. So grab your hard hat and journey below the earth’s crust. They offer many different tours. Ranging in time, detail, and price. Some as long as 6 hours with a pasty lunch served to you while hundreds of feet underground. The temperature inside is 48 degrees year-round. No matter the temperature outside. Make sure to bring your jacket. Imagine being in a mine so dark that without your headlamp on or the light of a candle, your friend standing next to you disappears. It’s a cool demonstration they’ll show you to give an example of what the miners working conditions were many moons ago. Find out why it’s called Copper Country.

Onward and upward! North we go into the Keweenaw Peninsula. There are four breweries ahead of us while here. One being a top 10 destination brewery for me. Before you get there, start off in Houghton at Keweenaw Brewing Company. This is not just a college town, it’s also a beer town. KBC is one of the top production breweries in the state. I’m positive you’ve seen Widow Maker Black Ale, Pick Axe Blonde Ale, and Red Jacket Amber Ale on store shelves throughout the state. There are many others on tap at the brewery.

Also in Houghton, Copper Country Brewery located inside The Library. I truly enjoyed the burger & beers here. It has a great corner bar feel. Caught a Monday Night Football game while talking on and off to the bartender throughout the night sipping on the Husky Ale and Red Ridge Rye. If you google the name you’ll also see this was a brewery located in Hancock from 1952-1954. Lots of history in these parts.

A little further north, in the town of Calumet is where you’ll find Michigan House Cafe & Red Jacket Brewery Co. Here they only brew 4 in house beers. Although their beers hit the spot, you quickly realized this stop is more about the history, food, and atmosphere. I highly recommend going hungry, the menu is outstanding. I chose the 8oz Black & Blue burger. Made to perfection and topped with blue cheese. The Keweenaw Cowboy IPA and Smooth Trail Pale Ale paired well after a day out riding the trails.

The Michigan House Cafe which was opened by the Bosch Brewing Company in 1905, feels like you’re walking into another time machine. Cozy and quaint are two of my favorite adjectives, and that’s how it felt sitting at the bar. Like the Delta in Escanaba, it started as a hotel way back in the day. The second and third floor rooms were converted to apartments over the years. Though there are still three rooms that can be rented out for lodging. If you plan of visiting the Keweenaw Peninsula (and you should), it would be a great central location to stay and explore. I can’t emphasize how amazing this building is. Calumet is a great place to visit. Tons and tons of history. There’s actually a state myth that Calumet was considered as the second location for the state capitol after Detroit. Also, one of the snowiest places in Michigan. 304” last year. Allow me to do the math for you. That’s 25 feet of snow. Talk about a sore back!!!

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Calumet Brewery Ruins are a short 3-mile drive from Red Jacket. Opened in 1897, this brewery made many different beverages with water supplied from a local creek properly named Brewery Creek. Today there’s not much left of the building. You can park on the shoulder of Tamarack Waterworks Road, step thru a few feet of brush and stand inside 4 walls that once housed another U.P. brewery.

This is one of the most exciting parts of the tour, you’re headed to Copper Harbor! On the way up I highly suggest getting off 41 and taking 26 along the Superior shoreline. There are a few reasons why. First, Eagle River Falls is one of the most popular roadside stops in the U.P. And the bridge, you won’t see another like it! This is also where you’ll find Fitzgerald’s Restaurant. No beers brewed here but the tap and bottle list are quite outstanding. Along with a mouthwatering menu. You’ll most likely need to call ahead for reservations. Although it’s a hidden treasure, locals and those who’ve been before never miss a chance to stop by. Plan an evening visit. This is another great opportunity to watch an amazing Superior sunset!

You’re only 25 miles away from the next brewery but there’s one more must stop before Copper Harbor. The Jam Pot! It’s time to get your Thimbleberry Jam on. Along with many other preserves and goodies. Opened in 1986, this bakery is affiliated with a monastery and operated by the monks that live there. Selling some of the best road side treats in Michigan. Muffins half the size of my head. Not kidding! With your belly full of baked goods, make sure you walk the 250 feet to Jacob’s Falls.

