Where to Take a Beer Brewery Tour in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is home to many major beer breweries, several of which give factory tours to the public. Home brewers as well as those interested in general beer tourism can gain a new appreciation for the complex process it takes to make beer. Brewery tours are also a fun attraction for families to enjoy, as they often have a rich story behind them and many factories are set in antique, historical buildings.

If you find yourself in Pennsylvania and are looking for a unique educational and fun beer tourism experience, consider checking out one of the following beer brewery attractions, all of which offer brewery tours.

*Keep in mind: Most beer breweries allow all ages to participate in brewery tours but a few breweries have age restrictions. If you plan to tour a brewery with kids, it is recommended you confirm that they will be admitted before venturing out to the facility. Also, keep in mind that many of the brewery tours require closed toed shoes only, for safety purposes, so leave the sandals behind unless you've called ahead to verify they will be permitted.

Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-0881
http://www.victorybeer.com

The Victory Brewing Company out of Philadelphia, PA is well known for their brews of uniquely crafted beers, many of which can be easily identified as a "Victory Beer" from hearing the name alone. Beers like "Prima Pils", "Golden Monkey", and "HopDevil Ale" are distinguishable by their unique flavors and funky packaging labels, which feature colorful and daring designs. Victory Beer founders Bill and Ron were trained in German beer brewing and brought their roots to the US 13 years ago to combine them with techniques that were unique to America. Bill, Ron and the rest of the crew who represent the Victory Brewery show great enthusiasm for satisfying customers and express a commitment to listening to what their beer drinking audience desires.

The Victory Beer Brewery Tours take place on Fridays at 4pm and Saturdays at 12pm Noon and meet at the host desk inside of the on site restaurant. Note that closed toe shoes are required to tour the facilities for safety precautions.

Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC Harrisburg)
50 N. Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-221-1083
http://www.abcbrew.com

Appalachian Brewing Company was the first brewery in Harrisburg since 1951. Both the beer brewery and brewpub are set in a historic building in downtown Harrisburg made up of antique brick and wood. The brewing company regularly hosts live music and events and prides themselves on their menu of selected food and beer parings.

The Brewery at ABC gives tours of the beer making facilities every Saturday at 1pm. Visitors are advised to arrive ten minutes prior to tour time in order to help guarantee them a spot, as space is limited.

Tröegs Brewing Company
800 Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-232-1297
http://www.troegs.com

Tröegs Brewing Company, makers of such beers as Troegenator Double Bock, Nugget Nectar and Mad Elf Ale was founded in 1996 and is located in Harrisburg, PA. Tröegs beers are mainly distributed throughout the eastern region of the United States. The Tröegs Brewery offers free tours to watch each step of the beer making process. Tours are held every Saturday at 1:30pm, 2pm and 2:30pm and unlike most beer breweries they accept and encourage reservations. Call 717-232-1297 to schedule a tour date no more than 4 weeks in advance.

Note that children are welcome to join the tour with adult supervision and adults with proper 21+ ID can grab some free beer samples if they arrive at the Tasting Room at least 10 minutes before the tour is to begin.

Yeungling Beer Brewery
5th & Mahantongo Streets
Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 628-4890
www.yuengling.com/

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc opened their beer making factory in 1829, establishing Yeungling as the first brewery in America. Yeungling has a line of several beer varieties, all of which are manufactured at one of the Yeungling Breweries in Pottsville, PA and Tampa, Florida. Tours of Yeungling Brewery are open to all ages, but are not at this time handicapped accessible.

Tour Schedule:
Monday-Friday 10am & 1:30pm
Saturdays- 11am, 12 Noon, 1pm

Note: Closed toe shoes are required for the tour.

Straub Brewery
303 Sorg Street
St. Mary's, PA 15857
814-834-2875
www.straubbeer.com

Straub Beer is a family owned and operated Beer Company, brewing premium and light beers of many styles since 1872. Straub Beer is known as a more natural beer brand, for Straub makes its brews without adding any sugar, salt or preservatives.

Straub Brewery Tours are free and open to anyone aged 12 and older. Tours take place upon demand between the hours of 9am and 12 Noon Monday through Friday and it is recommended that visitors call ahead to reserve a time slot. Note that closed toe footwear is required for safety reasons.