North Shore Brewery Guide
September 18, 2020
A Comprehensive North Shore Brewery Guide
Most North Shore citizens are exceedingly prideful of the region’s burgeoning craft beer industry, spanning from the Twin Ports all the way up to serene Grand Marais. It’s only a matter of time before entrepreneurs and skilled head brewers alike open shop in Beaver Bay, Tofte, and Lutsen. Microbreweries have a way of injecting life into a community. Lutsen’s Cascade Lodge knows that better than most, which is why our on-site restaurant typically features seasonal ales from the award-winning Castle Danger Brewery and nearby Voyageur Brewing Company. With summer subsiding and autumn approaching, we couldn’t think of a better time to piece together a handy North Shore brewery guide for all of you self-proclaimed beerologists, hopheads, and libationists.
The North Shore Brewery Guide: Grand Marais to Superior
While we’re going to spend much of our time discussing the aforementioned Voyageur Brewing and Castle Danger, it’s worth noting that the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior are home to nearly a dozen craft breweries. It’s a common belief that this recent surge will eventually spill into several northerly communities, including our very own Lutsen, one of the most beloved four-season destinations in the Midwest. So, sit back, crank open a cream ale, and keep reading this informative North Shore brewery guide.
Voyageur Brewing Company
Ten miles separate Cascade Lodge and Voyageur Brewing Company. This 10-mile journey ranks among the most beautiful stretches of road on historic Highway 61, including Cut Face Creek, which spills into Good Harbor Bay. Voyageur boasts one of the best rooftop patios in the state. It overlooks the vast Lake Superior as well as the western edge of bustling downtown. The taproom is equally rustic and sleek—an idyllic aesthetic for those who are craving a pint of grapefruity Devil’s Kettle IPA after a hike to and from none other than the world-famous Devil’s Kettle Falls. As the years pass by, the guys and gals behind the scenes continue to hone their craft. Voyageur’s seasonally-inspired dark ales and crisp lagers have never tasted better, especially when preceded by a half-day of hiking or paddling.
Castle Danger Brewery
By now, you’ll likely know all about Two Harbor’s award-winning craft brewery, Castle Danger. It’s named after the unincorporated community north of Two Harbors, where the company initially launched inside a cramped, 700-square-foot facility. Castle Danger has since risen to stardom, pumping out nearly 20,000 barrels of beer per year en route to several states. Minnesotans cannot resist the taste of these classic brews, such as the Castle Cream Ale, Ode IPA, and George Hunter Stout. In 2019, Castle Danger won it’s second straight fan-voted Star Tribue Minnesota Beer Bracket. This popular North Shore brewery’s taproom continues to expand, and it’s always playing good alternative tunes that pair well with a bevy of artisanal ales and a drum of Van Hanson’s seasoned pretzels.
The Twin Ports
If you count Duluth’s two brewpubs, there are 10 distinct North Shore brewery destinations within a few miles of each other. You’ll also discover a couple of cideries and a renowned distillery during your travels. To make things a little easier to digest, we’ve compiled five essential Twin Port stops on your self-guided North Shore brewery tour. Earth Rider crafts some of the tastiest German-style lagers in the country, Fitger’s Barrel Room is a dungeon worth examining, and Bent Paddle is, in its own right, an institution. For more information about these stellar Northern Minnesota breweries, please click the links below. And, please drink responsibly!
The Coziest Cabins in Minnesota
Historic Cascade Lodge, which was established in 1927, remains a quintessential North Shore basecamp. It shares a border with Cascade River State Park (trails available on-site, no sticker required). It’s also home to a rustic, authentic North Shore pub, and it’s a stone’s throw away from nearly 32,000 square miles of Lake Superior water. Honeymooners, anglers, hikers, and casual road-trippers alike will find solace inside one of the property’s arresting cabins or luxury homes. Autumn’s leaf-peeping season swiftly gives way to some of the finest Nordic and alpine skiing in North America. And our classic Lutsen lodge is located right in the heart of all the action! Book now online, or give us a call at 218-387-1112 to get matched with a cabin, guest room, or luxury home that best suits your group.