One of the best parts about visiting Balsam Lake Lodge is how much there is to explore just minutes away. Our area is home to some wonderful local breweries and wineries that make it easy to turn a simple afternoon into a memorable tasting adventure. Whether you enjoy craft beer, locally made wine, or simply discovering small businesses that make our community special, there are several great stops close to the lodge.
Many of our guests like to spend the afternoon exploring local tasting rooms before returning to the lodge for dinner, drinks, and a relaxing evening by the lake. Four favorites that are all within a short drive are Balsam Lake Brewery, Amery Ale Works, Bunnycup Winery, and Deer Lake Winery.
Balsam Lake Brewery & Market
Balsam Lake Brewery is a must visit for anyone who loves craft beer. Located right in town, it is a convenient and fun stop during your stay. The brewery focuses on small batch craft beers with a rotating selection that often includes light and refreshing options as well as richer and more complex brews.
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to gather with friends, meet locals, and try something new. Because it is so close to the lodge, many guests enjoy stopping in for a flight or a pint before heading back for dinner or live music at the restaurant.
Supporting Balsam Lake Brewery is also a great way to experience the local flavor of the community. It is one of those places where you can truly feel the personality of the town.
Another bonus of stopping at Balsam Lake Brewery is their on site market. If you need groceries, snacks, or a few essentials for your room at the lodge, it is a great stop to pick up what you need.
Amery Ale Works
Amery Ale Works is another fantastic brewery located just a short drive from Balsam Lake in the town of Amery. Known for its creative craft beers and welcoming taproom, it has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Their beer menu often features a variety of styles ranging from crisp lagers to hop forward IPAs and seasonal brews. The brewery also has a comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to relax, enjoy a drink, and spend time with friends.
Many guests enjoy pairing a stop at Amery Ale Works with exploring the shops and small town charm of Amery before heading back to the lodge.
Bunnycup Winery
Bunnycup Winery offers a completely different experience and is perfect for guests looking for a scenic and relaxed wine tasting. Known for its charming setting and unique wines, Bunnycup has quickly become a favorite stop for visitors exploring the area.
Their wines often feature local fruits and creative blends that you may not find anywhere else. The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back, making it an easy place to slow down and enjoy a glass while taking in the surroundings.
Guests frequently mention that Bunnycup feels like a hidden gem. It is a wonderful stop for couples, small groups, or anyone who enjoys discovering something a little off the beaten path.
Deer Lake Winery
Deer Lake Winery is another great destination for wine lovers visiting the Balsam Lake area. The winery offers a variety of wines ranging from dry and traditional styles to sweeter fruit forward selections. With beautiful views and a relaxed tasting room, it is easy to spend an hour or two sampling wines and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Many guests enjoy sitting outside with a glass of wine while taking in the scenic surroundings. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of lake country.
Because Deer Lake Winery is so close to the lodge, it is easy to include it as part of a day exploring the area.
Balsam Lake Trolley
Another unique way to experience the breweries and wineries around Balsam Lake is by hopping aboard the Balsam Lake Trolley. During the summer and fall, the trolley offers guided tours that take guests through the scenic countryside of Polk County while stopping at local breweries, wineries, and other popular destinations. It is a fun and relaxing way to sample local drinks without worrying about driving. Many of the tours include visits to places like Amery Ale Works and other area favorites, giving guests the chance to enjoy tastings while taking in the beautiful landscape along the way.
Whether you are planning a girls weekend, a couples getaway, or just a fun afternoon with friends, riding the trolley creates a one of a kind experience that combines local flavor, great scenery, and the charm of exploring small towns together. Most tours even begin right at Balsam Lake Lodge, making it easy to step aboard and start your adventure.
One of the best parts about visiting Balsam Lake Lodge is how much there is to explore just minutes away. Our area is home to some wonderful local breweries and wineries that make it easy to turn a simple afternoon into a memorable tasting adventure. Whether you enjoy craft beer, locally made wine, or simply discovering small businesses that make our community special, there are several great stops close to the lodge.
Many of our guests like to spend the afternoon exploring local tasting rooms before returning to the lodge for dinner, drinks, and a relaxing evening by the lake. Four favorites that are all within a short drive are Balsam Lake Brewery, Amery Ale Works, Bunnycup Winery, and Deer Lake Winery.
Balsam Lake Brewery & Market
Balsam Lake Brewery is a must visit for anyone who loves craft beer. Located right in town, it is a convenient and fun stop during your stay. The brewery focuses on small batch craft beers with a rotating selection that often includes light and refreshing options as well as richer and more complex brews.
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to gather with friends, meet locals, and try something new. Because it is so close to the lodge, many guests enjoy stopping in for a flight or a pint before heading back for dinner or live music at the restaurant.
Supporting Balsam Lake Brewery is also a great way to experience the local flavor of the community. It is one of those places where you can truly feel the personality of the town.
Another bonus of stopping at Balsam Lake Brewery is their on site market. If you need groceries, snacks, or a few essentials for your room at the lodge, it is a great stop to pick up what you need.
Amery Ale Works
Amery Ale Works is another fantastic brewery located just a short drive from Balsam Lake in the town of Amery. Known for its creative craft beers and welcoming taproom, it has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Their beer menu often features a variety of styles ranging from crisp lagers to hop forward IPAs and seasonal brews. The brewery also has a comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to relax, enjoy a drink, and spend time with friends.
Many guests enjoy pairing a stop at Amery Ale Works with exploring the shops and small town charm of Amery before heading back to the lodge.
Bunnycup Winery
Bunnycup Winery offers a completely different experience and is perfect for guests looking for a scenic and relaxed wine tasting. Known for its charming setting and unique wines, Bunnycup has quickly become a favorite stop for visitors exploring the area.
Their wines often feature local fruits and creative blends that you may not find anywhere else. The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back, making it an easy place to slow down and enjoy a glass while taking in the surroundings.
Guests frequently mention that Bunnycup feels like a hidden gem. It is a wonderful stop for couples, small groups, or anyone who enjoys discovering something a little off the beaten path.
Deer Lake Winery
Deer Lake Winery is another great destination for wine lovers visiting the Balsam Lake area. The winery offers a variety of wines ranging from dry and traditional styles to sweeter fruit forward selections. With beautiful views and a relaxed tasting room, it is easy to spend an hour or two sampling wines and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Many guests enjoy sitting outside with a glass of wine while taking in the scenic surroundings. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of lake country.
Because Deer Lake Winery is so close to the lodge, it is easy to include it as part of a day exploring the area.
Balsam Lake Trolley
Another unique way to experience the breweries and wineries around Balsam Lake is by hopping aboard the Balsam Lake Trolley. During the summer and fall, the trolley offers guided tours that take guests through the scenic countryside of Polk County while stopping at local breweries, wineries, and other popular destinations. It is a fun and relaxing way to sample local drinks without worrying about driving. Many of the tours include visits to places like Amery Ale Works and other area favorites, giving guests the chance to enjoy tastings while taking in the beautiful landscape along the way.
Whether you are planning a girls weekend, a couples getaway, or just a fun afternoon with friends, riding the trolley creates a one of a kind experience that combines local flavor, great scenery, and the charm of exploring small towns together. Most tours even begin right at Balsam Lake Lodge, making it easy to step aboard and start your adventure.