🍻 A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Michigan’s Heart of the U.P.

If you’re heading through Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula and you love craft beer, you’re in for a treat. This region is packed with breweries that range from rustic taprooms to high-tech nanobreweries—all with that unmistakable Yooper charm. Whether you’re sipping a barrel-aged saison, a smoky porter, or even a kombucha, there’s a brew (or two) with your name on it.

Here’s a roundup of breweries that call the Central U.P. home. Be sure to check their websites or social media for current hours and tap lists—things change fast in the world of craft beer!

🍺 51st State Brewing Co. – Kingsford

This family-owned brewery serves up a wide selection of beers brewed in small batches, paired perfectly with hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas.

🍺 Barrel + Beam – Marquette

A cozy, rustic spot specializing in farmhouse ales, barrel-aged beers, ciders, and meads—all made with local ingredients.

🍺 Blackrocks Brewery – Marquette

One of the U.P.’s most beloved breweries. Come for the beer, stay for the laid-back atmosphere, food trucks, and frequent live music.

🍺 By George Brewing Co. – Munising

House-made beer and cider served next door to Driftwood Deli. Great for a casual sip after exploring nearby waterfalls or Pictured Rocks.

🍺 Drifa Brewing – Marquette

Michigan’s first cooperatively-owned brewery is all about community and creativity. Rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try.

🍺 Dunes Saloon – Lake Superior Brewing Co. – Grand Marais

A true U.P. classic with Michigan-grown hops, in-house beer, a full menu, and cozy small-town vibes near the lake.

🍺 East Channel Brewing Co. – Munising

Offering a lineup of 10 taps and seasonal wood-fired pizza. Outdoor-friendly, local-food-welcome, and full of small-town charm.

🍺 Flatiron Brewery – Manistique

Named for a quirky street corner, this brewery pays homage to local history with house brews and a menu of wings, pizza, and more.

🍺 Hereford & Hops – Escanaba

A brewpub and steakhouse combo offering a wide-ranging menu, including Mongolian BBQ, steaks, and pub fare alongside house brews.

🍺 Jasper Ridge Brewery – Ishpeming

A community staple for over 25 years, Jasper Ridge offers solid American-style pub food and a full bar alongside their house-brewed beers.

🍺 Kognisjon Bryggeri – Marquette

Experimental and always evolving, this microbrewery thrives on creativity. You never know what wild brew might be on tap.

🍺 Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub – Harvey (Marquette area)

As the name implies: smoked meats and house brews galore. Expect hearty food, cold beer, and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

🍺 LaTulip Brewing – Cooks

Family-owned and friendly, this microbrewery offers a wide selection of beers and Smelted wood-fired pizza to go with them.

🍺 Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery – Manistique

A combo winery and brewery with 14 taps and wines from their Petoskey vineyard. Perfect for mixed-drink groups.

🍺 Ore Dock Brewing Company – Marquette

Diverse and experimental, Ore Dock offers something for every beer drinker. Bonus points for their love of Lake Superior and local vibes.

🍺 Saunders Point Brewing – Menominee

Founded by local friends who turned their hobby into a reality. Inspired by a community college brewing class—now crafting beers for the community.

🍺 Superior Culture – Marquette

Not your average brewery. Specializing in kombucha (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), mead, and cider—with a few beers in the mix.

🍺 Three Bridge Brewing Co. – Menominee

A husband-and-wife nanobrewery crafting small-batch beers from grain to glass. Big passion in every pint.

🍺 Upper Hand Brewery – Escanaba

Brought to you by Bell’s Brewery, Upper Hand celebrates all things U.P. with bold flavors and hearty snacks. Outside food is welcome!

🍺 Upper Peninsula Brewing Co. – Negaunee

Nestled along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, this brewery nods to its historic roots (originally opened in 1881!) while offering modern-day craft brews.

🍺 Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery – Marquette

One of Michigan’s first brewpubs, with a great lake view, house-brewed beers, and a menu featuring fresh local fish.

Find your Up North Brewery

Northern Michigan is full of fantastic breweries — this is just one stop on the trail!

Don’t miss our other blog posts about Northern Michigan’s best breweries:

Cheers!

From historic brewpubs to cutting-edge nanobreweries, Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula is bubbling over with craft beer experiences. Whether you’re on a brewery road trip or just exploring a single town, this list will keep your pint glass full and your taste buds happy. Cheers to U.P. brews and the wild, welcoming spirit that makes this region so special!