New Glarus brewery tour is a pilgrimage for craft beer lovers seeking the legendary Spotted Cow — a beer available exclusively within Wisconsin. Located in a charming Swiss-themed village, this family-owned brewery offers a free, self-guided experience with no reservations required.
Tour Experience
Important Notes
What to Expect
The New Glarus brewery tour is self-guided: you’ll stroll past the original 1993 brewhouse, fermentation tanks, and bottling line through large viewing windows. Informative signage explains the brewing process and the story of founders Dan and Deb Carey.
The highlight is the rustic tasting room, where you can sample seasonal and year-round beers like Spotted Cow, Moon Man, and Raspberry Tart. The adjacent gift shop sells exclusive merchandise and limited-release bottles—**but no beer to-go for out-of-state visitors**.
Pro Tip from Michael Thompson
"Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. Bring cash for the gift shop—they don’t accept credit cards for small purchases. Combine your trip with a stay in the village: explore the Swiss Historical Village, Chalet Landhaus Inn, and local cheese shops. And remember: Spotted Cow stays in Wisconsin—enjoy it here!"
New Glarus Accommodations
- Chalet Landhaus Inn (0.3 miles)
- New Glarus Woods State Park Cabins (2 miles)
- Best Western New Glarus (0.8 miles)
Local Attractions
- Swiss Historical Village Museum
- Heidi Folk Festival (summer)
- New Glarus Brewing Trails (walking path)
- Local cheese factories & bakeries