Copper Harbor is a short 1990 miles from Miami, FL. Trust me, the sign says so. Home of Brickside Brewery, where there are usually 8 beers on tap with others bottled to take home. Stone Ship Stout, Uphill Both Ways IPA, Brickside Bete Gris Wheat Beer, and Walter’s Weizen are some of the favorites. It’s always a tough choice when I drive into town. Play first or belly up to the bar? And when I say play, get ready for some fun. From the extreme to the most leisurely. Copper Harbor is one of my favorite destinations in Michigan. 

Copper Harbor definitely has Michigan’s best, and some of the best mountain bike trails in the entire country. Folks from all over Michigan and the U.S. migrate here every year to experience this phenomenal Copper Harbor trail system. Over 35 miles of prime single-track riding. One great note about these trails, many of them drop you off right at or near the brewery. BONUS! Trail riding isn’t your thing? That’s fine, pedaling up the paved Brockway Mountain. Drive is quite the ass kicker. The best part of the grind up… coasting down!

Speaking of Brockway Mountain, you can drive up and down each side to get one of the most spectacular scenic views. Several viewpoints along the road allows for panoramas of Copper Harbor & Lake Superior. The top is where it’s at! On a clear day, Isle Royale is visible which is roughly 50 miles away. By the way, you’re just a 3-hour ferry ride away from the least visited United States National Parks.

Along with the trails, paddling the shores of Lake Superior is a favorite here. You can go at it alone or check out Keweenaw Adventure Company for your outdoor needs. By sea or by land they have all the help you’ll need to make your Copper Harbor stay well worth it. Both kayak and bike guided tours are offered. Lots of local camping and lodging are available.

Unfortunately, it’s time to head south. Down M41, which will take you all the way into Ishpeming. Home for two U.P. breweries. After the 135-mile drive, Cognition Brewing Co. is the next stop for beer. Located on the bottom floor of the Mather Inn, which opened in 1932. Since opening in 2015, I’ve stopped in quite a few times and sipped quite a few of their beers. Some favorites in that time are, Scene of the Climb Stout, Kindred Spirits Coffee Porter, Gnome Wrecker Belgian Style Pale Ale, and Chough Pub English Ale. Drinking beers here has always felt like I was sitting in grandpa’s basement bar. Which I loved! Dim lighting and cozy booths, along with yummy brews. Makes for a great brewery! New and exciting things are on the horizon at Cognition. A Marquette location is in the works. With plans to open in 2022!

Stopping in Ishpeming offers another great opportunity to break out your mountain bike. The R.A.M.B.A., “Range Area Mountain Bike Association” is a member supported, nonprofit, volunteer organization. They host many biking events throughout the year on hand-built trails. Fitness and beers! Can’t think of a better combination.

If you’re in the mood for a museum tour, Ishpeming is home to the United States National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. Over 100 years ago, this is where skiing enthusiasts organized the National Skiing Association. Earning Ishpeming the distinction of being the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States.

Before heading outta town, there’s one more stop for beer. Ishpeming’s other beer maker is Jasper Ridge Brewery. Go hungry, I did! I was in the mood for some comfort food and found it here. Their Shepherd’s Pie was absolutely delicious, but almost too much for me to finish. ALMOST! Lucky for me their hand-crafted beers helped wash the food down my gullet. The Slugworth Chocolate Stout, & Attack Penguin IPA did the trick.

Marquette is just a short 15 mile drive east. But, before we get to all that deliciousness, there’s a required stop at the U.P.’s newest addition to the craft beer scene. In Negaunee, inside an old slaughterhouse you’ll find Upper Peninsula Brewing Co. Negaunee’s first brewery. This building is amazing! Another brewery turning old, new. Once home to many dead animals, it's now transformed into a two floor drinking paradise. With brick, steel, and wood spread throughout the brewery. The old meat elevator was left in place, centered in the middle of the brewery. The Suds... I started with a pour of their Saison 6.8%, which quickly turned into my 2nd pour. Their Tangerine Pale Ale 6.5%. A great mix of beer, atmosphere, a little history, and smiles all around.

