All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour

Minneapolis takes its beer seriously, and this three-hour outing gives you a practical way to taste that scene without arranging a designated driver. You visit three different breweries, spend about 50 minutes at each, and can order full pints or flights rather than settling for tiny samples.

I like the all-you-can-drink format and the small minibus, which lets you focus on the beer and conversation. I also like the guides’ hands-on help, especially when choosing among unfamiliar styles. The main consideration is that this is a brewery crawl, not a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, so you should not expect a formal production tour at every stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Three breweries in three hours: Visit Falling Knife Brewing Co., Fair State Brewing Cooperative, and 56 Brewing, with roughly 50 minutes at each.
• Full pours and flights are included: The format goes beyond tiny tasting samples, though responsible pacing still matters.
• A guide helps shape the experience: Eric, Nick, and Brad have led outings, offering beer suggestions and local tips.
• Minibus transport removes the driving problem: Pickup and return are at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown.
• Small groups keep it social: The maximum group size is 14 people.
• Bring photo ID and plan for some walking: Everyone must be at least 21 and sign a liability waiver.

Why this Minneapolis beer crawl works

The best feature here is simple: you can try a lot of local beer without worrying about driving between taprooms. Minneapolis breweries are spread across different parts of the city, and a minibus makes the route far easier than calling separate rides or assigning one person to skip the beer.

You begin at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, 35 S 7th St, 30 minutes before your selected departure. That early arrival matters. It gives the guide time to check the group, confirm the waiver, and get everyone aboard before the afternoon or evening outing starts.

The group can include up to 14 people, so this is small enough for conversation without feeling like a private tour. The guide handles transportation and helps coordinate beer orders at each stop. Past outings have included guides named Eric, Nick, and Brad, and the strongest part of their role is practical: they suggest beers based on your tastes, keep the schedule moving, and add bits of Minneapolis history and neighborhood context along the way.

This is not a lecture-heavy experience. You are there to drink, compare styles, meet people, and enjoy a relaxed ride between taprooms. If you want detailed brewing science or a tour of tanks and production rooms, you may find the format light. If you want an easy night out with local beer and no driving, it makes good sense.

Stop one at Falling Knife Brewing Co.

Falling Knife Brewing Co. is the first stop, located in Northeast Minneapolis. It operates a 20-barrel brewhouse and offers a useful opening to the tour because the beer selection can cover different preferences, including IPAs and stouts.

You have about 50 minutes here. The guide helps coordinate the tasting, so you do not need to figure out the ordering process while also getting acquainted with the group. You might choose a flight to compare several beers, or select a full pour if you already know your style.

The first stop is also a good place to pace yourself. An all-you-can-drink tour can sound like a challenge, but it works better when you use the freedom to taste selectively. If you like hoppy beer, Falling Knife may be a strong starting point. If you prefer darker beer, the stout options can give you something very different from a pale ale or IPA.

One small limitation applies here and at the other breweries: the schedule gives you time to enjoy the taproom, but not unlimited time to study every beer on the menu. The guide’s suggestions are useful, particularly if you do not recognize local names or want to try something outside your usual order.

Stop two at Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Fair State Brewing Cooperative is the second stop and brings a different identity to the route. It is described as the first cooperatively owned brewery in Minnesota and the third in the country, which gives the stop a bit of local character beyond the beer itself.

The brewery is known for small-batch beers using local and hard-to-source ingredients. That can make this a good middle stop for comparison. You have already tried one Minneapolis brewery, and now you can see how another producer approaches styles, ingredients, and taproom service.

Again, plan on about 50 minutes. The guide helps with beer tasting, and you can ask for suggestions if you are unsure what to order. The all-you-can-drink arrangement includes the option of full pints or flights, according to the tour details, so you can choose between a broad tasting or a proper glass of one favorite.

Fair State may appeal most to people who enjoy variety and experimental choices. The trade-off is familiar: with so many possible beers, you will not sample everything in one visit. Take notes in your phone if you find something worth seeking out later, especially if you plan to return to Minneapolis.

Stop three at 56 Brewing

The final brewery is 56 Brewing, which is presented as the most flexible stop for different moods and preferences. Its selection includes beers such as Crispy Business and Lake Hopper, and the guide can point you toward suitable choices.

This last stop benefits from the tour’s relaxed setup. By now, you have a better sense of the group and the kinds of beer you enjoy. You can compare 56 Brewing with the first two stops rather than judging it on its own.

The timing is still about 50 minutes, so keep an eye on the clock if you order a full pint. The minibus must return to downtown, and the guide needs to gather the group before departure. A few people have wished the tour lasted longer, which is understandable. Three breweries in three hours gives you a good introduction, but it does not leave room for lingering at every taproom.

