Chippewa Falls’ Leinenkugels Brewery is closing after 157 years

After more than 157 years, Leinenkugel’s beer will no longer be brewed in Chippewa Falls.

Parent company Molson Coors plans to close two of its breweries in Wisconsin – 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee, which brews Leinenkugels, and the the flagship Leinenkugel’s in Chippewa Falls.

The beer that has become synonymous with the town will just be produced at the Molson Coors plant in Milwaukee. Molson Coors said the decision to move production of Leinenkugel’s products came after improvements to its canning line in Milwaukee. Molson Coors says the Leinie Lodge and its adjacent pilot brewery will remain open year-round, but the Chippewa Falls brewing operations will end.

Dick Leinenkugel gave a statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the decision of he Molson Coors leadership team to close our Chippewa Falls brewery and home. For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugels has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans throughout Wisconsin and across the country.”

He said he thanks beer drinkers, retails customers, and distributors and will, “toast them this evening with a Leinenkugel’s Original and a tear in my eye.”

The Chippewa Falls brewery will end production January 17, 2025.