New Glarus Brewing Company Hilltop Brewery
Wisconsin's iconic craft brewery set on a scenic hilltop, offering tours, tastings, and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
New Glarus Brewing Company Hilltop Brewery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wisconsin's iconic craft brewery set on a scenic hilltop, offering tours, tastings, and stunning views.
"One of my favorite Breweries I've visited. They have an informative, self-guided tour that gives you a detailed history."
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, even for tour buses. :car:
💰 Tasting Deals
For $8, get 3 small samples or a full pint in a souvenir glass. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Brewery Grounds
Outdoor seating areas
Enjoy your craft beer amidst gorgeous, rolling hills and charming picnic table seating.
Self-Guided Brewery Tour
Brewery interior
Learn the history and brewing process of Wisconsin's famous beers on an informative tour.
Beer Tasting Experience
Tasting room
Sample a variety of their renowned lagers, ales, and seasonal brews.
Gift Shop & Souvenirs
Gift shop
Pick up unique New Glarus Brewing merchandise and take home a piece of Wisconsin.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Hilltop Brewery
Beyond the Brews: Exploring New Glarus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, even for tour buses. :car:
💰 Tasting Deals
For $8, get 3 small samples or a full pint in a souvenir glass. :moneybag:
☀️ Outdoor Seating
All seating is outdoors, offering a charming and relaxed atmosphere. :sunwithface:
🎶 Alp Horn Music
Enjoy the unique sound of alp horns adding to the festive ambiance. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, even for tour buses. :car:
💰 Tasting Deals
For $8, get 3 small samples or a full pint in a souvenir glass. :moneybag:
☀️ Outdoor Seating
All seating is outdoors, offering a charming and relaxed atmosphere. :sunwithface:
🎶 Alp Horn Music
Enjoy the unique sound of alp horns adding to the festive ambiance. :musical_note:
🍰 Don't Miss the Bakery
Grab a creme horn or other treats from the local bakery in town. :croissant:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning hilltop location and the quality of New Glarus Brewing's craft beers, especially the iconic Spotted Cow. The tasting experience and souvenir glasses are popular, as are the scenic grounds perfect for relaxing. Some note that hours can be limited, and the selection might vary, but overall, it's a highly recommended Wisconsin brewery experience.
"One of my favorite Breweries I've visited. They have an informative, self-guided tour that gives you a detailed history of the New Glarus Brewing Company.
The surrounding landscape is gorgeous and they offer picnic table seating for the beer tastings.
There is a large, free parking lot for customers."
Grace Marchello
"New Glarus Brewing doesn't need a lot of introduction, they make some of Wisconsin's most well known beers. They were in the middle of an expansion so on my stop they had a limited selection for tasting including a lager, farmhouse ale, oktoberfest, plus a watermelon, strawberry rhubarb, and a sour blackberry...they have several other beers, just not on for my stop. They had alp horns playing, free tours, and their gift shop and beer cave where up and running. I still want to stop back when they have tasting room and more taps on."
Adam Derringer
"How fun to finally visit spotted cow. New Galtus embraces cows around the city. I love the festive atmosphere and hope to come back. Sampled serendipity and it was fabulous. The staff were young and happy which made it fun. Thank you. Proud of my sign and my memories here."
Cindy Ternes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The brewery is located in New Glarus, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car, with a large, free parking lot available for visitors. Many visitors drive from Madison or other nearby cities.
Public transportation options directly to the brewery are limited. It's best to plan for a car journey or consider ride-sharing services if you're coming from a nearby town.
The grounds are scenic and offer areas to wander. A self-guided tour is available, and the layout is generally easy to follow. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore extensively.
Yes, the town of New Glarus itself is charming, with a notable bakery. You can also explore neighboring areas, with Madison being a popular option for further exploration.
From Madison, take US-151 South towards Dubuque, IA. Take the exit for WI-39 West towards New Glarus. Continue on WI-39, which becomes WI-69 South, and follow signs for the brewery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is generally free. For beer tastings, you can sample three small beers for $8 and keep the tasting glass, or get a full pint in a souvenir glass for the same price.
For general visits and self-guided tours, advance booking is usually not required. However, 'hard hat' tours are reservation-only, so check their website for details.
Operating hours can vary, and some reviews mention the brewery being closed on weekends. It's highly recommended to check the official New Glarus Brewing Company website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, there's an informative self-guided tour that covers the history and brewing process. They also offer reservation-only 'hard hat' tours for a more in-depth experience.
Yes, you can purchase beer to take home from their gift shop, subject to availability and local regulations.
🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience
The tasting room offers a chance to sample various beers. For $8, you can get three small samples or a full pint, both including a souvenir glass to take home.
The brewery primarily focuses on beer. While they don't typically serve full meals, you can enjoy the scenic grounds with your purchased beverages. Bringing your own picnic is often allowed.
The atmosphere is described as festive and relaxed, especially with the outdoor seating and beautiful landscape. Alp horns sometimes play, adding to the unique charm.
Information on pet policies can vary. It's best to check the brewery's official website or contact them directly to confirm if dogs are permitted on the grounds.
They are known for Wisconsin's most well-known beers like Spotted Cow. Tastings can include lagers, farmhouse ales, seasonal brews, and fruit-infused sours, though selection may vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling hills and scenic landscape surrounding the brewery offer numerous picturesque spots. The architecture of the brewery itself is also photogenic.
Generally, yes, you can take photos during the self-guided tour to capture the brewing process and history. Be mindful of any specific restrictions during 'hard hat' tours.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not widely mentioned, but it's always advisable to check local ordinances and the brewery's policy before flying a drone.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for landscape and architectural shots of the brewery and surrounding countryside.
Look for the 'cows around the city' theme, which is embraced in New Glarus. The brewery's distinctive architecture and the expansive views provide many unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when it's less crowded. Pack some snacks or plan a stop at the nearby town bakery for treats. The self-guided tour can also be an interesting way to show kids a bit about how beer is made, though the primary appeal will be the open space and the unique setting.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
The self-guided tour provides insight into their brewing philosophy and history, adding an educational layer to the tasting. The scenic hilltop location enhances the overall experience, making it a destination for both the palate and the eyes. Don't miss the chance to purchase bottles or cans to take home and savor later.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Madison
Combine your brewery visit with a stroll through the charming Swiss-themed town of New Glarus and perhaps a stop at the local bakery. The scenic drive itself is part of the appeal. You can enjoy a beer tasting or a pint on the beautiful hilltop grounds before heading back to Madison.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Glarus Brewing Experience
Beyond the tours, the tasting experience is a major draw. For a reasonable price, you can sample a selection of their renowned beers, including the famous Spotted Cow, or opt for a full pint in a souvenir glass. The outdoor seating areas are a highlight, allowing you to soak in the views while enjoying your drink.
While the brewery is the main attraction, the town of New Glarus itself is worth exploring. Known for its Swiss heritage, it offers a quaint charm and local delicacies, such as the highly recommended creme horns from the town bakery.
Planning Your Brewery Visit: Tips from Travelers
The tasting experience is a popular choice, with options to sample multiple beers or get a full pint, both including a souvenir glass. This offers great value for beer enthusiasts.
For those interested in a deeper dive, 'hard hat' tours are available but require reservations. The self-guided tour is informative and accessible for most visitors. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the grounds extensively.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit