Glacial Lakes Distillery and Brewhouse sits at 200 S Main Ave in downtown Sioux Falls, combining craft spirits production with a full brewery operation under one roof. Founded by locals who wanted to bring artisanal distilling to South Dakota’s largest city, this dual-concept operation opened as part of the downtown revitalization movement. The facility produces small-batch spirits alongside their brewing operations, creating a unique hybrid experience that’s still relatively rare in the craft beverage world.
The team behind Glacial Lakes focused on creating something that reflected the region’s agricultural heritage while appealing to both beer and spirits enthusiasts. Their approach emphasizes local ingredients when possible and traditional production methods scaled for their downtown location. The operation represents South Dakota’s growing craft distilling scene, though they’re better known locally for their brewing program.
Visitors find themselves in a space that feels more like a neighborhood brewpub that happens to distill spirits rather than a traditional distillery experience. The atmosphere leans casual and approachable, with the brewing side of the operation often taking center stage. You’ll encounter folks who are genuinely passionate about what they’re making, even if the distilling program sometimes feels secondary to their beer focus.