The tour ends back at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown. That return is helpful if you are staying nearby or want a clear downtown base for the rest of your evening.

What all-you-can-drink really means here

The wording matters. This is not limited to a single small pour at each brewery. The experience includes all-you-can-drink craft beer, and the details indicate that you can have full pints or flights at the stops.

That gives the tour solid value for people who want to try several styles. You are paying not only for beer, but also for transportation, a driver and guide, bottled water, and the convenience of visiting three breweries in one outing. The actual price is not provided here, so I cannot judge the exact dollar value. Still, the package is stronger than a basic tasting if you would otherwise pay for rides between breweries and separate beer orders.

The smart way to use the format is to treat it as freedom, not a contest. Try smaller flights early if you want range, then choose a full pour later if one beer becomes a clear favorite. Bottled water is included, which is welcome, but food is not. Eat before you arrive or plan food separately, since beer alone is not a good substitute for a meal.

The guide can recommend beer, but the final pace is yours. If you are not a major beer drinker, say so at the start. The experience has worked well for people who do not usually drink much beer because the guide can make ordering less intimidating.

The guide makes the biggest difference

Transportation is useful, but the guide shapes the tone of the outing. A good guide keeps the group on time without making the afternoon feel rushed, gives clear beer suggestions, and helps people feel comfortable when their tastes differ.

Eric has been especially associated with this tour, with Nick and Brad also appearing among the guides. The most useful guide service is not a long speech. It is knowing which beer might suit someone who likes stouts, which local option could work for an IPA fan, and how to keep a mixed group enjoying itself.

The guides also add local color during the ride. You can learn a bit about Minneapolis neighborhoods and city history between brewery stops, though the main subject remains beer.

The experience is not fully private, and the group may be larger than the couples or solo participants who have enjoyed especially quiet outings. If only a few people book a departure, the ride may feel almost personal. If the minibus fills to its maximum of 14, expect more group energy and less one-on-one time with the guide.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this to:

• Couples looking for an easy afternoon or evening activity
• Friends who want to try several breweries without assigning a driver
• Visitors who want local beer but do not know which taprooms to choose
• People who enjoy flights, full pours, and trying different beer styles
• Beer drinkers who appreciate suggestions rather than planning every stop themselves
• Visitors staying downtown who want a simple pickup and return point

It also works for less experienced beer drinkers. You do not need to know brewing terms or arrive with a fixed list of favorite styles. Tell the guide what you normally enjoy, and use the three stops to test something new.

I would be more cautious if you want a formal brewing education, a production-floor visit, or a food pairing experience. Food is not included, and the stated program focuses on taproom visits rather than brewery operations.

Timing, walking, and practical details

The activity lasts about three hours, with afternoon and evening departure options. Arrive at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown 30 minutes before your chosen start time, not at the scheduled departure itself.

A moderate amount of walking is involved. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to spend the day on foot before or after the tour. The minibus handles the travel between stops, but you will still walk into and around the brewery taprooms.

You must be at least 21 years old and show photo identification. Every participant signs a liability waiver before departure. Most people can take part, but you should consider your own comfort with walking and alcohol before booking.

A cooler is available for purchased beer, which is a thoughtful extra if you find cans or bottles you want to take home. Bottled water is included. Food is not, so make your own meal plan.

The tour requires a minimum number of bookings and also depends on suitable weather. If the minimum is not reached or poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Is the Minneapolis brewery tour worth booking?

Book it if you want three local breweries, unlimited included beer, and a driver in one straightforward outing. The strongest reasons are the easy transportation, the guide’s beer recommendations, the small maximum group size, and the chance to order full pours or flights.

Skip it if you want long brewery tours, food included, or a tightly focused lesson on brewing. For most people seeking a relaxed Minneapolis beer crawl, though, the format is practical and well balanced. Eat first, bring photo ID, arrive early, and let the guide steer you toward beers that fit your taste.

FAQ

Where does the Minneapolis brewery tour begin?

The tour begins at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, 35 S 7th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, the same location as pickup.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Which breweries are included?

The planned stops are Falling Knife Brewing Co., Fair State Brewing Cooperative, and 56 Brewing.

Is beer included in the tour price?

Yes. All-you-can-drink craft beer is included at the brewery stops.

Can I order a full pint or only a tasting sample?

The tour details indicate that full pints or flights are available, rather than only small samples.

How old must I be to join?

You must be at least 21 years old and bring a photo ID.

Is transportation provided between breweries?

Yes. Transportation is provided by minibus, with a professional driver and guide.