Craft Brew Pubs Pop Up Along the River

by Jean Bowman, photo by Kaleb Rotering

It doesn’t take the lazy, hazy days of summer to make an ice-cold, craft beer taste good. And with two new brew pubs along the banks of the Otter Tail River in Fergus Falls, the owners of all three breweries share a sense of community that draws people together.

The current “experienced” owners are Ben and Tessa Schierer of Union Pizza & Brewing Co.; they’ve been open nearly five years. Fergus Brewing and
Outstate Brewing both opened last year. In talking with the owners, it’s clear that the dreaming, planning and testing started years ago.

Andy Beck is proud of the Scandinavian feel of the taproom at Fergus Brewing. “Contemporary, clean and warm makes our guests feel comfortable – like they are in someone’s home.” Perched on a hill overlooking the Otter Tail River, this cow rendering plant turned artist studio turned taproom, seats about 60 people and is open Wednesdays through Sundays. The beer garden is bedecked with twinkle lights and outdoor games and will be connected to a wrap-around-deck this summer.

You’re right to want to know more about the beer, right? Tommy Velasco, taproom and distribution manager at Fergus Brewing said Beck’s degree in laboratory science and love for flavor, texture and appearance have resulted in a variety of delicious seasonal beers. “We have 10 beers on tap at a time,” said Velasco. “Our smaller capacity means we can change out a tap with a new flavor or style weekly.” Two of the local favorites are the Viking Picnic Lunch (which won first place in the 2019 Craft Beer Tour) and Postman’s Break-fast Oatmeal Stout, so-named in honor of Beck’s dad, Brad Beck, the local postmaster, who passed away last summer.

Outstate Brewing honors Minnesota’s heritage, the culture and lifestyle that is unique to outstate Minnesota. Co-founder Dan Mohagen describes that culture: “recreation fits into daily life; the pace is relaxed and restful; stars blanket the sky unencumbered by ambient light and a genuine caring for community is evident.” A much larger brewery, Outstate’s taproom, or great room as they call it, is open daily and often features live entertainment. Brewmaster Patrick Lundberg began brewing in 2011 and has honed his talent with each batch. They can produce six flavors at a time and offer 12 beers on tap in the great room. Favorites are Northern Light, Bucket Pale Ale and Star Island IPA.

The beers of Outstate and Fergus Brewing are both found in a few restaurants in Fergus Falls, including Union Pizza & Brewing (UPB). “Our brewery includes a restaurant, so we also serve featured beers from all three local breweries,” said Schierer. “My wife, Tessa, and I pride our-selves on traditional brick-oven pizza. It goes great with beer!” The menu changes weekly.

All house beers are named after Civil War horses – with Jeff Davis (owned by General Ulysses S. Grant) being a local favorite. With 12 taps, UPB also features varieties from other regional breweries.

All three pub owners stress the importance of being part of the community, of giving back, paying it forward and serving as a gathering place for new and old friends to gather. The Schierer family (Ben, Tessa and five kids) all have a role to play in the success of the business. “We model hard work, a sense of responsibility to community…and make time for fun,” notes Schierer. Since Schierer is also the Mayor of Fergus Falls, con-stituents know where to find him to share ideas and feedback!

We hope you’ll do a local beer hop and check out all three breweries during your next visit. Or if you’d like to experience many local and regional beers all at once, join us March 21 for the Craft Beer Tour at the Bigwood Event Center. Tickets are available online at CraftBeerTours.com/Get-Tickets/Fergus-Falls-Craft-Beer-Tour.