Cantilever Distillery sits in Ranier, Minnesota, a tiny border town of about 500 people where the Rainy River separates the U.S. from Canada. This craft distillery operates out of a restored building on Spruce Street, combining small-batch spirits production with a full restaurant and cocktail program. The operation focuses on grain-to-glass production, sourcing ingredients locally when possible and distilling everything on-site using traditional copper pot stills. The distillery takes its name from the cantilever bridge construction method, reflecting the founders’ engineering approach to both building renovation and spirits production. They’ve created a destination that serves both locals from the International Falls area and travelers crossing between countries. The facility houses the production equipment, tasting room, and restaurant under one roof, making it a comprehensive stop rather than just a quick tour. Visitors find themselves in a working distillery where you can watch the production process while enjoying cocktails made from house spirits. The restaurant focuses on regional cuisine that pairs with their spirits, and the tasting room offers flights of their various products. It’s one of the few full-service distillery restaurants in northern Minnesota, giving you reason to stay for a complete meal rather than just sampling and leaving.