Potosi Brewery & National Brewery Museum — Potosi, Wisconsin

Discover the Potosi Brewery & National Brewery Museum Tour in Wisconsin

Visit the historic Potosi Brewery in Potosi, Wisconsin—home to award-winning craft beers and the official National Brewery Museum. This unique destination blends beer heritage, restored brewing architecture, large-scale breweriana exhibits, and a working craft brewery. Guests explore the museum, tour the brewery, and enjoy fresh beer in a beautifully restored 19th-century building.
Why it’s special:
It’s the only brewery in the country that houses the National Brewery Museum, showcasing one of the largest collections of historic beer advertising, cans, bottles, signs, and memorabilia in the United States.

History/Story of Potosi Brewery

Originally founded in 1852, the Potosi Brewery served the local community for over a century before closing in 1972. After decades of inactivity, the building was restored and reopened in 2008 as both a working craft brewery and the permanent home of the National Brewery Museum. Today, Potosi continues the region’s brewing legacy while celebrating America’s beer history.

What You’ll See & Do at Potosi Brewery

• Explore the multi-level National Brewery Museum filled with vintage bottles, signage, and brewing artifacts

• Learn the history of American beer advertising and regional breweries

• Tour the modern Potosi Brewery production areas

• Watch bottling and kegging when active

• Enjoy a beer tasting in the Potosi taproom or beer garden

• Visit the Potosi Brewery Restaurant for Wisconsin comfort food

• Browse the gift shop for brewery merchandise and collector items

Hands-On Elements: Beer tasting (21+), hands-on interactives, rotating museum exhibits.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged throughout the museum and public areas; follow staff guidance in production areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Branded glassware, craft beer, apparel, collector breweriana, books, and museum-exclusive merchandise.

Pricing of the Potosi Brewery & Museum Tour

• National Brewery Museum Admission:

  • Adults: $5

  • Seniors: $4

  • Students: $3

  • Children under 12: Free

• Brewery Tour with Tasting: $8–$12 depending on beer flight selection

• Combination museum + brewery experience available on select days

Practical Info for Visiting Potosi Brewery

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Self-guided museum visit + guided brewery tour (select times)
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round; brewery tours offered on specific days and times
Working Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (museum and taproom hours vary seasonally)
Audience: Beer lovers, families, history fans, tourists
Accessibility: Museum and brewery public areas accessible; some historic spaces have stairs
Safety & Restrictions:

• Must be 21+ for beer sampling

• Children welcome in museum and restaurant
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Group tours available; reservations recommended
  What to Bring/Wear: Valid ID for alcohol samples, comfortable shoes
  Facilities: Museum, brewery, taproom, restaurant, beer garden, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays; brewing operations vary by day

Nearby

• Potosi Point Recreational Area – scenic Mississippi River overlook

• Whiskey River Trail – biking and ATV trail system

• Grant River Recreation Area – camping, river views, nature trails

FAQs About Visiting Potosi Brewery

Do I need reservations for the brewery tour?
Reservations are recommended for weekends but walk-ins are often available.

Is the museum kid-friendly?
Yes—the National Brewery Museum is family-friendly and rich in American history.

Can I sample beer on-site?
Yes—tasting flights are available in the taproom.

Are food options available?
Yes—the Potosi Brewery Restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily.

How long should I plan for the visit?
Most guests spend 1–2 hours exploring the museum and brewery.