There’s something magical about sipping a cold craft beer while watching sunlight dance across calm water. Lakeside breweries have mastered the art of combining excellent beer with stunning natural settings, creating experiences that engage all the senses.
The sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore, the sight of sailboats drifting past, and the taste of locally crafted ales create perfect moments that linger long after the last drop. These waterfront establishments understand that location matters as much as the quality of their brews, often incorporating local ingredients and themes that reflect their unique surroundings.
Here is a list of 20 lakeside breweries that pair exceptional pints with unforgettable views.
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
Perched along the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, this brewery offers outdoor seating where the rushing water creates a natural soundtrack for beer tasting. The flagship Mirror Pond Pale Ale tastes even better when enjoyed alongside views of kayakers navigating the river rapids just steps away. Local mountains frame the distant horizon while osprey and great blue herons fish in the shallows below the deck.
The brewery’s commitment to environmental stewardship matches the pristine setting that draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the Pacific Northwest.
Boundary Waters Brewing Company
Located in Grand Marais, Minnesota, this brewery sits just blocks from Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline where waves crash against ancient basalt cliffs. The taproom’s large windows frame endless water views that change dramatically with weather and season, from summer’s brilliant blue to winter’s ice formations.
Their North Shore Pale Ale captures the spirit of the wilderness that surrounds this remote community on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Visitors often combine brewery stops with hiking, fishing, or simply watching massive ore ships pass on the horizon.
Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery occupies a historic building along the Milwaukee River with outdoor seating that overlooks downtown’s skyline reflected in the water. The brewery’s tours include stories about the city’s brewing heritage while guests sample beers like their famous Riverwest Stein on patios that catch lake breezes.
Summer concerts on the adjacent riverfront create a festival atmosphere that celebrates both local music and craft beer culture. The urban setting provides a different kind of lakeside experience where industrial history meets modern brewing innovation.
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Switchback Brewing Company
Vermont’s Switchback Brewery features a beer garden that overlooks the Winooski River as it winds through Burlington’s industrial district toward Lake Champlain. The outdoor space includes fire pits and lawn games that create a relaxed atmosphere for sampling their signature Switchback Ale while watching the river flow past.
Local food trucks often park nearby, creating an impromptu outdoor dining experience that captures Vermont’s casual, community-focused culture. The brewery’s location puts visitors within walking distance of Lake Champlain’s waterfront parks and bike paths.
Bell’s Brewery Comstock Taproom
Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery operates this taproom along the Kalamazoo River, where outdoor seating provides peaceful water views just minutes from the main production facility. The setting allows visitors to taste legendary beers like Two Hearted Ale while watching great blue herons fish in the shallows and beavers work along the opposite bank.
Canoe and kayak launches nearby make the brewery a popular stop for paddlers exploring the river system that connects several inland lakes. The natural setting provides a perfect contrast to the industrial brewing process happening just inside.
Otter Creek Brewing
Vermont’s Otter Creek Brewing sits along its namesake waterway where outdoor decks provide front-row seats for watching the creek flow through Middlebury’s historic downtown. The brewery’s commitment to using local ingredients shows up in seasonal beers that reflect Vermont’s agricultural bounty, while the water views remind visitors of the region’s natural beauty.
College students from nearby Middlebury College mix with tourists and locals, creating a diverse crowd that appreciates both good beer and scenic settings. The covered outdoor area allows year-round enjoyment of the water views that define this classic New England brewery.
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Brewery Vivant
Grand Rapids’ Brewery Vivant occupies a converted funeral home with outdoor seating along the Grand River where urban paddlers frequently stop for refreshment during their downtown adventures. The Belgian-inspired beers pair perfectly with river views that showcase the city’s successful urban renewal efforts and growing craft beer scene.
Historic bridges frame views both upstream and downstream, while the brewery’s sustainable practices reflect the environmental consciousness that drives river restoration projects. The unique setting proves that creative reuse of historic buildings can enhance rather than compete with natural features.
Schell’s Brewery
Minnesota’s August Schell Brewing Company has operated along the Cottonwood River since 1860, making it one of America’s oldest family-owned breweries with beer gardens that have hosted generations of visitors. The historic grounds include peacocks, deer, and manicured gardens that create a unique atmosphere where Old World brewing traditions meet Midwest hospitality.
River views from multiple outdoor seating areas provide peaceful backdrops for sampling German-style lagers that have remained virtually unchanged for over 150 years. The brewery’s longevity demonstrates how businesses can thrive by maintaining strong connections to both their local community and natural environment.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing occupies a historic building near Lake Erie with rooftop seating that provides distant water views and closer looks at the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts. The brewery played a key role in the Ohio City neighborhood’s renaissance while creating beers like Edmund Fitzgerald Porter that celebrate local history and character.
Outdoor events throughout the summer take advantage of mild lake breezes that make even hot days comfortable for beer tasting. The urban lakefront setting connects visitors to Great Lakes maritime heritage while supporting ongoing efforts to restore water quality and habitat.
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Founders Brewing Grand Rapids Taproom
Michigan’s Founders Brewing operates multiple locations, but their Grand Rapids taproom includes outdoor seating along the Grand River where visitors can sample legendary beers like Kentucky Breakfast Stout while watching urban wildlife thrive in the restored downtown corridor. The brewery’s explosive growth mirrors the city’s successful transformation from industrial decline to a craft beer destination.
River views provide a calming counterpoint to the energy and creativity that define Grand Rapids’ emerging food and drink scene. Kayak rentals nearby allow visitors to explore the river system before or after sampling some of America’s most acclaimed craft beers.
Summit Brewing Company
Minnesota’s Summit Brewing features a taproom with outdoor seating that overlooks the Mississippi River as it flows through St. Paul’s historic downtown district. The elevated location provides sweeping views of the river valley while visitors sample classics like Summit Extra Pale Ale, that helped define the early craft beer movement.
