When you head out for some rest and relaxation with a trip to beautiful Gull Lake, you’ll make memories and take plenty of pictures during your adventures. While dining out and hitting local hot spots may be part of your plans, you’ll want to taste some of the local brews too. Stop by one of the local breweries for a taste of Gull Lake’s unique flavors. You may even be able to take some back to your vacation rental, too. Check out the top 5 local breweries in Gull Lake below!

14 Lakes Brewery

Start your brewery adventure a little further afield in Crosslake. The brews at 14 Lakes Brewing make take a little longer to get to, but they make it worth the drive. From ale and IPA to lager and stouts, you’re bound to find a new favorite. Enjoy Thin Mint Mud Pie, a nut brown ale mixed with Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, or the Blood Orange IPA, a slightly fruity yet slightly bitter taste that’s smooth and refreshing. Soak up some of the alcohol before departing with a selection of pizza, pretzels, snack sticks, and more provided by nearby Von Hanson’s Meats. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. The brewery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cuyuna Brewing Co.

Make the short trip to Crosby for another lineup of delicious ales, lagers, IPAs, and more. They have a rotation of beers on tap, including Tart Cherry Wheat, Mosaic Blueberry Pale Ale – a seasonal summer offering, and Uncle Tim’s Cider. There’s a menu of mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages for the designated drivers. While trying something new is a good reason for stopping in, there are some “flagship beers” or “old stand-bys” that rotate through the menu as well. Crusher IPA is a mix of Centennial hops for bittering, Cascade for aroma, and Citra for flavor. Their Silver Dollar Lager is a German-style Pilsner with barley and German Hallertau hops. There are more seasonal offerings, too. Just ask what’s on tap! Hours are Monday-Wednesday 3-9 p.m., Thursday 3-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon-11 p.m., and Sunday noon-7 p.m.

Big Axe Brewing

While many breweries are about the brews, you’ll also find a delicious food menu. Take the short trip to Nisswa for a wide range of ales, lagers, IPAs, and more. The brewery is friendly to designated drivers too, with a selection of Big Axe Brewing root beer, cream soda, and a selection of Coke products. Transport yourself back to childhood with the Creamsicle Lager with tastes of vanilla and orange, satisfy your inner chocolate lover with an oatmeal chocolate stout, or enjoy a little sweet and sour with the strawberry mango smoothie sour. Balance out the brews with a BBQ rib dinner, fish & chips, burger, or sandwich. There’s food for the kiddos too! They can order delicious grilled cheese or chicken strips and an array of sides. Beer hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Food hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. You can also order your favorite to go to enjoy back at your rental.

Roundhouse Brewery

Great brews and great fun come together to put Roundhouse Brewery high on the list. Before you get down to the business of tasting, make some time to enjoy their axe throwing range called the “Wreck Room.” Their brews feature railroad-related names like M&I, a German-style pilsner with hoppy flavor and aromas and crisp, clean finish harkens back to the days of the Minnesota and International Railway that used to run through Brainerd and northern Minnesota, eventually becoming part of the Paul Bunyan Trail. The Coal Train Porter will have you imagining yourself on a sooty, dark car with its robust porter consisting of roast malt, coffee, cocoa, and caramel. You’ll find these and more on tap. Keep in mind our tap flavors rotate often. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at The Dining Car at Roundhouse walk-up counter service style kitchen. Hours are Monday-Wednesday noon-9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday noon-10 p.m., and Sunday noon-7 p.m.

Jack Pine Brewery

This top pick has it all! A variety of ales, IPAs, porters and more, along with a prime location – just moments from Gull Lake in Baxter. If you’re on the fence about what to try, choose the Fenceline, 16 ounces of American pale ale overloaded with hoppy flavor. They’ve blended Chinook and Columbus hops and finished it off with an array of citrus flavor and aroma. If you’re the independent sort, ask for a glass of Lone Wolf IPA, a light grain bill of pilsner and pale ale malt that features a taste if bold ripe peach up front followed by the bitterness of red grapefruit and hints of citrus and tropical for an interesting brew. Hours are Sunday noon to 8 p.m., Monday-Thursday 2-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday noon to 10 p.m. If you can’t make it in, a variety of the brews can be found all around Minnesota.

Brewing Fun in Gull Lake

Enjoy your getaway to Gull Lake and forget all your cares and worries at the door of your vacation rental provided by Gull Lake Beach Resorts. You’ll want to make sure all the fun and excitement of your vacation is reflected in your accommodations. After a long day of fun and sampling the different brews of the area, gather together for a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax and unwind in the open living area with a book or your favorite movie or TV show. We have units to fit your small family or group as well as units that accommodate larger groups. No matter what your vacation needs and style, we have a rental that is just right for you. Our premium units include upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more!

Top 5 Local Breweries in Gull Lake