Across the U.S., craft breweries housed in old railroad structures, cars, and cabooses blend the nostalgia of rail travel with the artistry of beer-making, creating unique destinations for beer lovers and history buffs. From Accomplice Beer Company in Cheyenne, WY, set in a grand 1886 Union Pacific depot, to Boxcar Brew Works in Du Bois, PA, operating within a caboose and 21 train cars, these breweries preserve historic settings while serving innovative brews like IPAs and sours. Others, like Flossmoor Station in Illinois, housed in a 1906 train station, and Whistle Hop Brewing in North Carolina, with its vibrant train car taproom, offer railroad-themed ambiance alongside local flavors. These venues, including Union Station Brewing in Providence, RI, Battle Street Brewery in Dansville, NY, Saucony Creek’s Franklin Station in Reading, PA, and Loose Rail Brewing in Canal Winchester, OH, combine historic architecture, vintage railcars, and craft beer, making them must-visit spots for those seeking a taste of railroad heritage with every pint.
Accomplice Beer Company – Cheyenne, WY
Accomplice Beer Company, located in Cheyenne, WY, opened in June 2016 in the historic Union Pacific Railroad depot, a magnificent 1886 structure that’s one of the last remaining grand stations from the transcontinental route. Founded by the Finally Restaurant Group after the closure of Cheyenne Brewing Company, Accomplice transformed the depot into a vibrant brewery with a self-pour tap system featuring up to 20 craft beers, including favorites like Depot IPA and Burro Bucker Imperial IPA, complemented by pub fare like wings and burgers. The taproom, adorned with train-themed murals and decor, shares space with a Union Pacific Railroad museum, offering views of an active railyard that enhance its historical ambiance. Its community focus shines through events like live music and beer tastings, making it a cornerstone of Cheyenne’s craft beer scene and a must-visit for railroad enthusiasts exploring Wyoming’s heritage.
The brewery’s commitment to quality is rooted in its mission to craft beers using pure water, farm-grown barley, and select hops, as noted on their website. Initially operating with guest brews due to licensing delays, brewmaster Jerod Day soon introduced Accomplice’s signature offerings, earning praise for their flavorful profiles and innovative self-pour concept, which allows patrons to sample small pours before committing to a pint. The depot’s towering architecture and proximity to Cheyenne’s Frontier Days add to its allure, drawing both locals and travelers. Reviews highlight the brewery’s lively atmosphere and excellent service, despite occasional crowds during events, cementing Accomplice as a top destination for those seeking a blend of railroad history and craft beer excellence.
Address: 115 W 15th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Website: https://accomplicebeer.com
Union Station Brewing – Providence, RI
Union Station Brewing, located in Providence, RI, is housed in a historic train station and ranks among Rhode Island’s first craft breweries, established in 1990. The brewery occupies a section of the elegantly restored Union Station, a downtown landmark with a rich history of rail travel, offering a cozy taproom and a biergarten-style patio that invites patrons to relax in the heart of the city. While the decor leans more toward the station’s historical elegance than explicit train themes, beers like their hoppy ales and stouts reflect a commitment to quality, paired with a menu of pub classics. As one of the state’s pioneering craft breweries, Union Station has earned a reputation for its historical significance and consistent brews, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors exploring Providence’s cultural landscape.
The brewery’s history is intertwined with the revitalization of Providence’s downtown, transforming a once-bustling rail hub into a modern gathering place. Unlike some train-themed breweries, Union Station focuses on its elegant setting rather than overt railroad motifs, but its location in the historic station adds a layer of charm that resonates with beer enthusiasts. The brewery has weathered changes in the craft beer scene, maintaining its status as a trailblazer while hosting events like trivia nights to foster community engagement. Its proximity to local attractions like the Rhode Island State House enhances its appeal, offering a perfect stop for those seeking a taste of history alongside a pint in a setting that echoes the golden age of rail travel.
Address: 36 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903
Website: https://www.unionstationbrewing.com
Whistle Hop Brewing – Fairview, NC
Whistle Hop Brewing, located in Fairview, NC, opened in 2016, transforming a quirky setup of train cars and a caboose into a vibrant brewery and taproom. Founded and Owned by Tom Miceli and his family, the brewery embraces its railroad theme with colorful decor, including a train car bar and outdoor seating areas surrounded by locomotive-inspired art. Beers like the Pale by Rail Ale and Whistle Hop IPA reflect a playful nod to rail history, paired with a food truck menu that rotates local offerings. The brewery’s family-friendly atmosphere, complete with putt putt course, games and live music, makes it a beloved stop in the Asheville area for craft beer enthusiasts and families alike.
The history of Whistle Hop is one of creative repurposing, turning old railcars into a community-focused brewery that celebrates North Carolina’s craft beer boom. The Miceli’s vision was to create a welcoming space that blends nostalgia with innovation, drawing inspiration from the region’s railroad past. The brewery’s commitment to small-batch brewing and local engagement, through events like open mic nights and festivals, has cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination. Its unique setting, with train cars set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a memorable experience for those seeking craft beer in a railroad-inspired environment.
Address: 1288 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Website: https://www.whistlehop.com
Battle Street Brewery – Dansville, NY
Battle Street Brewery, located in Dansville, NY, opened in 2017 within the restored depot of the Dansville and Mt. Morris Line, a small railroad abandoned for decades before its transformation into a New York State Farm Brewery. Founded by local entrepreneurs passionate about revitalizing the historic structure, the brewery sources over 80% of its ingredients locally, crafting beers like IPAs, stouts, and seasonal ales that reflect the agricultural richness of the region. The taproom’s exposed beams and railroad artifacts create a nostalgic atmosphere, while its menu of pub fare pairs perfectly with the rotating beer selection, making it a community hub in the heart of Dansville.
