Shakopee Brewery Guide
Whether you’re an IPA aficionado or are just looking for a fun place to hang out, Shakopee’s local taprooms have you covered.
“We love Shakopee—it’s an old, weird, cool town,” says CEO Michael Koppelman. Badger Hill Brewing is the city’s longest-running brewery of the modern craft beer era: it formed in 2012 and opened in Shakopee in 2014.
In addition to traditional styles, Badger Hill offers innovative options like the popular Badger Snack Peanut Butter Stout. Another bestseller is Trader IPA, and the Paisley Hazy is a nod to nearby Paisley Park. For non-beer drinkers, there’s Badger Bubbly hard seltzer and the Purple Rain cocktail, made with Badger Bubbly, lemonade, sparkling water, and a purple-hued simple syrup flavored with basil, ginger, and butterfly pea pectin.
Currently, Badger Hill Brewing is located in an industrial area, but the brewery will be relocating to the Canterbury Commons entertainment district surrounding Canterbury Park in summer 2023. Koppelman is looking forward to the more prominent location and proximity to Bravis Modern Street Foods, which will also be relocating to Canterbury Commons.
In the meantime, there’s plenty going on at the existing taproom. The annual Shaktoberfest will be held on September 17, 2022, featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, and seasonal beers—“Our Oktoberfest beer is super good this year,” says Koppelman. Check the brewery’s Facebook page for the full lineup of upcoming events including trivia, paint your pet classes, and live music.
4571 Valley Industrial Blvd. S, Shakopee; 952-230-2739; badgerhillbrewing.com
“I like to say we’re nestled in downtown Shakopee,” says Ryan Lindquist, CEO of Shakopee Brewhall. “We’re coming up on our five year anniversary, and we’re excited and enthusiastic about how downtown Shakopee has grown with opportunities—and the Brewhall is in the middle of it.”
The Brewhall is located in a structure that dates back to the 1840s, and historical elements are incorporated into the taproom’s design, including timbers and limestone from the Shakopee Brewery (which opened in 1855 and closed due to Prohibition), as well as bricks from the city’s 19th century brick foundry. The taproom has a warm, community-oriented atmosphere, with live music, trivia nights, and bingo nights to benefit local nonprofits.
As far as beers, “We pride ourselves on having the usual suspects, and [in addition,] over half of our beer list is created through fun and experimental ideas from our head brewer,” says Lindquist. Some popular beers include Fun Bus hazy IPA, Cross Czech, and the seasonal Oktoberfest. Hard seltzers are available as a beer alternative.
Recently, Shakopee Brewhall expanded into the morning hours with the addition of coffee, including cold press, lattes, drip coffee, and tea, making it a vibrant community gathering space throughout the day.
124 1st Ave. E, Shakopee; 952-582-4292; shakopeebrewhall.com
Mana Brewing is the newest addition to Shakopee’s brewing scene, launching in summer 2022. “We wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome, where you can bring your kids and hang out,” says CEO Travis Bechthold. Accordingly, the family-friendly taproom has pinball and games on hand.
Currently, Mana Brewing has eight beers on tap and hopes to eventually offer 10-12 draft beers. Bechthold describes the brewing approach as “traditional-style,” and the Cream Ale and Hazy IPA are the best sellers. A more unique option is the Tropical Stout. Mana Brewing also has a full bar, with signature cocktails, wine, and hard seltzer.
The brewery has a Neapolitan-style pizza oven and offers a menu of six 10-inch pizzas, such as margarita and spicy buffalo chicken. There’s also a build-your-own option and a kid-sized pizza.
129 Holmes St. S, Shakopee; 952-445-5730; manabrewing.com
In addition to offering great local beer, Shakopee is a great place to stay! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and is conveniently located to area attractions including Mystic Lake Casino, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater.
Book your stay in Shakopee today!
