Breweries in southeast South Dakota

At a time when the brewery scene was just becoming alive again in Sioux Falls, Fernson was one of the first on the scene. Since then, they’ve grown into a reputation for putting out some of the best beer in the area. Check out Fernson Downtown (332 S Phillips Ave.). Located in downtown Sioux Falls, it features 12 beers on tap and quality, shareable food options. Family-friendly (although minors must be accompanied by someone over 21), it's a place perfect for conversation and relaxation.

The guys from WoodGrain were using old barn wood to make furniture for the brewery when the name came to them. Now, they’re thriving in downtown Sioux Falls with an ever-changing rotation of deliciousness. Named by RateBeer as South Dakota’s Best New Brewer in 2016, WoodGrain Brewing Co. also works with local food trucks every weekend to make sure you have some grub to go with your beer. You’re also welcome to bring in your own food or have something delivered.

Obscure Brewing Company officially opened in July 2019, but the brewery has been a dream of co-owner Don Choate since he bought a homebrew kit with wedding money more than 20 years ago. Located in eastern Sioux Falls, Obscure features 18 taps that have something for everyone.

When a brewery opens in a town the size of Hartford (pop. 3,200), it becomes a meeting place for the entire community. When you walk into Buffalo Ridge Brewing, don't be surprised to see announcements for book clubs, yoga classes, and more. However, stay focused. There are a whopping 18 different beers to consider plus some tasty snacks that can easily lead you to lose track of time in all the best ways.

"Beer itself is very much like an art," according to co-owner Daniel Berry. That explains the flavors produced by Covert Ales. Daniel and wife, Stacey, both have a military history, which explains the name and the detail-oriented process that results in delicious wild and spontaneous-style ales.

Severance Brewing Co. doesn't just serve creative beer up the street from the Levitt Shell in Sioux Falls. They also have a "Pints for People" program that allows patrons to buy a beer for, well, anyone. It's simple. 1) Pre-pay for a pint. 2) Write down on the sticker who it's for—a first responder, someone that shares your birthday, anyone nicknamed "Big Pete," etc.  3) Put the sticker on the column inside the brewery. Boom. You just paid it it forward in the best way—with a beer.

For more than 14 years, Ben's Brewing Co. in Yankton has been welcoming thirsty souls with beer brewed on-site as well as rotating guest taps. Upstairs, The Copper Room provides a speakeasy atmosphere, offering two relaxing rooms in which to imbibe in downtown Yankton.

For a rare small-town brewery experience, drop in for a crowler or growler at Armour Brewing Company in Armour. Take Exit 310 south off of Interstate 90 for 30 miles to find a town of 670 people and one brewery happy to celebrate all things beer.

Enjoy a refreshing beer and an overnight stay at what might be the most unique brewery in South Dakota. Choteau Creek Brewing Company and Sip Homestead Farms BnB are all run by Paul and Lisa Schoenfelder. The latter's ancestors settled the homestead in 1896. With a focus on Czech, Belgian and German beer, Choteau Creek offers refreshment with a chance to get away. The brewery and BNB are located eight miles east of Wagner in southeast South Dakota. “We usually tell people that if they’re on the gravel road and they think they’re lost, they’re usually pretty close," says Lisa. Choteau Creek Brewing Company is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Farm-to-table is a common and delicious concept in South Dakota. Near Valley Springs, east of Sioux Falls, a fourth-generation farmer is concentrating on farm-to-glass. At A Homestead Brew, you can roam fields of hops before tasting the final product.

Established in 2013, Remedy Brewing Company in Sioux Falls was the dream of a couple of of buddies. Now the brewery and taproom feature a live music venue, pickleball courts and, of course, delicious beer. Things are so popular that there's also Remedy at 611 (611 N. West Ave) at their main production facility.

Look's has been the premier meat counter since 1883, but one of Sioux Falls' oldest business also brews some tremendous beer. Not only do the rotating varieties taste great, they also feature can art from local artists that sometimes celebrate local Sioux Falls musicians or movie projects. Stopping in for some suds also provides bakery, cheese & charcuterie, sandwich, pizza, and other tasty options. 

Mike Nussbaum brings his experience as a brewer and a high school science teacher to Altered Species Ales. A taproom until full brewing operations are producing in summer 2024, this easy-to-find thirst-quencher in downtown Sioux Falls' Western Mall features craft beer ranging from local to across the ocean. Wine is also available for the non-hopheads. Family and dog-friendly, this plant-filled spot is designed to keep folks feeling warm even during the coldest South Dakota winters. 

This college town's first-ever brewery serves everything from traditional brewery offerings to the weird & experimental as well as NA offerings. When combined with the brewery/taproom's specific interior design choices, it all equals a welcoming place to share some moments with your favorite people. 

Located in a beautifully renovated historic brick building six blocks south of The World's Only Corn Palace, one of the state's newest breweries is big on tasty beer and atmosphere. Take a pint with you on the tour of the building or just relax (with your leashed pet, if you'd like) with a tasty beverage in the Palace City.

There was only one logical place for this Wyoming-based business to expand: Sioux Falls. South Dakota's biggest city is now home to its first meadery. At Big Lost, you can sample tasty meads (fermented honey beverages), mead cocktails (NA versions available), and easy-drinking beer. Hungry? Enjoy a burger or chicken sandwich with homemade sauce options from Ranch & Roost. But the best part may be that you can drink mead out of a horn like an old-school viking. Skol!