Copper Trail Brewing Co., Alexandria, MN
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
FAST FACTS:
Address: 205 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN
Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11 am - 9 pm
Fri/Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Phone: (320) 763-2337
Dog-friendly: Patio
Parking: Lot on site as well as street parking
First visited: 5/19/2025
Last visited: 3/3/2026
Copper Trail Brewing has become a regular stop for us when traveling through the Alexandria, Minnesota area.
The brewery in right downtown and happens to be perfectly positioned along the route to our hunting land, so it has become a convenient and enjoyable place for us to take a break along the way. Our first visit was last year when staying at a nearby resort, and after that stop we knew we’d be coming back. Sure enough, we've made it back a few times and will continue to stop there!
Alexandria itself is a popular small-town stop for people heading to the lakes and resorts throughout the area, and Copper Trail fits right into that traditional, laid-back Minnesota lake country vibe.
The brewery was founded by a group of local craft beer enthusiasts who wanted to bring a true community gathering place to Alexandria. Their goal was to put together a space where people could enjoy craft beer while connecting with friends, family, and neighbors.
The result is Copper Trail - a relaxed and welcoming taproom that feels cozy the moment you walk through the door.
What's On Tap?
Copper Trail keeps a rotating selection of beers on tap, and they have a wide range of styles like IPAs, lagers, stouts, and typical seasonal releases. For me, as usual, the highlight is always the sour beer selection.
They rotate different sour options on the tap list, which means the exact lineup is usually different from visit to visit. That’s part of the fun though - there’s always something new to try.
And, so far, every sour I’ve had there has been excellent. Even though they change regularly, I’ve yet to come across one I didn’t enjoy.
If you’re someone who likes exploring different sour styles, Copper Trail is definitely a brewery where it’s worth checking the tap list each time you're in the area.
Food Score: 4/5
Food Finds
Another major reason we enjoy stopping here is the food from the 205 Grill, located right inside the brewery. The menu has a variety of options that pair great with their beer, but one item stands out for us every time:
The chili. It’s easily one of the best brewery food options we’ve had, and it has become something we look forward to whenever we stop in. If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
Having a full kitchen also makes Copper Trail a great go-to for lunch or dinner, not just a place to grab a drink.
Food Score: 4/5
The Vibe Inside & Out
The taproom itself is wide open and with plenty of seating for both small groups and larger gatherings. It feels like the kind of place that naturally must be a community hub for locals.
During our most recent visit, the staff was setting up for one of their cribbage league nights, which immediately caught our attention since we love playing cribbage ourselves. It looked like they get a pretty good turnout for the league, and it’s exactly the kind of event that helps bring people together around the brewery.
From trivia nights to league events and other gatherings, it seems like there’s often something happening at Copper Trail.
Vibe Score: 3/5
Dog Friendly Details:
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, but not inside, because of the kitchen. But it is still a nice stop if you’re traveling through the area with your pup during the warmer months.
Score: 2.5/5
Insider Info
Great stop for lake travelers. If you’re heading to one of the many lakes or resorts around Alexandria, this is an easy place to take a break.
Check the tap rotation. The sour lineup changes, so it’s worth seeing what’s new each visit.
Try the chili. Seriously - don’t skip it.
Look for events. Cribbage league and other events seem to bring a great crowd into the brewery.
Tapped In Takeaway
Copper Trail Brewing Co is the kind of brewery you hope to find in a Minnesota lake town.
Between the rotating beer selection, excellent food from the 205 Grill, and a community atmosphere, it has quickly become one of our favorite stops when traveling through the Alexandria area.
If you’re heading north for a weekend at the lake, it’s definitely worth pulling off the highway for a pint.
Final Score: 4/5
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