After a full day on the trails, nothing hits quite like a cold craft beer.
Duluth’s brewery scene is one of the strongest in the Midwest — bold IPAs, crisp lagers, experimental small batches, and lake-inspired classics all within a short drive. Whether you’ve spent the day mountain biking, hiking, or exploring Canal Park, these breweries are the perfect post-adventure stop.
Here are some of the best breweries in Duluth — and how far they are from Trailside Hotel.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Distance from Trailside: ~10 minutes (4 miles)
One of Duluth’s most recognized breweries, Bent Paddle is practically a rite of passage for visitors. Their flagship beers — like the 14° ESB and Bent Hop IPA — are widely loved, but the taproom always features rotating seasonals and small-batch experiments.
Why go:
- Large industrial-style taproom
- Frequent live music and events
- Reliable, well-balanced beers
Perfect for: Your first stop in town.
Ursa Minor Brewing
Distance from Trailside: ~12 minutes (5 miles)
Ursa Minor blends craft beer with artisan pizza in a relaxed, modern space. It’s especially popular in summer thanks to its spacious outdoor patio.
Why go:
- Wood-fired pizza
- Rotating creative brews
- Great indoor-outdoor vibe
Perfect for: Casual dinner after a trail day.
Canal Park Brewing Company
Distance from Trailside: ~15 minutes (6 miles)
Right in the heart of Canal Park, this brewery pairs house-made beer with unbeatable Lake Superior views.
Why go:
- Waterfront location
- Full restaurant menu
- Easy walk to shops and the Lakewalk
Perfect for: Sunset drinks after exploring downtown.
Blacklist Artisan Ales
Distance from Trailside: ~12 minutes (5 miles)
Known for bold flavors and experimental brewing, Blacklist leans into hazy IPAs, barrel-aged releases, and specialty pours. The taproom has an urban-industrial feel with a lively atmosphere.
Why go:
- Creative, rotating tap list
- Events and trivia nights
- Strong local following
Perfect for: Craft beer enthusiasts looking for something unique.
Lake Superior Brewing Company
Distance from Trailside: ~5 minutes (2 miles)
This is the closest brewery to Trailside — making it ideal when you want something quick and easy after a long day.
Why go:
- Historic Duluth brewery
- Cozy, laid-back atmosphere
- Classic, approachable beer styles
Perfect for: Low-key evenings close to your room.
Duluth Cider
Distance from Trailside: ~12 minutes (5 miles)
Not technically a brewery — but worth mentioning. If your group has cider drinkers, Duluth Cider offers a bright taproom and a range of dry, fruit-forward options.
Make It a Duluth Brewery Weekend
One of the best parts of staying at Trailside Hotel is flexibility. You’re close to mountain bike trails and outdoor adventure by day — and just a short drive from Duluth’s top breweries at night.
A perfect day might look like:
- Morning ride at Spirit Mountain
- Afternoon Lakewalk stroll
- Evening brewery hop downtown
- Quiet rest back at Trailside
Adventure. Atmosphere. Great beer. Repeat.
