Founders Brewing Co. Tour — Grand Rapids, Michigan

Discover the Founders Brewing Co. Tour in Michigan

Go behind the scenes at Founders Brewing Co., one of America’s most influential craft breweries and home to legendary beers like All Day IPA, KBS, and Dirty Bastard. This in-depth brewery tour in Grand Rapids takes visitors through the brewing, cellaring, and packaging areas while exploring Founders’ innovation, craftsmanship, and beer philosophy.
Why it’s special:
Founders helped define the modern craft beer movement, and the tour offers a rare look inside a world-class production facility that distributes beer nationwide.

History/Story of Founders Brewing Co.

Founders started in 1997 when two homebrewers—Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers—took a risk and opened their own brewery. After early struggles, they doubled down on big, bold flavors, creating beers like Dirty Bastard and KBS that built a cult following. Today, Founders is one of the largest and most awarded craft breweries in the U.S., with a bustling taproom and a massive production plant in Grand Rapids.

What You’ll See & Do on the Founders Brewery Tour

• Walk through the state-of-the-art brewhouse featuring massive stainless-steel kettles

• Learn how malt, hops, water, and yeast come together in Founders’ brewing process

• See the fermentation cellar with towering tanks

• Visit the barrel-aging room where KBS and other specialty beers mature

• Watch the packaging hall with high-speed canning and bottling lines

• Hear insider stories about Founders’ flagship beers and brewing philosophy

• Enjoy guided beer samples (ages 21+) at the end of your tour

• Explore the Founders Taproom with exclusive releases and pub favorites

Hands-On Elements: Aroma boards, malt samples, hops-handling stations (guided), tasting experience.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in most areas; no flash near control panels or barrels.
Souvenirs & Extras: Glassware, apparel, limited-release beers, posters, tap handles, and brewery-exclusive merch.

Pricing of the Founders Brewing Co. Tour

• Brewery Tour: $35 per person

  • Includes guided tour

  • Includes two beer samples for ages 21+

• Ages 12–20: $20 (no sampling)

• Kids under 12: Not permitted on the tour

• Group tours available by reservation

Practical Info for Visiting Founders

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour through production areas + tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Offered on select days; reservations required
Working Hours: Taproom typically open 11:00 AM–11:00 PM (tour time slots vary)
Audience: Craft beer fans, foodies, brewery tourists
Accessibility: Most areas accessible; some industrial zones have stairs
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Must be 21+ to sample beer

• Stay within marked walkways around machinery
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Available for clubs, businesses, and private groups
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, valid ID
  Facilities: Taproom, full kitchen, beer garden, gift shop, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Packaging lines vary; barrel room access may depend on activity

Nearby

• Downtown Grand Rapids breweries & restaurants

• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

• Rosa Parks Circle

FAQs About Visiting Founders Brewing Co.

Do the tours include beer samples?
Yes—adults 21+ receive two samples as part of the tour.

Can under-21 guests attend?
Yes—ages 12–20 may attend the tour, but cannot sample beer.

Do I need to reserve a spot?
Absolutely—Founders tours fill quickly, especially on weekends and beer-release days.

Will I see the barrel-aging room?
Most tours include a look at the barrel cellar where KBS and specialty beers age.

Is the taproom worth visiting after the tour?
Definitely—the taproom features exclusive beers you won’t find in stores, plus great food.