Beer LOVERS - Explore the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company – Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

If you’re planning a small-town adventure in the Midwest and have a taste for craft beer (or just good stories), visiting the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a great choice.

Located in the scenic Chippewa Valley, the Leinenkugel’s brewery offers more than just samples — you’re walking through over 150 years of brewing history. Founded in 1867, the brewery is one of the oldest in the U.S. and has remained intimately connected to its roots in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

What to Expect - The Visit Breakdown

Arrival & Setting the Scene

You’ll begin at the Leinie Lodge (124 E Elm St., Chippewa Falls) — the hub for tours, tastings, and merchandise.

As you pull in, take note of the old‐brick brewery buildings, the wooded hills and the creek nearby — all part of the Northwoods charm. Great for establishing shots: exterior of the brewery, patio by the creek, giant Leinenkugel’s signage.

Tip: Bring a camera/phone for wide-angle views, light for indoor shots in historic rooms, and maybe your dog (if their patio allows) for that pets-on-patio lifestyle‐shot.

The Tour

There are several types of tours; for a standard experience you’ll likely do the “Legacy Brewery Tour”. It takes about 60 minutes, includes some walking (sometimes outdoors) and covers six generations of the Leinenkugel family history and the brewing process.

Highlights include: historic brewing artifacts, original brewery buildings (from the 1867 era), and insights into how this craft business evolved over time. According to reviews, the guides are knowledgeable and bring in Wisconsin’s craft–beer heritage.

Tip: Dress for walking and stairs (the tour notes‐ “…the tour involves a lot of standing, walking and stair-climbing.”)

Arrival protocol: Be sure to check in at least 15 minutes early for your reservation. Late arrival may lose your spot.

If you’re a blogger with pets, note that service animals are permitted but pets may not be on the actual tour.

Tasting & Taproom Time

After the tour, the fun part: sampling their beers. At the Leinie Lodge you’ll find 15+ rotating flavors on tap — including small-batch pilot brews exclusive to the taproom.

Options:

• Grab a flight of six 5oz samples (good for content: flat-lay with flight paddle)

• Choose a pint and relax on the patio (great for lifestyle/ “chill travel” shots)

• Let your pet join you (the patio is dog-friendly) for a “travel with dogs” angle. 

  
  

Details & Tips

• Address: Leinie Lodge, 124 E Elm St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

• Booking: Tours are recommended to book in advance; walk-ins may be available but uncertain.

• Tour Hours: Per one listing: Monday-Thursday & Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., tours every half hour from 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday until 6:30 or 8 p.m. Summer hours may vary.

• Cost & Terms: Standard tour is about 60 minutes. Sampling is only for 21+. Tour route partially outdoors; dress accordingly.

• Best Time of Day: For outdoor patio shots, late afternoon lighting works well. If you have dogs, aim for quieter times (maybe early afternoon) to avoid crowds.

• Seasonal Note: If you visit during the fall, the foliage around Chippewa Falls is beautiful and adds to the backdrop for photos.

• Nearby Things to Do: Since you like exploring small towns and features, you might pair this visit with a walk along the Chippewa River, or pop into downtown Chippewa Falls for local eats.

We stopped in to the Leinie Lodge in the afternoon to stretch our legs after driving for a few hours. The building’s red-brick façade and the little creek running behind set the scene. Check-in was friendly, we showed ID, and soon we were walking through the historic brewery buildings of the 1860s-era original facility. Our guide pointed out old vats, years of the Leinenkugel family lineage, and talked about how this small Wisconsin brewery stayed true to craftsmanship even as beer styles changed. After the formal tour we headed back to the taproom, selected a flight of six 5-oz samples (including a pilot-brew exclusive), and relaxed on the covered patio overlooking the creek.