The Name

The idea and naming of Copper Trail came out of a gathering of friends sitting around the copper light of a fire, sharing craft beers and exchanging stories. While not everyone knew each other when the night began, through the camaraderie of storytelling and a favorite pastime, they were able to get to know everyone a little better, share their journeys, and bond over the crossing of paths. Copper Trail and our slogan, Enjoy the Journey, are reminders that while everyone is on their own unique path, we’re on a journey that’s made better by taking it together.

The Brewery

When Copper Trail opened in 2016, it became the fifth brewery in Alexandria's history--70 years after the fourth closed its doors. We're proud to revive and carry on the tradition of local, quality craft beer in our community, and we're thrilled so many people are choosing to #EnjoyTheJourney with us.

Our vibrant craft beer movement really took hold when "the Surly bill" was introduced in 2011, paving the way for what's now known as the brewery taproom. With the bill, the state of Minnesota approved not only producing beer on site, but welcoming consumers in to pull up a stool and enjoy a pint just feet from where the brew was...well, brewed. Since then, our state has seen craft beer grow to a $1.3 billion industry with over 100 breweries in Minnesota alone!

From our roots in homebrewing, through our first space in a small storefront, all the way to our expansion to a 150-seat taproom in downtown Alexandria in 2019, this history has come together to let you enjoy some of the freshest beer possible from a glass set down just yards from where it was made. Every day we open those doors, we remember the incredible work that's brought us to where we are, and you can taste it in every pint of a Copper Trail brew. Welcome to the journey!

The Taproom

Our taproom is a clean-cut, craftsman- and industrial-inspired space nestled in historic Downtown Alexandria, less than a block from the iconic Big Ole statue that welcomes visitors to town. We strive to create a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere with seating for 150 at the bar tail, hightops from local furniture designer BORD, or custom long tables crafted from refurbished wood right from our construction site.

In 2022, we partnered with local food powerhouse Pike & Pint Grill to open 205 Grill, a new restaurant right in the middle of the Copper Trail taproom. Produced with the same focus on craftsmanship and care that you'll find in our brews, 205 Grill serves up shareables, entrees, lunch, and dinner to take back to your table or even back home. (And don't forget to grab a few crowlers or a four-pack to go with it!)

We're a family-friendly space complete with games from cards to checkers, Jenga to Scrabble, and much more, as well as a Little Free Library in our front entryway that's always stocked with kids' books. The taproom also has both shuffleboard and a pool table, a few crokinole setups, and cribbage boards built right into the tables, and for the nicer days we have a full wraparound patio with tables, stools, benches, and even two gas fire tables for when the sun starts to set.

Stop in and visit us; grab a beer from our ever-changing taplist; and make sure to check out our offsale cooler to see what's available in crowlers, four-packs, or 64-ounce growlers filled right off the tapline. We also frequently have a selection of sours, non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, and sodas/juices if beer isn't quite your style!

Merchandise

Listen: We like you. If you like us, too, we have an excellent selection of merchandise for all your Copper Trail-sporting needs, from hats and shirts to glassware, craft beer soap, dog leashes, and more. Stop into the taproom to pick up your Copper Trail souvenirs today!

We also offer gift card purchases online, if you're looking for a gift to give or just a little something to use next time you see us.