Craft brewery tour of Southwest Wisconsin

This is an itinerary for a tour of craft breweries in and around the Southwest Wisconsin region.

Understand
Southwest Wisconsin, which became home to large German and Swiss immigrant groups, has a rich history of beer brewing. As a result, a number of breweries have developed in the region representing a number of types and styles. A quality beer tour could let you sample a number of types or explore the many variations of a single style, and Wisconsin breweries can readily meet the wants of casual drinkers and seasoned beer aficionados.

Prepare
Whenever taking a brewery tour, the most important thing is to be sure that you can travel safely. Pick a designated driver, spread the tour over a few days or plan ahead to include time for everyone to sober up before driving.

Of course, be sure to carry photographic identification to prove your age such as a driver's license, passport or non-driver ID when buying alcohol.

Get around
As with most of the Southwest Wisconsin region, car is the best way to get around to each of the breweries. The following is a suggested route, but the order of visiting can be changed depending on your needs:


 * Starting at Minhas, take 12th Street east to 18th Avenue. Turn left and follow until it becomes WI 69.
 * Take WI 69 north to New Glarus. The brewery is right before the town and has a signed main entrance.
 * From New Glarus, take WI 69 north until it meets US 151 near Verona.
 * Take 151 through downtown Madison to Route 30 and head north to Ale Asylum (it's on the right hand side - may be hard to see from the Street).
 * From Ale Aslyum, get back on 30 and take it east until it becomes I-94. Follow to Lake Mills.
 * From Tyranena, take WI 89 north to Columbus and Hydro Street.

Stay safe

 * Driving conditions: When going through this itinerary, keep in mind that portions of this area are located in rural portions of the Driftless Area and can be difficult to travel in bad weather. Generally, the areas near Madison and east are easier to travel.
 * Drinking: If you plan on drinking, please pace yourself and, if necessary, choose a designated driver.

Go next
Still thirsty? How about checking out Breweries in Franconia on the other side of the Pond, next? Or maybe have a soft drink instead?
 * Southeast Wisconsin: Milwaukee is a famous beer city and offers a variety of breweries, beer gardens and other drinking establishments.
 * Northwest Wisconsin: See the iconic Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls.