Needless to say, writing this book was a lot of fun!
In a state best known for its rolling farmland, Wisconsin offers a surprising dual identity, shaped equally by its wild natural beauty and its long-standing beer culture. This is a state where the same community of nature lovers can spend the morning hiking through pine forest, prairie, or bluff land and the afternoon sipping a cold, handcrafted lager on long, sun-drenched beer garden tables. From misty riverside trails to taprooms and live music venues, Wisconsin is a land of quiet surprises.
There are more than 2,700 miles of hiking trails across the state, and they come in nearly every style imaginable: flat and winding boardwalks, bluff-top ridge walks, tree-lined lakeside loops, steep forest climbs, and urban riverwalks. Wisconsin hiking has a rhythm all its own, shaped by glacial geology and ancient waterways. Some trails pass through forgotten rail corridors or restored prairie habitat, others through gorges, swamps, and ravines so overgrown and secluded that walking them feels like stepping into another world. For me, each new trailhead is an invitation to become an explorer in the truest sense.
The hikes chosen for this book reflect the full range of Wisconsin’s natural personalities. Some are rugged and remote, offering elevation gain and solitude. Others are short, scenic strolls suitable for kids, dogs, or anyone who just wants a taste of the outdoors. Some loop gracefully through pine forest and meadows; others hug riverbanks or ascend into sweeping bluff country. A few even begin or end with a waterfall. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned backpacker, you’ll find options here to match your experience level and energy.
But the thing that sets this book apart is that every hike is paired with a nearby brewery, because what’s better after a good trail session than a great local beer?
In many chapters, the brewery and trailhead are just minutes (or even steps) apart. Others are separated by a short, scenic drive. All of the breweries selected for this book offer something unique, whether it’s their small-town charm, inventive brewing methods, quirky taprooms, community-minded mission, or simply the quality of their beer. Some feel like someone’s garage or basement bar, while others host weddings and live music in sprawling banquet halls. The only common denominator is character.
Wisconsin has always been a beer state, but in the last few decades, the craft beer movement has transformed local taverns and corner pubs into something more: spaces of artistry, innovation, and community. Brewers here are scientists and artists, equal parts farmer and philosopher. They experiment with hop varieties, fermentation styles, fruit infusions, barrel aging, and wild yeast strains in the same way a composer arranges notes. To quote Dan Carey, the head brewer and co-founder of New Glarus Brewing Company, “Brewing a beer is an artistic expression: It’s a marriage of science, engineering, and art.”
Pairing hikes and breweries aren’t just about satisfying thirst or planning logistics; it’s about celebrating two of Wisconsin’s greatest assets: the natural world and welcoming spaces. It’s about taking a moment to reflect on a ridgeline and then capping the day with a conversation over something delicious, golden, and cold.
There’s a quiet symmetry between hiking and beer. Both invite us to slow down. Both offer journeys of discovery—one through nature, one through flavor. A trail might start as an unassuming woodland path before opening up to a jaw-dropping overlook. A beer might begin with subtle grain and citrus before unfolding into something earthy, piney, spicy, or even smoky. Both can surprise you. And both bring people together.
I’ve always loved that breweries, especially the ones featured in this book, are places where no one cares if you show up in hiking boots. These are public spaces in the truest sense: beer halls with long Bavarian-style tables, cozy pubs with board games and bookshelves, patios filled with dogs and muddy trail shoes. The good ones don’t just sell beer; they also create community.
As one brewer said to me, “Beer isn’t exclusive like wine or expensive cocktails. It’s a conversation starter.” That stuck with me. And while researching this book, I found that many of the best breweries are deeply involved with their communities, hosting events, supporting local nonprofits, and serving as gathering places after a day of work, trail running, paddling, snowshoeing, or simply living.
This book aims to give you a sense of both journey and place. You’ll find mile-by-mile trail directions, difficulty ratings, seasonal notes, and natural highlights. You’ll also find brewery details, from featured beers and food options to tour info and non-alcoholic choices. Whether you want a crisp Kölsch after a lakeside walk or a barrel-aged stout after a sweaty summit climb, you’ll know exactly where to go. In some cases, the brewery and the trailhead line up perfectly. That’s when magic happens.
This guidebook is for the curious, the adventurous, the thirsty, and the trail-hungry. It’s for the wildflower lovers and the barley nerds. The introverts who find solace in nature and the extroverts who thrive on taproom chatter. It’s for anyone who believes that an afternoon outdoors, followed by a well-earned pint, is one of life’s finest combinations.
Cheers! and happy trails!
Listen to the interview on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Lee Rayburn show here!