After your beers are finished it’s a short drive into Marquette. This town holds a special place in my heart, outside of the amazing beer offerings. It’s where I met my ex-wife. Spending some of my formative years here. I was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air force Base from 92-95. Which is still a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for a little bit of military history. It’s a quick 30-minute drive south of downtown. Enough about my past, let’s get back to the beer.

In 2018, the fourth brewery opened in Marquette, Barrel + Beam. I will just say it now. Barrel + Beam is my favorite brewery in the entire state! This is where you’ll find Michigan’s best bottle-conditioned farmhouse & barrel-aged ales. Most beers you drink are not bottle conditioned. They’re carbonated through a process called forced carbonation. Basically, CO2 is pumped into a sealed container. The term “bottle-conditioned” means, after the initial fermentation the beer is bottled flat and fresh yeast or priming solution made of Michigan beet sugar are added to the beer. This allows for the beer to ferment again. The benefit is all the oxygen that trapped in the bottle gets consumed by the yeast creating a very shelf stable beer. This is where the carbonation happens. If you ever wanted to age a particular beer this is the style for you.

Sorry for geeking out. Words can’t describe how much I LOVE B+B’s beers. Last time in Marquette I stayed for three nights. Each day finding myself back at Barrel + Beam. In that time, I literally tried every beer they had available. In no particular order; Starberry, Spooky Kriek, Pawberry, Northwoods Hospitality, Golden Partager Sour Ale, Pivot Point Biere De Garde, Viticoulture No. 1 Sour Ale, Blanc Du Nord Saison, Sour Start Farmhouse Ale, Michigander Biere De Garde, and their Sahti. I’ve had them all. Each one better than the last!

B+B chose a building with a rich history in Marquette. Originally the Northwoods Supper Club. It opened in 1934, before the restaurant closed in 2007. In that time the build aged and fast. Holes in the roof, snow falling through to the floors. Making a lovely home to many pigeons and squirrels. Still with plenty of work ahead for them, B+B has turned a large part of the building into my favorite brewery in the U.P.!

Between beers Marquette offers all sorts of activities. Endless miles of great biking trails. An easy, or difficult (your choice) hike up Sugarloaf Mt. The top will offer some of the best views of Marquette and the surrounding area. There’s water everywhere! So, get that kayak out and explore some of the local rivers and lakes. If it’s a calm day you have another great opportunity to get out on Lake Superior. There are many yellow sand filled beaches for a relaxing day on the water. Finally, a trip by foot, bike, or car around Presque Isle. The island has a walkable trail system thru the interior of the park, with a roadway around the outer edges. Scenic turn outs, picnic areas, and the famous Black Rocks. Summon up your courage and take the leap into the chilly waters of Lake Superior.

Speaking of those rocks, after burning all those calories let’s head to Blackrocks Brewery and add some back. Probably the most well-known brewery in the U.P., Blackrocks never disappoints. From MYKISS IPA to Trenary Toast Lager the list of outstanding beers here never stops. Including Presque Ale Pale Ale, 51k IPA, Barbaric Yawp Scotch Ale, Flying Sailor Red Rye IPA, and Coconut Brown Ale. I’m asked all the time to name some of my favorite Michigan brewed beers. One from Blackrocks is always near the top of my list. GNOMAS Barleywine! I’ve had it at the brewery and was lucky enough to find a few 6 packs across the state. Not a common beer by any means. Upstairs, at the bar, out on the front porch, or sitting around the fire on their patio. Blackrocks is the best hang for beer in Marquette.

Walking distance from Blackrocks is the second brewery on 3rd Street Superior Culture. Without a doubt the most unique beverages you’ll sip in Marquette. Honey Booch Pale Ale has a blend of kombucha, UP honey, lemon, and basil. Birch Beer made with actual birch bark. No Joke! Citra Hopped Jun differing from kombucha, its base ingredients are green tea instead of black tea. Adding to my list as a must stop each and every time I’m in Marquette!

Ready for some really, really good food and beer of course? Head to Marquette’s oldest brewery. The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery. This building has stood for over 100 years and has been brewing small batch beer since 1995. The Vierling has some of the best food in town including the freshest, most tasty whitefish I’ve had. Their Plank Road Pale Ale and Laid Back IPA paired perfectly with my meal.