Barge traffic and recreational boats create an ever-changing river scene that captures the Mississippi’s role as both commercial highway and recreational playground. The brewery’s commitment to quality and consistency has made it a Minnesota institution, while the river views remind visitors of the natural forces that shaped this region.
Surly Brewing Company
Minneapolis’ Surly Brewing occupies a massive facility with outdoor areas that provide views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline from elevated decks and patios. The industrial-scale brewery creates bold, hop-forward beers that match the urban energy visible from their outdoor seating areas.
Food trucks and events create a festival atmosphere that celebrates both craft beer innovation and the Twin Cities’ vibrant cultural scene. The river views connect visitors to the natural corridor that flows through the heart of the metro area, while the brewery’s success story demonstrates how local businesses can anchor neighborhood development.
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Allagash Brewing Company
Maine’s Allagash Brewing includes outdoor seating areas that provide glimpses of Casco Bay through the trees while visitors sample Belgian-inspired ales in a setting that captures Maine’s relaxed coastal culture. The brewery’s commitment to traditional brewing methods shows up in complex, nuanced beers that reward careful tasting in peaceful outdoor settings.
Food truck gatherings and seasonal events take advantage of Maine’s brief but intense summer season when outdoor dining becomes a regional obsession. The partial water views remind visitors that they’re never far from the ocean that defines Maine’s identity and economy.
Dogfish Head Brewing Milton Treehaus
Delaware’s Dogfish Head operates this unique treehaus location with elevated decking that provides water views across tidal marshes where osprey nest and great blue herons hunt in the shallows. The innovative brewery creates experimental beers that push boundaries while the natural setting provides a peaceful contrast to their creative energy.
The elevated perspective allows visitors to observe changing tides and seasonal bird migrations while sampling ales like 60 Minute IPA that helped define American craft brewing. The location demonstrates how breweries can enhance rather than disrupt sensitive natural environments.
Russian River Brewing Company
California’s Russian River Brewing operates from Santa Rosa with outdoor seating that provides views of the Russian River as it winds through Sonoma County’s wine country toward the Pacific Ocean. The brewery’s legendary sour beers and double IPAs attract pilgrims from around the world who appreciate both exceptional beer and the scenic setting that inspires the brewing team.
River views remind visitors that water quality affects everything from grape growing to beer production in this agricultural region. The outdoor space provides relief from the often-crowded taproom while connecting visitors to the natural systems that support both brewing and wine-making.
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Highland Brewing Company
North Carolina’s Highland Brewing features outdoor seating with views of the French Broad River as it flows through Asheville’s arts district toward the Tennessee border. The brewery’s commitment to environmental sustainability matches the mountain town’s outdoor recreation culture, while their flagship Gaelic Ale provides perfect refreshment after hiking or biking local trails.
River views showcase Asheville’s successful balance between urban development and natural preservation, which makes the city a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. The brewery’s longevity reflects the strong local support for businesses that embrace both environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company
California’s Tahoe Mountain Brewing operates multiple Lake Tahoe locations with outdoor seating that provides stunning alpine lake views framed by snow-capped peaks and pristine shoreline. The high altitude setting influences both beer production and visitor expectations for outdoor recreation, combined with craft beer enjoyment.
Clear mountain air enhances both the beer tasting experience and the dramatic scenery that makes Lake Tahoe one of America’s most photographed destinations. The brewery’s success reflects the region’s year-round appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate both adventure and quality beer.
Three Floyds Brewing
Indiana’s Three Floyds Brewing includes outdoor areas with views of nearby lakes and wetlands that provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and year-round residents like great blue herons. The brewery’s aggressive, hop-forward beers contrast with the peaceful natural settings visible from their outdoor seating areas.
Local conservation efforts have restored many of the wetlands that once covered this region, creating wildlife viewing opportunities that complement beer tasting experiences. The setting demonstrates how industrial areas can be transformed into environments that support both business success and ecological restoration.
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New Glarus Brewing Company
Wisconsin’s New Glarus Brewing features extensive outdoor seating with views of the rolling hills and small lakes that define this Swiss-settled region of southern Wisconsin. The brewery’s commitment to using only Wisconsin ingredients shows up in seasonal beers that celebrate local agriculture, while the scenic setting reinforces their connection to place.
The beer garden atmosphere encourages lingering conversations while visitors sample fruit beers and traditional European styles that reflect the area’s cultural heritage. Lake views remind visitors that Wisconsin’s abundant water resources have shaped both its brewing tradition and agricultural success.
Fish Tale Brewing Company
Washington’s Fish Tale Brewing operates from Olympia with outdoor seating that provides views of Puget Sound’s southern reaches, where freshwater meets saltwater in complex tidal systems. The brewery’s environmental activism matches the pristine setting, while their organic beers demonstrate commitment to sustainable production methods.
Waterfront views showcase the Olympic Mountains rising dramatically from tidewater while visitors sample beers named after local fish species. The location connects visitors to the marine ecosystems that define Pacific Northwest identity while supporting ongoing efforts to restore salmon habitat and water quality.
Where Hops Meet Horizons
These lakeside breweries prove that the best beer experiences engage more than just taste buds, creating memories that combine exceptional craftsmanship with natural beauty that no indoor venue can replicate. What started as practical considerations about water quality for brewing has evolved into a sophisticated understanding of how the environment enhances the entire beer experience.
Today’s successful lakeside breweries recognize that their scenic locations come with responsibilities to protect the water resources and natural habitats that make their businesses possible. The combination of great beer and stunning views creates a powerful draw that supports both local economies and conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the same magical pairing of exceptional pints with unforgettable lakeside vistas.
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