Description
When Jacob Leinenkugel first came to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in 1866, he found wide rivers, lush forests, clean water. And 2500 thirsty lumberjacks. As the son of a German brew master and brother to two others, Jacob knew an opportunity when he saw one. So he and business partner John Miller set to work building the Spring Brewery. The name held the secret of their rich, tasty product. The pure water that flowed from the Big Eddy Spring. Neither acidic nor alkaline, the water was perfect for brewing full-bodied beer. And, in 1867, the first batch of Leinenkugel's beer was born.
Within thirteen years, Jacob and his crew were handcrafting 1800 barrels of Leinie's per year to meet the growing thirst for quality beer in the Chippewa Valley. By 1890 he had expanded the renamed Jacob Leinenkugel's Spring Brewery to include a new brew house, three-story malt house and a barn to house the teams of horses that drew the Leinie's delivery wagons. After Jacob's death in 1899, son Matt stepped in as the second-generation Leinenkugel to oversee the precious family heritage that is Leinenkugel's beer.
Since then, Leinie's has grown from one variety to seven and has won loyal fans throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and even Arizona. But the important things remain unchanged. Our love for the Northwoods and our dedication to handcrafting the finest beers from the finest ingredients. And that's a legacy you can taste in every beer we make.
Hours
The Leinenkugel brewery tour, which starts and ends at the Leinie Lodge, cost $5.00 for those 21 and older. You will receive a souvenir glass and a portion of sales will be donated to water conservation efforts for Little Lake Wissota, our hometown lake. Let our lodge guides introduce you to Leinenkugel's history, family and brewing process which has been going on for over 150 years. After the tour you can enjoy our award-wining beers at our historic sampling bar or outside on the patio.
The Leinie Lodge is also a museum and gift shop. You'll see Leinenkugel historical signs, photos of the founder and past presidents of the company, and authentic brewing artifacts. Plus, there's plenty of Leineknugel's merchandise for those who must have a few mementos!
Leinie Lodge Hours & Tour Schedule:
Monday – Thursday & Saturday: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tours every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: Open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours every half-hour from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions about our brewery tours please call us at 1-888-534-6437.
Note: The brewery tour involves a lot of standing, walking and stair-climbing.
The Leinie Lodge is closed only Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
To reserve a tour time, please call
1-888-LEINIES
(1-888-534-6437)