For many years, one of Marquette’s craft beer staples is the perfectly named Ore Dock Brewing Co. Another building that has been standing for well over 100 years, Ore Dock has a great community feel. In the warmer months you’ll find rotating food trucks out front serving up great tacos, pizza, or burgers. I’ve been here multiple times since they opened in 2012. Loving each and every time I’ve stopped in! With beers like the Serrano Saison Spiced/Herb Beer, or Chief Hopper BIIPA, and the Peels Out Pale Ale, Ore Dock will become one of your favorite U.P. beer makers.

Marquette Brewing Cooperative or Drifa Brewing, is the first member-owned microbreweries in the state. Ever want to own a small piece of a brewery? Look them up, they’re still accepting members. Located in south Marquette, Drifa’s beer garden offers a great view of Superior while you sip their delicious beers! Like, Goat Horn Pale Ale, Nuclear Submarine Power NEIPA, and Intolerant Milk Stout are just a few of the pours I’ve had here.

The final stop on your way out of Marquette is in Harvey. In the same building that once was Chocolay River Brewery, now is home to Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub. A great restaurant with all the meats! Fill up on the usual 8 beers made in house or choose from their many guest taps. Brisket sliders say hello to a Blueberry Wheat, and a pour of the Grasshopper IPA.

Good news, bad news part. Bad news, you’ve left Marquette. Good news, you’re headed to Pictured Rocks! Adding to the delight of seeing one of America’s most stunning shorelines is beer. Munising, now home to two craft breweries. East Channel Brewing Co. being the original. As you sip on a Final Mile Red Ale or the Widdle Stick Smore Stout there are decisions to be made. How are you going to view Pictured Rocks? Jump on the ferry? Take a guided kayak tour, or paddle around on your own? You can also drive to different look outs along 42 miles of shoreline. My favorite is by foot. It can be a day hike or overnight camping. Along the North Country Trail, there are an abundance of views for your eyes to soak in. Waterfalls, beaches, thick forest wilderness, cultural sites, and the most breathtaking cliff-top views of Lake Superior. Whichever path you choose you’ve made the right choice. Go out and create or own adventure. Just make sure to grab a few 16oz. cans of beer from East Channel Brewing Co. before you do so.

ByGeorge Brewing Co. is another success! Munising’s second brewery is in high demand during the peak months. Which to me are January thru December!

On my first visit here I started with the Meenie Tangereenie a tropical Milkshake IPA. My second pour was the Perro Muerto IPA. Tradition West Coast style. They share a roof with Driftwood Deli. Great Paninis to fill up on before you find yourself on an adventure. Turkey Apple was my choice. Both breweries are just steps away from Lake Superior.

Pictured Rocks is so close. Marquette a few miles west. Just a short drive east to Tahquamenon Falls. Epic location! Only good things to come for Munising and these two breweries!

Adding to the amazement you’ll get from seeing Pictured Rocks is another brewery. At the very north-eastern edge of the lakeshore you’ll find Grand Marais. Home to Lake Superior Brewing Co., inside the Dunes Saloon. I actually spent New Year’s Eve 2017 here. Yes, there’s fun to be had in the U.P. year-round. A snowmobiler’s paradise. I wasn’t on a sled during this trip, but there were many who were. Just here for the beer and to celebrate the end to another great year! A mix of locals and tourist sipping beer and that night celebrating newlyweds’ nuptials. Sandstone Pale Ale, Big Marsh Porter, and the Dune Saloon IPA all added to one of the best New Year’s celebrations I’ve had!

Whether you make the choice to enjoy your beers in Munising or Grand Marais or both, stay and play in and around Pictured Rocks. It’s truly some of the most outdoors fun you can have in Michigan.

