From Rails to Ales: The Abilene Brewery Loop
Stay in Abilene, Sip Across Kansas: A 2-Day Brewery Itinerary
2-Day Itinerary | 11 Breweries + 1 Tap House | Overnight in Abilene Each Night
Set your sights (and your taste buds) on a flavorful adventure through North Central Kansas! This two-day road trip highlights the region’s best craft breweries and tap houses—all while making Abilene your home base. Enjoy scenic day trips and return each night to one of America’s Best Small Towns, full of award-winning charm, cozy accommodations, and plenty of things to see and do!
Day 1: Flint Hills to Abilene
Scenic views, flavorful brews, and a warm welcome back to Abilene
1. Start your day in Manhattan, Kansas, with one of three great brewery options:
Choose Your Manhattan Kickoff:
Aggieville Brewing Company
612 Pillsburg Drive, Manahttan, KS
aggievillebeer.com
Kick things off with casual vibes and a solid lineup of brews in the heart of college country.
Tallgrass Taphouse
320 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS
tallgrasstaphouse.com
Enjoy rooftop views and the legacy of a Kansas beer pioneer.
Manhattan Brewing Company
406 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS
mhkbeer.com
A lively downtown taproom featuring creative, small-batch beers.
2. Highwind Brewing Company
726 N Washington St, Junction City, KS
highwindbrewing.com
A cozy spot serving handcrafted beers with community spirit.
3. Riverbank Brewing
13 E Main St, Council Grove, KS
riverbankbrewing.com
Relax by the Neosho River with bold beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Blue Skye Brewery & Eats
116 N Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS
blueskyebrewery.com
Delicious wood-fired pizzas paired with house-brewed beers in downtown Salina.
5. Rackets Tap House
303 N Broadway St, Abilene, KS (Enter via patio on Spruce St at Little Ike Park)
www.racketstaphouse.com
Return to Abilene for your final stop of the day. With self-pour beer taps, cocktails, charcuterie boards, and a stylish patio, Rackets is a can’t-miss destination.
Overnight in Abilene – Choose from charming local lodging and enjoy downtown shopping, dining, and attractions before settling in for the night.
Day 2: North & West Loop
Small-town surprises, creative brews, and another night in Abilene
6. Fly Boy Brewery & Eats
105 N Main St, Sylvan Grove, KS
facebook.com/flyboybreweryandeats
This aviation-themed brewery in a limestone building offers hearty meals, great stories, and refreshing pours.
7. The Farm
205 W 2nd St, Minneapolis, KS
thefarmminneapolis.com
Enjoy farm-to-glass beers and explore three levels of fun—including indoor pickleball!
8. Irrigation Ales
414 Main St, Courtland, KS
irrigationales.com
A welcoming atmosphere and creatively named beers in the heart of Republic County.
9. Kansas Territory Brewing Company
310 C St, Washington, KS
kansasterritorybrewing.com
Frontier-themed flavors and exciting news—bourbon and whiskey coming soon!
10. 15-24 Brew House
420 Lincoln Ave, Clay Center, KS
1524brewhouse.com
Wrap up your brewery trail with delicious food and house-made beer in a welcoming brewpub setting.
Return to Abilene – Just under an hour’s drive from Clay Center, Abilene welcomes you back for one last night of rest, relaxation, and great memories.
Why Make Abilene Your Home Base?
- Centrally located with easy day-trip access
- Award-winning lodging and downtown charm
- Home to iconic attractions like the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, Old Abilene Town, and the Historic Seelye Mansion.
- Explore downtown murals, decorative cowboy boots, and public art
- Pour-your-own Kansas brews at Rackets Tap House
Ready to raise a glass and explore Kansas craft beer culture? Book your stay, download your map, and start planning your unforgettable brewery road trip from Abilene— Cheers to Kansas—Where the Beer’s Cold and the Welcome’s Warm.