Craft brewing is the name of the game and Saugatuck is thriving with incredible craft breweries and cideries. From colorful taprooms with funky decor and creative craft brews to rustic farmhouse spaces that produce crisp and clean beers made with local ingredients, you can find the perfect brewery to spend an afternoon. Here are a few of our favorite breweries in and around Saugatuck.
Saugatuck Brewing Company
Start your Saugatuck Ale Trail off at the Saugatuck Brewing Company just over the bridge in nearby Douglas. It’s the perfect place for a hearty meal after a long snowshoe on the dunes. Find 16 rotating taps and a selection of local hard cider and beers from neighboring breweries. Plus, SBC has an extensive menu with something for everyone. You can also grab a brew and hang out in the Barrel Room where the brewery stores their aged beers. Play a round of pool, toss some darts, or test your hand at a game of pinball.
The Mitten Brewing
If you visited their flagship brewery in Grand Rapids, you’ll love the lakeshore home of Mitten Brewing. Located right off Water Street in downtown, you can easily hop in after a day of shopping or exploring the town. Come with an appetite as you won’t want to miss the incredible handmade pizza pies that come out of the oven. During the summer you can play yard games on their patio and in the winter you can cozy up in their colorful taproom with a smooth beer and a slice of delicious pizza.
Guardian Brewing Company
Just north of Saugatuck lies Guardian Brewing, a destination craft brewery with 22 taps on hand at any given time. In addition to the 10 year-round brews, they carry 12 seasonal and barrel aged beers so you can step out of your comfort zone and try something new. This groundbreaking brewery is always testing out new processes and flavors not only for their beers, but for their food menus. As the seasons change, so do the food menus, meaning you’ll want to visit frequently to see what kind of delicious pairings they come up with next.
Virtue Cider
Virtue Cider is a destination all on it’s own. In addition to the sweet and dry ciders the taproom is the place to be almost any day of the year. This rustic farmhouse cidery is set on a surreal landscape with acres of orchards and farmland all around. Wander through the property on horseback, snowshoe, sleigh, or by foot and reward yourself with a smooth and sippable cider made from succulent Michigan apples.
Waypost Brewing Company
Just inland from Saugatuck lies Waypost Brewing Company, a rustic farmhouse brewery that will make you feel right at home from the second you walk in. This humble brewery hosts local musicians on the weekends and is known to throw several events throughout the year. Head into the warm and inviting tasting room on a chilly day for a welcome retreat from the weather.
Our Brewing Company
Venture over to the colorful town of Holland for one of the friendliest breweries in the state. Our Brewing Company is a nano brewery in the heart of downtown that is known for tasty beers with odd names. Pick up a board game and indulge in a little friendly competition over a beer (or two) or attend a trivia night for one of the most lively spots in town.
Brewery 4 Two 4
Michiganians are proud to be from the Mitten State. And, when you’re from nearby Holland, you love the many craft breweries in town. Brewery 4 Two 4 is an homage to the last 3 digits of the North side zipcode (424) and the tight-knit community that lives there. Walk in and you’ll instantly be welcomed in as one of their own. You’ll love the names and flavors in these beers. A popular tap right now is the Woman Yells at Cat, a warming stout with hints of cinnamon, raisin, and oatmeal cookie. Grab a creative beer, share a story, and spend your afternoons laughing away in this funky brewery.
“For a quart of ale is a dish for a king.”
~ William Shakespeare
Head into one of these craft breweries after a long day of playing in the lake, hiking the sand dunes, or exploring the town to treat yourself to a refreshing treat. Or string all of these craft breweries together for the ultimate Saugatuck Ale Trail, filled with unique brews, colorful taprooms, and memories to last a lifetime. Want to expand your ale trail and hit every lakeside town along the way? Check out our Craft Drink Map which outlines every cozy winery, funky brewery, and chic distillery around our inn.
Stay With Us At Wickwood Inn
Stay at the Wickwood Inn while you tour all of the best craft breweries in and around Saugatuck. Walk to downtown or the beach from your rooms and spend your evenings in a luxurious spendor. Embrace the opportunity to unwind and reset. We pamper you morning, noon and night with Farm To Table Brunch, Sweets & Treats, and Sips & Small Plates Happy Hour. Relax even more when you indulge in a custom in-room massage. Or, simply sit and read in front of your private blazing fireplace. Don’t wait! Choose and reserve your fireplace suite today!