Breweries Worth the Drive:

If you’re heading to the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you’ll want to pack your hiking boots, a cozy flannel, and—most importantly—a thirst for great beer. The U.P. might be remote, but it’s home to a solid lineup of craft breweries, each with its own vibe, backstory, and seriously good brews. Whether you’re road-tripping along Lake Superior or hunkered down in a historic town, there’s likely a pint with your name on it. Here’s a laid-back guide to some must-stop breweries in the western U.P.

🍺 Alpha Michigan Brewing Company – Alpha

Tiny town, big beer personality. Alpha Michigan Brewing Company (AMBC) is proudly located in what’s said to be the smallest village in America with its own brewery. AMBC offers a cozy taproom, light snacks, and encourages outside food. The Brothers Grill Food Truck is often parked nearby, bringing tasty eats to match their small-batch brews

🍺 Brickside Brewery – Copper Harbor

This tiny gem at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula is Michigan’s northernmost brewery. Brickside specializes in small-batch craft beers and regularly rotates seasonal and limited-edition options. A food truck on-site keeps your stomach as happy as your taste buds. It’s the perfect post-hike pint stop after exploring Copper Harbor’s rugged beauty.

🍺 Cold Iron Brewing – Ironwood

Located in downtown Ironwood, just a hop from the Wisconsin border, Cold Iron Brewing serves small-batch beers and hard seltzers on nine rotating taps. They’ve got a relaxed vibe, light snacks, and a dog-friendly patio for your leashed pup. Feel free to bring in food or have it delivered—this is the kind of place that welcomes you like a local.

🍺 Copper Country Brewery / The Library Pub – Houghton

Recently rebranded to better reflect the local roots, Copper Country Brewery operates out of The Library Pub in Houghton. Expect a full bar, solid menu, and plenty of local flavor in both the food and the beer. It’s a casual spot that’s easy to love, especially if you’re looking for variety.

🍺 Five Sons Brewing – Marenisco

This family-run brewery near the Wisconsin border brings a European flair to the U.P. beer scene, crafting American brews with Austrian and German influences. Five Sons Brewing is small but mighty, and worth the stop if you’re near Marenisco or exploring Ottawa National Forest.

🍺 Keweenaw Brewing Company – Houghton

A well-loved staple in the region, Keweenaw Brewing Company is known for beers like Widowmaker Black Ale and Red Jacket Amber Ale. The taproom is cozy, and they’re happy to let you bring in outside food—or have it delivered from nearby restaurants. Grab a pint, relax, and soak up the laid-back U.P. vibes.

🍺 Red Jacket Brewing Company – Calumet

Red Jacket Brewing Company shares space with the historic Michigan House Café in a 110-year-old building in downtown Calumet. You’ll find craft beers, a full bar, and a menu that leans local and hearty. Bonus: they offer limited lodging, so if one pint turns into a few, you don’t have far to stumble.

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:

A Few Last Sips of Advice

The U.P. is full of surprises, and its breweries are no exception. Many of these spots are seasonal, have rotating hours, or host special events, so double-check their websites or social media before you go. New breweries may have popped up (and others may have closed). Cheers to good beer and even better adventures in Michigan’s wild and wonderful Upper Peninsula!