15 Historic Breweries in the US You Need to Visit

There’s something truly special about visiting a brewery that’s been around for decades—or even centuries. It’s not just about the beer (though that’s a big part of it). These historic breweries are living pieces of history, each with its own unique story and traditions. They’ve survived wars, Prohibition, economic downturns, and still stand tall, producing some of the best beer you can find. So, whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just love exploring new places with a rich past, these iconic breweries across the U.S. are worth adding to your travel list. Grab a pint and take in the history that flows through every brew!

D.G. Yuengling & Son (Pottsville, Pennsylvania)

Founded in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son holds the title of the oldest operating brewery in America. The brewery remains family-owned and is well-known for its iconic Lager. The Pottsville location offers tours where visitors can explore the underground caves used for fermenting beer. During Prohibition, Yuengling survived by producing “near beer,” a low-alcohol beverage. The brewery’s rich history and its ability to adapt through generations make it a must-visit for both history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike.

Pabst Brewing Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Pabst Brewing Company, established in 1844, is one of the oldest breweries in the U.S. and a symbol of Milwaukee’s beer heritage. Once the largest brewery in the world, Pabst produced iconic brands like Pabst Blue Ribbon. The historic Pabst Mansion still stands, offering a glimpse into the luxurious life of its founder, Frederick Pabst. The company weathered Prohibition by producing malt extract and cheese. Today, the brewery continues to operate with a nod to its history, while also embracing modern craft brewing trends.

Anheuser-Busch (St. Louis, Missouri)

Anheuser-Busch, founded in 1852, became famous for its flagship brand Budweiser. Its headquarters in St. Louis offers an iconic brewery tour that showcases the company’s deep-rooted history, from its early days to its growth as a global beer leader. Visitors can explore the original Clydesdale stables and take in the architectural beauty of the historic brewing complex. Anheuser-Busch’s innovations, such as the use of refrigerated rail cars, helped revolutionize the beer industry in America. The brewery is a testament to American brewing success and tradition.

Miller Brewing Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Founded in 1855, Miller Brewing Company is another Milwaukee giant that played a major role in the city’s beer production boom. Known for brands like Miller Lite and Miller High Life, the brewery offers a tour of its historic facilities, where visitors can learn about the company’s long history. Miller Brewing navigated Prohibition by creating non-alcoholic beverages, and it has continued to grow into a major player in the American beer market. Its focus on innovation and quality brewing techniques has helped it maintain its legacy.

Stevens Point Brewery (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)

Founded in 1857, Stevens Point Brewery is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the U.S. The brewery survived the challenges of Prohibition by producing near beer and soda. Today, Stevens Point is known for its wide range of craft beers and sodas, many of which pay homage to the brewery’s historical roots. The historic brewery offers tours that highlight both the brewing process and its storied past. Its commitment to both tradition and innovation has kept it thriving for over 160 years.

August Schell Brewing Company (New Ulm, Minnesota)

August Schell Brewing Company, founded in 1860, is a family-owned brewery known for its German-style lagers and ales. Located in New Ulm, Minnesota, the brewery offers visitors a chance to explore beautiful gardens and historic buildings, along with beer tastings. Schell survived Prohibition by producing non-alcoholic beverages and has maintained its German brewing traditions for over 160 years. Today, it remains one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the U.S., known for its rich history and dedication to craft beer.

Anchor Brewing Company (San Francisco, California)

Anchor Brewing Company dates back to 1896 and is credited with pioneering the craft beer movement in America. Known for its iconic Steam Beer, Anchor Brewing has been a staple of the San Francisco beer scene for over a century. The brewery’s rich history includes surviving earthquakes, fires, and Prohibition. Its tours offer an immersive experience, showcasing both the brewery’s unique brewing process and its historic role in American craft beer. Anchor remains a beloved icon for both its history and its innovative spirit.

Coors Brewery (Golden, Colorado)

Founded in 1873, Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, is one of the largest and most historic breweries in the country. Coors is known for its Rocky Mountain water and iconic brands like Coors Light. The brewery offers an extensive tour, where visitors can learn about the company’s early history, including how it survived Prohibition by producing malted milk. Coors has played a significant role in shaping the American beer industry, and its state-of-the-art facility showcases both its heritage and its forward-thinking approach.

Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. was founded in 1853 by a German immigrant and became one of the largest breweries in the pre-Prohibition U.S. Known for its German-style lagers, the brewery played a key role in Cincinnati’s rich brewing history. The brewery closed during Prohibition but was revived in 1981 as part of Cincinnati’s craft beer renaissance. Today, the Moerlein Lager House offers visitors a chance to experience this historic brand while enjoying modern craft brews in a picturesque setting along the Ohio River.

Narragansett Brewing Company (Providence, Rhode Island)

Founded in 1890, Narragansett Brewing Company became famous for its lager and for being a major sponsor of the Boston Red Sox. The brewery survived Prohibition and thrived during the mid-20th century, becoming the top-selling beer in New England. Although the original brewery closed in the 1980s, the brand was revived in the early 2000s. Narragansett beer remains a beloved part of New England’s beer history, and the company’s commitment to honoring its past has helped it regain popularity among modern beer drinkers.

Yuengling Brewery (Tampa, Florida)

In addition to its Pennsylvania location, Yuengling operates a brewery in Tampa, Florida. This location opened in 1999 and has become a key part of Yuengling’s production. Visitors can tour the Tampa brewery, learning about both the history of Yuengling and the brewing process. The Tampa brewery produces many of Yuengling’s most popular beers, including its flagship Lager. Although it’s not as old as the Pottsville location, the Tampa brewery is an important part of the company’s continued growth and success.

Shiner Bock (Shiner, Texas)

Shiner Bock, brewed by the Spoetzl Brewery, was founded in 1909 in Shiner, Texas. The brewery’s founder, Kosmos Spoetzl, brought his knowledge of Bavarian brewing to Texas, creating a beloved line of beers. Shiner Bock became the brewery’s flagship product and has remained a favorite among beer drinkers for over a century. The brewery offers tours where visitors can learn about its history and brewing process. Shiner Bock’s legacy in Texas beer culture is undeniable, making it a must-visit for craft beer fans.

The Boston Beer Company (Boston, Massachusetts)

Founded in 1984, The Boston Beer Company may be a younger brewery, but it played a major role in the American craft beer revolution. Best known for its flagship brand, Samuel Adams, the brewery has helped redefine the American beer industry. Tours of the original Boston brewery provide an in-depth look at the company’s history and its innovative brewing techniques. While it may not have the century-long history of some other breweries, its impact on modern American craft beer is significant.

New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, Wisconsin)

Founded in 1993, New Glarus Brewing Company is known for its commitment to brewing exclusively for the state of Wisconsin. The brewery produces a wide range of craft beers, with its flagship beer, Spotted Cow, being particularly popular. Although relatively new, New Glarus has quickly become a beloved part of Wisconsin’s beer culture. The brewery’s beautiful location and focus on traditional brewing methods make it a must-visit for craft beer lovers.

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin)

Founded in 1867, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has been brewing traditional German-style beers for over 150 years. Nestled in the heart of Chippewa Falls, this historic brewery combines old-world craftsmanship with modern brewing techniques. It remained family-owned and operated for generations, and its famous “Leinie’s” beers are known nationwide. Leinenkugel’s iconic Summer Shandy is a popular favorite. Visitors can explore the historic brewery and learn about the company’s long history through its brewery tours, beer tastings, and impressive museum.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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