Powered by the Creek: The Story Behind Utepils Brewing

Follow Bassett Creek’s power from grain mills to craft beer at Utepils Brewing - part of the City Stories festival.

Be among the first to go behind the scenes at Utepils Brewing—on the brewery’s first-ever public tour. AND it includes an Utepils beverage!

Set along Bassett Creek, this site has been a powerhouse of innovation, industry, and transformation for over 150 years. In 1872, the rushing water of the creek fueled the Fruen Mill—one of the largest in the region—where grain was turned into some of Minneapolis’s earliest table cereals. By 1894, the same site was tapping natural springs, launching the Glenwood Inglewood Water Company and growing into one of the Midwest’s leading bottled water operations.

Today, that same energy lives on in a new form.

Utepils Brewing carries forward this legacy, blending Old World brewing traditions with a deep sense of place. Here, grain, water, and craftsmanship come together once again—now as thoughtfully brewed beer and a welcoming community gathering space.

On this exclusive first public tour, uncover the layered history beneath your feet and see how a site shaped by water and industry continues to evolve. From cereal to spring water to craft beer, this is a story of reinvention, connection, and continuity—all powered by the same creek.

Accessibility & Parking

Accessibility:

• The tour takes place on mostly flat, even surfaces
• Most areas are wheelchair accessible
• Some views into brewing equipment may require stairs

Parking:

• Free parking is available in the main lot and on adjacent streets
• Overflow parking is available near the mill and in a secondary lot on the hill

Photography Disclosure

Rethos staff, volunteers and contract employees may document this event for future promotional materials, fundraising or advertising of Rethos as well as Doors Open and City Stories events. By attending this event, participants grant full permission to Rethos to use photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event, for any legitimate purpose without any monetary payment.

If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify a member of the event staff.

About City Stories

City Stories is a multi-day festival celebrating the architecture, history, and cultural stories of the Twin Cities through tours, talks, and experiences across the region.

About Utepils Brewing

Utepils Brewing is a community-focused Minneapolis brewery inspired by European traditions and a love of the outdoors. Located along Bassett Creek, it offers a welcoming space where craft beer and connection go hand in hand. Through partnerships and programming, Utepils fosters community both inside and beyond the taproom.