Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting — Watertown, South Dakota

Discover the Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting in South Dakota

Located in Watertown, South Dakota, the Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch craft spirits production in the northeastern part of the state. This guided distillery tour introduces guests to the process of fermentation, distillation, and spirit aging used to create vodka, whiskey, rum, and specialty liqueurs.

Visitors explore the distillery floor, view copper stills and fermentation tanks, and learn how locally inspired ingredients and careful craftsmanship shape the distillery’s unique spirits.

Why it’s special: Glacial Lakes Distillery was South Dakota’s first licensed craft distillery and helped launch the state’s modern craft spirits industry.

History & Story of Glacial Lakes Distillery

Glacial Lakes Distillery was founded in the early 2000s by two entrepreneurs who wanted to bring craft distilling back to South Dakota. Inspired by the region’s agricultural heritage, they focused on producing spirits from locally sourced grains.

The distillery quickly gained attention for its handcrafted vodka and flavored spirits, becoming a pioneer in the state’s growing craft beverage movement.

What You’ll See & Do on the Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting

• Walk through the distillation and fermentation areas
• Learn how grains are transformed into distilled spirits
• Observe copper stills and spirit production equipment
• Discover how spirits are filtered, flavored, and aged
• Explore the tasting room and retail shop
• Participate in a guided tasting of select spirits (21+)

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting of house-crafted spirits for guests 21+ with valid ID.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in designated public areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled spirits, cocktail accessories, and distillery merchandise available for purchase.

Pricing of the Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting

Adult price: $10 per adult

Includes guided tasting of select spirits.

Visiting information for Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome; tasting portion restricted to guests 21+

Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; production areas may have limited accessibility

Working Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Friday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday–Monday Closed

Advance booking recommended for guided tours.

Nearby attractions to Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting

• Bramble Park Zoo
• Lake Kampeska
• Codington County Heritage Museum

FAQs About Visiting the Glacial Lakes Distillery Tour & Tasting

What spirits are produced at Glacial Lakes Distillery?
The distillery produces vodka, whiskey, rum, and flavored spirits.

Is the distillery historically significant?
Yes. It was South Dakota’s first licensed craft distillery.

Are tastings included in the tour?
Yes. Guests 21 and older can participate in guided tastings.

Can visitors buy bottles at the distillery?
Yes. Bottled spirits and merchandise are available in the retail shop.

How far is Watertown from Sioux Falls?
Watertown is approximately a 1.5–2 hour drive north of Sioux Falls.