Craft Breweries and Distilleries to Visit in the Black Hills
Sip Your Way Through South Dakota’s Black Hills Near Ghost Canyon Getaway
The Black Hills of South Dakota are famous for pretty mountains and fun history, but they also have yummy craft beers and spirits! From cozy breweries in small towns to cool distilleries, there’s a drink for everyone. Whether you love a cold beer or a smooth whiskey, these places will make your trip extra special. Stay at Ghost Canyon Getaway in Hermosa, and you’re just a short drive from the best spots. Let’s check out the top craft breweries and distilleries in the Black Hills!
Why Are Black Hills Breweries and Distilleries So Great?
The Black Hills have clean water and local ingredients that make beers and spirits taste amazing. Many of these places are run by families or small groups, so they feel friendly and welcoming. Some have food trucks or music, making them fun to visit. You can try new flavors, learn how drinks are made, and enjoy the Black Hills vibe. After a day of sipping, come back to Ghost Canyon Getaway’s cozy log “great room” to relax by the fireplace.
Craft Breweries in the Black Hills
Here are some of the best breweries to visit, all close to Hermosa.
Spearfish: Beer in a Pretty Town
Spearfish is a cute town 45 minutes from Ghost Canyon Getaway. It has three awesome breweries.
Crow Peak Brewing
Crow Peak Brewing is a favorite in Spearfish. They make a super tasty Crow Peak IPA and special beers that change with the seasons. Their big taproom is fun, and there’s often a food truck outside with snacks like burgers. You can sit and enjoy the mountain air while sipping your beer. It’s a great place to start your brewery adventure!Sawyer Brewing Co
Sawyer Brewing Co is known for yummy beers and awesome pizza. Their patio is perfect for drinking a cold beer while looking at the Black Hills. Try a hoppy IPA or a smooth stout. The pizza has fun toppings that go great with their drinks. It’s a cozy spot to hang out.Spearfish Brewing
Spearfish Brewing is newer but super popular. They have cool beers like fruity ales and rich porters. You can munch on snacks like nachos or pretzels while you drink. The friendly vibe makes it a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
Hill City: Brews in the Heart of the Hills
Hill City is only 20 minutes from Ghost Canyon Getaway and has two great breweries.
Lost Cabin Beer Co
Lost Cabin has a big beer garden where you can sit outside and enjoy beers like light lagers or dark ales. Food trucks visit often, so you can grab a bite to eat. It’s a fun spot to chill with friends and enjoy the Black Hills scenery.Miner Brewing
Miner Brewing makes beers with names inspired by the Black Hills’ mining history. Try their seasonal beers for something new. They don’t have food, but their sister winery next door can bring you meals. It’s a great place to learn about beer and history.
Rapid City: City Fun with Craft Beer
Rapid City is 35 minutes from Ghost Canyon Getaway and has a famous brewery.
Firehouse Brewing Co
Firehouse Brewing Co is the oldest brewery in South Dakota, making beers for over 25 years! Their Firehouse Red Irish ale is a big hit. They have a full restaurant with tasty food like burgers and salads. It’s a fun place to eat and drink in downtown Rapid City.
Deadwood/Lead: History and Beer
Deadwood and Lead are 45 minutes from Ghost Canyon Getaway and have three cool breweries.
Sick-N-Twisted Brewery
Sick-N-Twisted has spots in Hill City and Deadwood/Lead. They make fun beers with silly names, like IPAs and stouts. You can eat snacks like wings or pizza while you sip. It’s a great place to enjoy the Wild West feel of Deadwood.Jacobs Brewhouse
Jacobs Brewhouse in Lead is cozy and has a full kitchen with hearty meals. Their beers are perfect for pairing with food like sandwiches or steaks. It’s a nice spot to relax after exploring historic Lead.Dakota Shivers Brewing
Dakota Shivers Brewing in Lead has a small, friendly taproom. They don’t serve food, but you can bring meals from nearby restaurants. Their beers are great for a quiet evening.
Custer: A Beer Stop Near Nature
Custer is just 15 minutes from Ghost Canyon Getaway and has a great brewery.
Mount Rushmore Brewing Co
Mount Rushmore Brewing Co is perfect for families. They have lots of beers and a full menu with yummy food like burgers. It’s a great stop after visiting Custer State Park or Mount Rushmore.
Distilleries in the Black Hills
The Black Hills also have awesome distilleries where you can try handcrafted spirits.
Hill City: Spirits with a View
Stone Faces Distillery
Stone Faces Distillery in Hill City makes vodkas, gins, and whiskeys with local ingredients. You can take a tour to see how they make their spirits and try a tasting. The cozy tasting room is perfect for learning about distilling in the Black Hills.
Rapid City: Moonshine and More
Black Hills Contraband Distillery
Black Hills Contraband Distillery is Rapid City’s first artisan distillery. They make moonshine, whiskey, and vodka, and offer free tastings. You can learn about their small-batch process and try unique flavors like apple moonshine.Black Hills Dakota Distillery
Near Rapid City, Black Hills Dakota Distillery was the first legal distillery in the Black Hills. Their Sturgis Shine moonshine is made with local barley and honey. Tours and tastings let you see how they make their spirits.
Sturgis: Biker Vibes and Drinks
The Knuckle Saloon
The Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis is famous for its biker-friendly vibe. They serve craft beers and have a full menu with food like wings and burgers. It’s a lively spot to enjoy drinks and the Sturgis spirit.
Plan a Tasting Day Trip
Here’s a fun day trip to try craft breweries and distilleries from Ghost Canyon Getaway:
Morning (10:00 AM): Drive 35 minutes to Rapid City. Start at Firehouse Brewing Co for a morning beer and early lunch. Try their Firehouse Red ale.
Midday (12:30 PM): Visit Black Hills Contraband Distillery, just a few minutes away, for a free tasting of their moonshine.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Drive 20 minutes to Hill City. Stop at Miner Brewing for a beer, then head to Stone Faces Distillery for a spirits tasting.
Evening (5:00 PM): Drive 15 minutes to Custer for dinner at Mount Rushmore Brewing Co. Enjoy a burger and a beer.
Night (7:00 PM): Return to Ghost Canyon Getaway (15-35 minutes) to relax in the great room with a cozy fire.
Tips for Your Tasting Trip
Check Hours: Some places have different hours, so look at their websites before you go.
Drive Safe: Pick a driver or use a ride-sharing service to stay safe.
Bring Snacks: Some breweries don’t have food, so pack snacks or check for food trucks.
Ask Questions: Learn about how beers and spirits are made during tours.
Book Tours: Call ahead for distillery tours, especially at Stone Faces Distillery or Black Hills Dakota Distillery.
Why Stay at Ghost Canyon Getaway?
Ghost Canyon Getaway in Hermosa is the best place to stay for your craft beer adventure. It’s only 15-45 minutes from these breweries and distilleries. The bed and breakfast has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, so you can cook meals or relax. The log “great room” is perfect for chilling by the fire after a day of sipping. Plus, you’re close to fun places like Mount Rushmore (25 minutes away) and Custer State Park (15 minutes away).
Final Thoughts
The Black Hills are full of tasty craft breweries and distilleries, from Firehouse Brewing Co in Rapid City to Stone Faces Distillery in Hill City. Each spot has its own special drinks and fun vibe. With Ghost Canyon Getaway as your home base, you can explore these places and come back to a cozy retreat. Plan your trip to taste the best craft beer near Hermosa, SD, and book your stay today!