The brewery’s history is a story of community-driven preservation, rescuing a dilapidated depot and turning it into a vibrant gathering place. Its focus on local ingredients aligns with New York’s farm brewery ethos, earning accolades for beers that highlight regional flavors, such as hop-forward ales brewed with nearby hops. Battle Street hosts events like live music and trivia, fostering a welcoming vibe for locals and tourists exploring the area’s history. The brewery’s commitment to maintaining the depot’s historical integrity, combined with its innovative brewing, has made it a standout destination for those seeking craft beer in a setting steeped in railroad nostalgia.
Address: 4 Battle St, Dansville, NY 14437
Website: https://battlestreetbrewery.com
Saucony Creek Brewing Franklin Station – Reading, PA
Saucony Creek Brewing’s Franklin Station taproom, located in Reading, PA, opened in 2013 as a satellite location within a beautifully restored 1930s-era train station, complete with arched windows and a preserved ticket counter. Founded by Matt Lindenmuth, Saucony Creek expanded from its main Kutztown facility to this historic site, which sits alongside an active rail line, allowing patrons to sip beers like the Saucony Session IPA while watching trains pass by. The taproom’s train-themed ambiance is enhanced by its historical architecture, offering a menu of artisanal pizzas and pub fare that complements its award-winning brews, making it a go-to spot for Reading’s beer enthusiasts.
The Franklin Station taproom is a testament to Saucony Creek’s mission to blend craft beer with local history, preserving the station’s original features while introducing modern brewing innovation. The brewery’s expansion to this location followed its success in Kutztown, where it gained recognition for beers like the Hexerei White Ale and Hop Suplex IPA. Events like tap takeovers and seasonal festivals keep the taproom lively, drawing crowds who appreciate the blend of railroad heritage and craft beer culture. Its strategic location in Reading, a city with a rich industrial past, makes Franklin Station a popular destination for those seeking a historical and flavorful experience.
Address: 835 N 8th St, Reading, PA 19604
Website: https://www.sauconybeer.com
Boxcar Brew Works – Du Bois, PA
Boxcar Brew Works, located in Du Bois, PA, opened on September 23, 2017, as a nano-brewery within a unique complex of 21 train cars, including a converted caboose that serves as the taproom. Founded by local entrepreneurs (specific names not widely publicized), the brewery is part of the Doolittle Station complex, which includes a diner and quirky attractions like a dinosaur exhibit. Boxcar’s 20 taps feature a rotating selection of house-brewed beers, such as the Premium Black Cherry Sundae Sour Ale and Koala. They’re Not Bears IPA, with a model that invites homebrewers to use its equipment, fostering a collaborative brewing community. The railcar setting, adorned with vintage train photos, offers a rustic charm that draws road-trippers and locals alike off I-80.
The brewery’s history is rooted in Du Bois’s railroad past, where tracks once connected coal and logging industries. Boxcar Brew Works transforms this legacy into a modern craft beer haven, with its train car taproom providing a one-of-a-kind experience. The limited food menu, featuring locally sourced items like lobster rolls, pairs well with its diverse beer offerings, while live music and a laid-back vibe enhance its appeal. Despite occasional critiques of parking challenges, Boxcar’s innovative approach and historical setting have made it a standout destination, celebrating both the region’s rail heritage and its growing craft beer scene.
Address: 1290 Rich Hwy, Du Bois, PA 15801
Website: https://www.boxcarbrewworks.com
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery – Flossmoor, IL
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, located in Flossmoor, IL, opened in 1996 after Dean and Carolyn Armstrong restored a 1906 Illinois Central Railroad station to prevent its demolition. The brewery, one of the earliest craft breweries in the Chicago suburbs, serves beers like Zephyr Golden Lager and Pullman Brown Ale, named to honor its rail heritage, in a taproom that retains the station’s original architectural charm. The menu of upscale pub fare, including wood-fired pizzas, complements the brews, while the ambiance of exposed brick and train memorabilia draws patrons seeking a blend of history and flavor.
The brewery’s history is a story of preservation and innovation, as the Armstrongs transformed a crumbling station into a thriving brewpub that helped spark the region’s craft beer movement. Its beers have earned numerous awards, and the taproom’s cozy, nostalgic vibe, enhanced by views of passing trains, makes it a favorite for locals and visitors. Flossmoor Station hosts events like beer dinners and live music, fostering a community atmosphere that celebrates its railroad roots. The brewery’s commitment to maintaining the station’s historical integrity while crafting high-quality beers has made it a cornerstone of Flossmoor’s cultural and culinary scene.
Address: 1035 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor, IL 60422
Website: https://www.flossmoorstation.com
Loose Rail Brewing – Canal Winchester, OH
Loose Rail Brewing, located in Canal Winchester, OH, opened in 2018 within an 1880s power substation for the interurban railroad in the town’s Historic District. Founded by local entrepreneurs passionate about craft beer and community revitalization (specific names not widely documented), the brewery embraces its rustic, railroad-related heritage with beers like Loose Rail Pale Ale and a rotating selection of IPAs and stouts. The taproom’s industrial aesthetic, with exposed brick and railroad artifacts, pairs with a menu of pub fare, often sourced from local food trucks, creating a welcoming space for beer lovers and history buffs alike.
The brewery’s history is tied to Canal Winchester’s rail past, where the interurban line once connected rural communities. Loose Rail’s transformation of the substation into a modern brewery reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic structures for craft beer production. The brewery hosts regular events like trivia and live music, fostering a tight-knit community vibe that resonates with locals. Its location in the Historic District, near quaint shops and eateries, makes it a key destination for those exploring Ohio’s craft beer scene, offering a unique blend of railroad nostalgia and innovative brewing in a charming, small-town setting.
Address: 37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Website: https://www.looserailbrewing.com