Summer Is Brewing: Enjoy a Pint at These 10 Iowa Breweries

What's the best way to beat the summer heat? An ice-cold beer, of course! June is recognized as Iowa Craft Beer Month by the Iowa Brewers Guild to celebrate the economic and community impact of the craft brewing industry. Whether you’re craving something hoppy, hazy, dark or light, kick off the season with these craft breweries, fun events and delicious food around the state.

LAKES & LAND

Wise I Brewing Company – Le Mars

Plymouth County’s first commercial micro-brewery, Wise I Brewing Company, serves five core beers year-round and seasonal batches. Visit their taproom for board games and shuffleboard or sign up for weekly events like Bingo and Brews, Pizza and Pours and Trivia Nights.

Road Trip It!
Do: Grab your bike or walking shoes and hop on the Le Mars Recreational Trail to discover more than 10 miles of rural beauty.
Eat: Learn why Le Mars is the Ice Cream Capital of the World at Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor.

Lake Time Brewery – Clear Lake

The taproom at Lake Time Brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy their craft beers. Check out their award-winning Peanut Butter Porter from the relaxing patio or stop in for Firkin Fridays where you can sample experimental beers infused with a variety of flavors.

Road Trip It!
Do: Catch a show at the Surf Ballroom or explore the unique art exhibitions at the Clear Lake Arts Center.
Eat: Grab a handcrafted coffee at Cabin Coffee Company to go along with a gourmet artisan donut from South Shore Donut Co.

DRIFTLESS AREA

Textile Brewing Company – Dyersville

Image Courtesy of Textile Brewing Company

Housed in a renovated factory and filled with vintage charm, Textile Brewing Company offers craft beer, hard ciders and locally sourced wine just 10 minutes from the Field of Dreams movie site. Pair your drink of choice with their massive Bavarian pretzels, flatbreads or beer cheese nachos. Bonus: the taproom features a dog-friendly biergarten with umbrellas and firepits!

Road Trip It!
Do: Explore 26 scenic miles of Heritage Trail or peruse two stories of antiques and collectibles at the Plaza Antique Mall.
Eat: Check out the fusion of a sports bar, wine lounge and restaurant at Fuse.

Dimensional Brewing Company – Dubuque

Image Courtesy of Dimensional Brewing Company

Located in Dubuque’s historic main street district, Dimensional Brewing Company regularly releases new beers and hosts rotating events. Stop in for a pint in their open-air taproom or enjoy good times with friends and family at their live music nights.

Road Trip It!
Do: Take a guided tour through the passageways of Crystal Lake Cave or hop aboard the American Lady Cruises.
Eat: Try James Beard-nominated cuisine from Brazen Open Kitchen or gourmet comfort food at L. May Eatery.

STORIED & SCENIC

Fishback & Stephenson – Fairfield

Image Courtesy of Fishback & Stephenson

Fishback & Stephenson is home to one of the Best Burgers in Iowa and features house-made hard cider. Their timber-framed taproom and restaurant offers a cozy ambiance to enjoy the selection of ciders and farm-to-table dishes with a perfect view of Iowa’s breathtaking sunsets.

Road Trip It!
Do: Catch a show at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center or enjoy the open-air Maharishi Vedic Observatory.
Eat: Indulge in Fairfield’s international food options at Istanbul Grill or Addis Ethiopian Cuisine.

River Ridge Brewing – Bellevue

Image Courtesy of River Ridge Brewing

River Ridge Brewing is situated along the Mississippi River and offers eight core beers, special release brews and hard cider. Stop by their taproom and waterfront patio for sips and year-round events like live music, trivia, music bingo, food trucks and so much more.

Road Trip It!
Do: Visit the Bellevue State Park Butterfly Garden’s open sanctuary for butterfly and plant viewing.
Eat: Dine at the unique Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ for from-scratch BBQ and southern soul food.

CAPITAL COUNTRY

Fenceline Beer Lab – Huxley

Image Courtesy of Fenceline Beer Lab

There’s something for everyone at Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley. Fenceline is a nanobrewery (an even smaller microbrewery) that offers a variety of flavors with new and unique styles while also serving traditional craft beers. The restaurant side of Fenceline boasts a wide range of menu offerings from snacks and sides to flatbreads and locally made desserts.

Road Trip It!
Do: Check out the expansive views and limestone path of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.
Eat: Venture out to Ames for British-style fish ‘n chips at The Mucky Duck Pub or Irish fare at Dublin Bay Pub and Grill.

Alluvial Brewing Company – Ames

Image Courtesy of Alluvial Brewing Company

The taproom at Alluvial Brewing Company offers a fun way to unwind with friends and family. Drop in for one of their rotating community activities, grab a beer and a board game or stroll out to the fire pit and take your favorite brew for a walk on their organic farm.

Road Trip It!
Do: Shop one of the 50 locally-owned specialty shops on Ames Main Street or test your skills at No Escape Iowa.
Eat: Indulge in all things barbecue at Cornbred BBQ or try unique Brazilian fusion cuisine at Café Beaudelaire.

LOESS HILLS & BEYOND

Keg Creek Brewing – Glenwood

Image Courtesy of Keg Creek Brewing

If you’re looking for a small brewery with a hometown feel, check out Keg Creek Brewing Co in Glenwood. Choose from 20 taps of their original beers and try your hand at cornhole, giant Jenga® or sand volleyball on their patio and outdoor area.

Road Trip It!
Do: Explore years of local history at Mills County Museum or shop antiques and florals at The Farmer’s Daughters.
Eat: Satisfy your sweet tooth with candy and ice cream at Sugar Makery and grab some goodies to take home.

Full Fledged Brewing Company – Council Bluffs

Image Courtesy of The Walking Tourists

Council Bluffs’ first craft brewery, Full Fledged Brewing Company is a lively local gem featuring a variety of signature beers, seasonal specials and a shaded patio. Grab a beer flight and stop in for one of their community events like Music Bingo, Taproom Trivia, Floral Arrangement Classes and other entertainment.

Road Trip It!
Do: Check out the thrilling racetrack at Joe's Indoor Karting Center or step back in time and tour the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail.
Eat: Grab made-to-order gourmet sandwiches at Cellar 19 Wine & Deli or enjoy delicious homemade ice cream at Doozies.

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