The Abandoned And Eerie Place In Minnesota You Might Not Want To Visit After Dark
By Trent Jonas|Published October 04, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
There are many fascinating abandoned places in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Most are not open to exploration because it would be either illegal or unsafe – or both – to do so. But there’s one mostly-abandoned brewery in Minnesota where you can safely and legally explore a portion of the ruins – and enjoy a beer at the same time. Some parts can be a little creepy after dark, but if you head to the right spot, you’ll find it pretty pleasant.
The small brewery that eventually grew into the massive Hamm's complex was originally established in 1860, on a site in the "Swede Hollow" neighborhood on the east side of St. Paul.
At one point in the 1950s, the company estimated that it was the fifth largest brewery in the United States. The brand, itself, maintained a strong Minnesota identity, using North Woods imagery and the phrase "From the Land of Sky Blue Waters" in much of its marketing.
After several ownership changes of both the brewery and the brand name, however, the Hamm's brewery in St. Paul was shuttered in 1997.
That's because parts of the property have undergone restoration, and tenants have reoccupied portions of the site. You can even explore some of the interior ruins by visiting one tenant, in particular.
St. Paul Brewing, a craft brewery, has set up its operations, along with a taproom, in the ruins of the old Hamm's keg and wash house.
Personally, I find St. Paul Brewing's products to be far superior than the Hamm's of today - all due respect to the bear!
In addition to its brews, SPB also has plenty of fine snacks on offer, including sandwiches, shareables, and - my favorite - wood-fired pizza. (The Queen of Savoy is my go-to!)
So grab a beer, gather 'round the fire, and look up through the caved-in roof at the lovely night sky.
Really, is there a better way to explore ruins than this? I would argue not. If you’re looking for more adventure in St. Paul, consider exploring the old, abandoned Wabasha Street Caves, which have connections to the city’s gangster and bootlegging days. A tour is the best way to experience the caves – you can book yours through Viator.
Have you visited the old Hamm’s brewery in St. Paul? Let us know in the comments!
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