Bemidji Brewing

In the heart of Bemidji lies a place that has become a true symbol of the revival of local traditions — Bemidji Brewing. This modern craft brewery and cozy taproom is housed within the walls of a century-old historic building. Here, guests are offered more than just drinks; it's an opportunity to experience craft culture in the authentic atmosphere of northern Minnesota in the USA.

The establishment is famous for its emphasis on clean styles and high-quality ingredients. Visitors always find more than eight fresh beers on tap: from classic German blondes to experimental seasonal IPAs with bright tropical notes. The spacious open-plan hall allows you to watch the production process, which adds a special interest to the visit.

Bemidji Brewing serves as an important social hub, bringing residents and tourists together at shared tables. The friendly and family-oriented environment makes it an ideal spot for relaxing after a walk around town. Both hop connoisseurs and those just beginning their journey into the world of craft brewing are equally welcome here.

For those planning to visit this popular spot, we have prepared up-to-date contact information. You can check for table availability or the seasonal selection of drinks in advance by contacting the establishment directly.

Below are the main contact details for Bemidji Brewing:

The main reason to visit Bemidji Brewing is, of course, the tasting. We recommend ordering a flight of several samples to appreciate the variety of flavors: from light caramel ales to rich dark stouts. If you particularly enjoy a specific kind, you can purchase a growler (a special jug) to take the freshest beer home with you.

Beyond the drinks, the local cuisine is also worth your attention. The taproom menu is designed so that the dishes perfectly complement the taste of the craft beer. While relaxing, be sure to chat with the staff — the bartenders here are true enthusiasts and will gladly tell you about the nuances of brewing each variety or share stories from the brewery's life.

The venue regularly hosts community events. You might catch a limited-edition beer release or a charity fundraiser, allowing you to dive even deeper into the life of the Bemidji community. This place is imbued with a neighborly spirit, where it's easy to strike up a conversation with locals about Minnesota's forests and the secrets of brewing over a shared table.

Bemidji Brewing is conveniently located at 211 America Ave NW, right in the heart of the city's downtown. If you are already strolling through the picturesque streets of downtown Bemidji, you can easily reach the brewery on foot.

For those traveling by car, free parking is available next to the historic building, and street parking is often available nearby. If you are arriving at Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI), a taxi or rental car ride will take only 10–15 minutes.

While public transport in this part of the state is modest, the center can be reached via the LakeLink bus system. However, most guests prefer private transport or a pleasant walk, enjoying views of the nearby lake.

The story of Bemidji Brewing began in 2011 with the friendship of two local university students — Justin "Bud" Kaney and Tom Hill. Tom's passion for homebrewing grew into an ambitious business plan supported by their wives, creating a true family company. In 2012, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, the friends raised funds for their first professional brewing system.

The path to success was not easy: initially, equipment had to be moved by hand even during harsh Minnesota snowfalls. However, the incredible demand for a local product allowed for rapid production expansion. In 2016, the brewery moved to its current location — a former agricultural equipment warehouse with a century-long history, which was fully restored in a modern style.

The opening of Bemidji Brewing marked a symbolic revival of regional traditions. Until that moment, the city had not had its own beer production since 1918, when the last local brewery closed before the introduction of Prohibition. Today, this establishment is not just a business, but an important social hub that actively supports local organizations and communities.

For a standard visit to Bemidji Brewing, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This time is enough to leisurely enjoy a tasting flight of several beers, order some light snacks from the kitchen, and enjoy the industrial design of the space.

If you plan to attend one of the themed events, a new release launch, or a charity night, you should set aside about 3 hours. The atmosphere here encourages long conversations, so many guests stay late discussing local news with the brewers.

The brewery is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, while the establishment is closed on Mondays. The schedule varies: on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday), the taproom awaits guests from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday, the hours are extended until 10:00 PM for those who want to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

On Sundays, the establishment closes a bit earlier — at 7:00 PM. Since the schedule may change on holidays or during private events, we strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit.

After tasting craft drinks at Bemidji Brewing, it's worth taking time to explore the surroundings, as downtown is literally steeped in history and northern charm. A walk through the neighboring blocks will allow you to see architectural landmarks and feel the rhythm of life in this cozy corner of the USA.

There are many interesting locations near the brewery — from history museums to popular gastronomic establishments where you can continue your evening in a pleasant atmosphere.