Saying goodbye to one of mother naturals most stunning sights is never easy. No need to fret, we’re on our way to another. Where Michigan’s only brewery is located on state owned land. Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub. You’re now in Paradise both literally and figuratively. Let’s be honest, we’re not here for the beer, but it helps! You have 46,000 acres to play on. 1986 was the first time I laid eyes the root beer colored water falls. Since then, I’ve returned dozens of times throughout each season. Possibly the best spot in Michigan to see the amazing colors of Fall? My personal favorite are the colder months when the tree limbs are snow bent and the falls are still flowing but ice covered. Tahquamenon Falls are one of the U.P.’s main attractions, both the upper and lower falls. No matter the season, you will always find an activity to suit your desires. There are five campgrounds inside the park. You can hike all day, maybe rent a boat or kayak to get a better view of the lower falls. Even jump in and splash around the river. Get out and play! Work up an appetite for something off the large food menu. While enjoying a Harvest Wheat Pale Ale, Black Bear Stout, or a Porcupine Pale Ale.

Heading a little bit further east, your next stop is Sault Ste Marie. The first time I was visited The Soo, I was the ripe old age of thirteen. No beers were had on that trip, or at least that’s the story I’m sticking to. There was a ton of site seeing and tourist stops. Obviously the most memorable was watching the larger-than-life ships passing thru The Soo Locks. Even as a forty-six-year-old, it’s just as amazing to watch.

Sault Saint Marie is home to two breweries. Soo Brewing Co. was the one stop in town that I met the most locals. This was part of the same late December trip thru the U.P., so maybe they were all huddled up inside trying to stay warm. Personally, I think it was the beer. Tannenbaum IPA and 13 IPA were the two I had here. The best part of this stop was meeting and talking with the wonderful folks that call The Soo home.

Superior Coast Winery & Brewery is inside of Karl’s Cuisine. Alongside of a delicious Honey Whitefish sandwich, I decided to order a flight here. The four beers included 447 Ghost Pumpkin Stout, Holiday Brown Ale, Bricklayer ESB Extra Special / Strong Bitter, and my favorite Ashmun Creek Blonde Ale.

Your trip is nearing its end. Our second to last stop is 35 miles directly south of the Soo, in Cedarville. This is where you’ll find Les Cheneaux Distillers. Spirits, beer, and food Oh My! I fell in love with their Dark Side of the Brew Stout and Island Hopper IPA. Distillers doing beer right!

Cedarville is located on the very northern shore of Lake Huron. Which means there’s plenty of opportunity to get that kayak wet one more time. Les Cheneaux (The Channels) are a group of 36 islands. Carved out by the melting glaciers. Every August, they play host to the world’s largest antique wooden boat show. You’re also a short 25-mile drive east to Drummond Island. Add both to the list of Upper Peninsula treasures. Camp, bike, hike, kayak, it’s another perfect place to get your fix of the outdoors. 

The final beers on your epic brewery tour will require a stop in St. Ignace, and jumping on a boat. Whether you choose Shelper’s or Star Line, get onboard for a trip across the Straits of Mackinaw. 2020 brought Michigan’s second island brewery and the first to Mackinaw Island, Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery. Once off the ferry grab your luggage, grab your bike, then grab a beer! Four in house brews with plenty of guest taps. Pedal Fast IPA, No Cars Allowed Cream Ale, Hoban Street Stout, & Mackinac Summer Sour. All are extremely crushable! Allowing for a couple pedals around the island. When you find yourself on Michigan’s busiest island, make sure Great Turtle is on your to-do list. It’s a great place to fuel up and people watch!

Well, there it is! With roughly 1200 miles on your vehicle, plus more on your bike and kayak, you’ve accomplished one helluva brewery tour! Did you have a favorite brewery? What about a favorite beer? Where are you returning to first? What was your favorite scenic stop? No wrong answers here. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers something for everyone. My heart cries each and every time I hear those awful words, “I’ve Never Been To The U.P.”. Say what?!?! What the fuck are you waiting for? Go north, explore! We live in a state unlike any other. In my opinion out of the 50, it’s the absolute best!

Having touched on every brewery, I’ve barely scratched the surface on what the Upper Peninsula has to offer. I implore you to go explore. Meet the wonderful people that call the U.P. home!

Go out and create your own adventure. Just make sure you stop for beers along the way!