Waconia Brewing Company Closes: What’s Next For Local Breweries?

Fans of Minnesota beer are seeing fewer and fewer options as more craft breweries seem to be closing than opening in recent years. New Year's Day brought about the announcement of another craft brewery in Minnesota closing, this one, you'll have until the end of the month to stop by and sample.

2025 Was A Year To Forget For MN Breweries

Last year, 2025, was one to forget for Minnesota breweries as several announced they were closing, including some bigger names on the Minnesota beer scene. Some of the announced 2025 closings were:

Invictus Brewing Co. - Blaine
Schram House Brewery - Chaska
Wild Mind Ales - Minneapolis
Chanhassen Brewing Company - Chanhassen
Alloy Brewing - Coon Rapids
LynLake Brewery - Minneapolis
Dangerous Man Brewing - Maple Lake
Foremost Brewing Cooperative - Owatonna
Mankato Brewery - North Mankato

Many of the closures that were announced had more to do with the overall costs being too much to continue than a lack of business.

2026 Starts With Another Closing Announcement

Google Maps

Those who enjoy a Minnesota-made beer were hopeful that this year, 2026, would be a better year for local beer makers, and it still could be, but another brewery took to social media to announce its closing at the end of the month.

Get our free mobile app

Waconia Brewing Company made the solemn announcement about its closing on social media in the afternoon on January 1st.

Paul Shea/TSM

It is with heavy hearts that we share that after more than a decade on Main Street, Waconia Brewing Company will be closing on January 31st.

While this was a difficult decision, we are deeply thankful for the years we’ve spent serving this community. We are grateful to our customers and neighbors for supporting our brewery and making it a welcoming place to gather. The memories made in our taproom — from celebrations to casual conversations over a pint — will always be appreciated.

To our employees, past and present: thank you for your dedication and hard work over the years. You played an important role in building Waconia Brewing Company, and we are sincerely grateful for everything you contributed.

As we prepare to close, we remain hopeful for the future of Waconia Brewing Company. The business is for sale, and we are seeking someone who shares a passion for craft beer and can carry the brewery forward.

Thank you for your support over the past 11 years. We truly appreciate being part of the Waconia community.

The DeLange Family

A Glimmer Of Hope?

The DeLange family indicated in their post announcing the closure of Waconia Brewing that the business is for sale, so if you've got a passion for brewing, put together a business plan and roll the dice.

The last day the brewery will be open is planned for January 31st.

You can find the Waconia Brewery at 255 W Main St in Waconia.

The Town of Vining, Minnesota is Filled with Totally Unique Sculptures

Gallery Credit: Abbey

Tell Us You're From Minnesota (Without Saying You're From Minnesota)

We asked you to tell us you were from Minnesota, without actually saying you were from Minnesota. The results were very funny, and very Minnesotan -- ranging from comments about the weather and sports, to food and mosquitoes.

Gallery Credit: Pete Hanson

7 Countries That Are Roughly the Same Size as Minnesota

Minnesota might not seem all that big, but its 86,000 square miles make it surprisingly comparable in size to entire countries. From tropical islands to mountainous nations, these seven countries are all roughly the same size as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. See how Minnesota stacks up on the world stage.

Gallery Credit: Abbey