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Northwest Illinois Ale Trail

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 commemorative glass to prove it!

The Northwest Illinois Ale Trail 3.0 kicks off this LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

Here are a few NEW things you need to know:

  • -This year, complete all stops and receive a commemorative glass!

  • 📢 These glasses will NOT be ready for pickup until September 24! So if you start this weekend, know you can’t get your prize for a few weeks at Lena Brewing Company.

  • – There are 500 glasses available. When they are gone, they are gone! We expect that to be around the end of the year.

  • All glasses will be picked up at Lena Brewing Company. No glasses will be shipped to finishers.

As always, PLEASE drink responsibly while you enjoy the beautiful hills and ales of northwest Illinois!

CHEERS 🍻

Lena Brewing Company

Come ride the rooster at LBC! This dog friendly taproom is located in the big red barn near the village of Lena, right along Highway 20. Besides delicious craft beer, they offer house smoked brisket and live music on the summer patio- what more could you ask for? Fan favorite brews like Drunkelberry, Coldstream Lager and Yard Pimp IPA will have you ordering another round in no time! 

ADDRESS:
9426 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

Goerdt’s Brewhaus

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 (18 miles/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

Galena Cider Co.

A product of Orchard Landing Apple Farm, try varieties of hard cider brewed from locally grown apples. Hours are Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.
ADDRESS:
6629 W. Beaty Hollow Rd.
Hanover, IL 61041

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.

Mud Run Beer Co. is a Stockton destination. With 20 tap handles, we typically have over 15 of our own craft beers on tap.  We also have been serving up mouthwatering in-house smoked barbecue since 2021. Located in the heart of downtown, the brewery and restaurant welcomes guests with a great atmosphere and delicious food and beer. This venue also features an event space, ideal for hosting gatherings.

ADDRESS:
124 S. Main St.
Stockton, IL 61085

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