Northwest Illinois Ale Trail
One of the most iconic drives in the Midwest is now home to breweries rich in flavor and history. In your own time, visit each of the seven breweries in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties and you’ll get the t-shirt to prove it!
Generations Brewing Company
Craft brewing is all about celebrating tradition, heritage and independence – and having fun while doing so. Built in 2014, Generations BrewIng Company resurrected the once thriving brewing industry in Stephenson County. The industrial-chic tap room offers artisan ales and lagers of all colors and varieties. Try the all-around classic, Pretzel City Amber – an American Amber Ale made with carmel malts and the addition of locally made pretzels thrown into the mashtun that make the brewery smell like a bakery at sunrise. Enjoy craft brewing as it was intended.
ADDRESS:
1400 S Adams Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
Lena Brewing Company
Every beer has a story and some are actually true. This dog-friendly brewery is perfectly situated between industry and farm fields near the village of Lena along Highway 20. Built inside a renovated feed mill, owner Ross Vehmeier is proud to reflect and support the agriculture and industry of the region. Whether it’s the Caramel Pecan Coffee Stout, the fruit-forward Drunkleberry or the Marzen Attacks, you deserve a Lena beer!
ADDRESS:
9416 W Wagner Rd.
Lena, IL 61048
Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery
In the rolling hills west of Freeport sits a small family farm and artisanal craft brewery. Established in 2009, the Peterson family farm grows over a hundred different vegetables, hops, micro-greens, herbs, fruits and garden plants – all of which are 100% USDA Certified Organic. Their micro-brewery and on-site tap room feature unique, craft beer from right inside their renovated barn with brews made in small batches that change frequently but are all equally delicious. Stop out to meet Penny and Nate and experience flavor at its finest!
ADDRESS:
4679 N Flansburg Rd.
Lena, IL 61048
Pecatonica Beer Company
Pecatonica Beer Company invites you to visit our Tap House in Warren, IL. Stop in for great atmosphere, great company, and great beer! The Pecatonica Beer Company rolls out a series of handcrafted beers brewed in small batches. Our mission is to impress the craft beer enthusiast with well-balanced, full-bodied beers. We are offering these beers to celebrate the rich history of brewing. Plus, they were too good not to share!
ADDRESS:
136 E Main St.
Warren, IL 61087
Galena Brewing Co.
No reservations required, first come, first served. Full bar with 13 taps, flagships and seasonals. Best baked wings in Galena – salads, nachos, burgers, and more. Appetizers and shareables, including our famous 1 lb. soft pretzel. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian along with a kids’ menu.
Nothing fried, nothing grilled, everything baked for your health!
Wheelchair friendly. Free Wifi. Free live music on Saturday’s, 8 pm, Karaoke on alternate Fridays. Free two-hour EV charging for customers – 2 Tesla 20KW 80A (60miles/hr) chargers and 1 Universal J1772 11KW 60A (18miles/hr). Seven large screens and surround sound…so when the game is on…..you are there! Brewery tours Fri 3 pm, Sat 11:30 am. The gift shop will entice you!
ADDRESS:
227 N. Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
Highway 20 Brewing
Small, family-friendly craft brewery located on Historic Hwy 20, in an 1875 Presbyterian Church.
ADDRESS:
113 S. Main St.
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Mud Run Beer Co.
Smokin’ brews and BBQ! Craft brews made right in Stockton.
ADDRESS:
124 S. Main St.
Stockton, IL 61085
Key Industries
