Idaho's craft beer culture has exploded over the past decade, transforming Boise and smaller mountain towns into premier destinations for brewery tours. From hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers, Idaho breweries showcase local ingredients and creative brewing techniques that reflect the state's outdoor spirit. Whether you're planning a weekend trip from Boise or exploring North Idaho's scenic regions, these best craft brewery tours offer tastings of what makes Idaho's beer scene one of the West's most welcoming and innovative.
1. Boise Foothills Brewery
Boise, Idaho
Located in the shadows of the Boise Foothills, this Boise brewery combines a working-dog ethos with seriously crafted ales and lagers. The taproom overlooks the Boise skyline, and their tasting flights let you explore signature brews like their award-winning IPA. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a pint while watching the sunset over the foothills. It's one of the best places to taste Boise's craft beer culture in a scenic setting.
Fun fact: Boise Foothills Brewery sources water directly from the Boise Foothills watershed, giving their beers a distinctive mineral profile unique to the region.
Tip: Visit on weekday afternoons for a quieter tour experience, and ask staff about their seasonal collaborations with other Idaho breweries.
2. Payette Brewing Company
Boise, Idaho
A cornerstone of Boise's North End neighborhood, Payette Brewing produces a rotating lineup of experimental and classic beer styles in a welcoming, no-pretense setting. Their spacious barrel room is available for tastings and tours where you can see oak-aged beers in progress. The brewery frequently hosts food trucks and live music, making it a community hub in Boise for craft beer enthusiasts. Explore their innovative approach to brewing during guided tours of the North End's craft beer district.
Fun fact: Payette's barrel-aging program uses reclaimed spirits barrels from Idaho distilleries, creating cross-state collaborations in every sip.
Tip: Tours run Thursday through Sunday; book ahead online, and arrive early if you want a table on their spacious outdoor patio.
3. Highlands Hollow Brewpub
Boise, Idaho
Housed in a renovated historic building in downtown Boise, Highlands Hollow merges craft brewing with full-service dining, offering rotating taps and house-made sodas. Their on-site brewery equipment is visible from the dining area, and the historic architecture adds character to the experience. The food menu is designed to pair with their beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. This Boise destination combines brewery tours with a full culinary experience in the heart of downtown.
Fun fact: The building dates back to 1928 and originally housed a speakeasy, so Highlands Hollow is literally reviving a brewing legacy in the same walls.
Tip: Grab a lunch reservation on weekdays to avoid crowds, and ask your server which beer pairs best with whatever dish catches your eye.
4. Coeur d'Alene Brewing Company
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Nestled in the scenic lakeside town of Coeur d'Alene, this North Idaho brewery offers tours showcasing their production floor overlooking the Kootenai River and surrounding mountains. Their taproom is casual and locals-friendly, with games and comfortable seating for lingering over a flight. The brewery's location in Coeur d'Alene makes it an ideal stop during a broader North Idaho getaway or weekend trip exploring the region's hidden gems of craft beer culture.
Fun fact: Coeur d'Alene Brewing sources water from pristine mountain springs, and their label art celebrates the region's Native American heritage with permission and partnership from local tribes.
Tip: Tours happen most weekends; combine your visit with a walk along the Coeur d'Alene waterfront or lunch at a nearby lakeside restaurant.
5. Laughing Dog Brewing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Located in the mountain town of Sandpoint, Laughing Dog produces bold, experimental brews in a casual warehouse setting that feels more intimate than industrial. Their commitment to unusual flavor combinations—from fruit-infused ales to smoked beers—attracts adventurous beer drinkers from across the state. The taproom often features local musicians and artwork from Sandpoint's vibrant creative community. This hidden gem brewery tour showcases what makes mountain towns in Idaho so distinctive for craft beer exploration.
Fun fact: The brewery's name and logo reference the owners' dog who inspired the company's founding, and proceeds from one annual seasonal beer support local animal rescues.
Tip: Sandpoint is a scenic two-hour drive from Boise; pair your brewery tour with a stay in this charming lakeside town, known for outdoor recreation and arts events.
6. Kettle River Brewing Company
Lewiston, Idaho
Eastern Idaho's Lewiston hosts this brewery in a restored historic building that honors the region's mining heritage while celebrating modern craft beer innovation. Kettle River's tour takes you through their production floor and explains how they adapted their recipes to appeal to both local palates and visiting craft beer enthusiasts. The attached tasting room in Lewiston has a welcoming, small-town atmosphere perfect for discovering regional brewing traditions.
Fun fact: Kettle River uses recipes influenced by traditional brewing methods from mining towns, reflecting Lewiston's role in Idaho's gold rush history.
Tip: Lewiston is less crowded than Boise's brewery scene; visit on a Saturday to experience the full tasting room energy without long waits.
Idaho's craft breweries offer more than just great beer—they're gathering places rooted in community, creativity, and regional pride. Plan your brewery tour today and experience what makes Idaho's beer scene one of the West's most welcoming.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a brewery tour in Idaho without making a reservation?
Most Idaho breweries welcome walk-ins for tastings, but advance reservations are strongly recommended for larger groups or specific guided tours. Call ahead to confirm tour times, as many breweries only offer tours on certain days of the week.
What's the best time of year to visit Idaho breweries?
Summer (June–August) is peak season with full taproom hours and outdoor patios open. Fall offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter can mean reduced hours, so check websites before visiting breweries in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, or mountain towns.
Are there brewery tours outside Boise?
Yes. Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and Lewiston all have quality breweries offering tours. Each offers a different regional flavor and is worth the drive from Boise or neighboring states, making them ideal for weekend brewery trips.