Historic Fitger's Duluth
History of Fitgers
Fitger's: The Brewery And Its People
Explore the rich and captivating story of Fitger’s Beer, Inn, and Complex. Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, this iconic establishment has been a cornerstone of the community from the early days of Duluth, shaping both local culture and the brewing industry. Glimpse into the brewery’s origins, its evolution through surviving prohibition and post-war brewing, and the remarkable people who have made it all possible. To uncover the full story behind this legendary landmark, we encourage you to delve deeper into our history and discover the compelling narrative in the book Fitger’s: The Brewery and Its People.
Purchase your copy today in the Lobby of Fitger’s Inn or The Bookstore At Fitger’s!
1857
1857
Sidney Luce established Duluth’s first brewery in 1857, located a block and a half from Fitger’s present location. To facilitate the brewery operations, he harnessed the resources of a nearby small and clear brook, officially named Brewery Creek in 1859. This creek starts its descent around 6th Avenue East and flows into Lake Superior at the bottom of 8th Avenue East.
1881
1881
A pivotal moment occurred for the brewery when Michael Fink took ownership in 1881. With this acquisition, Fink announced his plan to build a new, larger brewery at the present Fitger’s site, inaugurating Lake Superior Brewing.
Soon after opening, the brewery welcomed a new brewmaster, August Fitger, a young German graduate from a top brewing school in Germany. Less than six months after he was hired, August Fitger purchased half of the brewery giving Fink more time to work on expanding the market.
The brewery acquired a third partner in 1884 and the brewery was renamed to A. Fitger & Co. / Lake Superior Brewery.
1920
1920
The brewery thrived and beer production persisted for the next forty years until Prohibition (1920-1933) altered the landscape for breweries nationwide, leading to the closure of many.
Fitger’s, however, managed to survive by diversifying its offerings to include new products such as soda pop and candy bars. Duluth’s candy enthusiasts in the Roaring Twenties savored treats like the Fitger’s Flapper, Fitger’s Spark Plug, Five Cent Fitger’s Nut Goodie, King Bee Nougat, and Fitger’s Skookum, known as “A Bully Good Bar.”
Alongside these candy bars, Fitger’s also produced numerous cases of Lovit Pop, a popular choice on hot summer days at Park Point.
1924
1924
Following years of experimentation, Fitger’s introduced a new non-alcoholic beverage in 1924 called Extra Dry, which achieved immediate success, advertising “the new distinctive drink that has the taste and sparkle of champagne.”
Upon discovering that the same extract was being used by another bottler, John Beerharlter began developing their own recipe and soon crafted their unique label, Silver Spray which became Fitger’s most popular and widespread product ever.
1930s
1930s
Nearing the end of Prohibition, the “Beer Bill” was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt allowing states to decide if 3.2 percent beer was “non-intoxicating”, and therefore legal. With the manufacturing of sodas during Prohibition, Fitger’s machines and manpower were ready to bring beer back to Duluth!
Over the next years after Prohibition ended, many beers were introduced like Fitger’s Bock Picnic Beer, Bock Beer, Fitger’s Holiday Beer Fitger’s Natural Beer, and Nordlager, and the bottom level of the office building (one floor below the current Fitger’s Inn Lobby) was converted into “The Tap Room”.
1972
1972
As the mid-20th century progressed, changes in the brewing industry and local economy impacted the complex. The rise of national and regional competition, coupled with shifts in consumer preferences and economic conditions, led to financial struggles. Despite efforts to adapt and modernize, Fitger’s faced increasing challenges.
The financial pressures and compliance issues with the State of Minnesota proved too great, leading to the brewery’s closure in September 1972. However, the iconic beer continued to be available through a contract with Shell’s Brewing Company of New Ulm, MN, which produced and distributed Fitger’s beer until 1984.
1976
1976
Fitger’s Buildings faced the threat of demolition due to the extension of I-35 to 26th Avenue East, which aimed to reshape Duluth’s infrastructure. The project proposed moving or demolishing several historic buildings, including Fitger’s, to make way for the new freeway. However, the complex was saved thanks to a concerted effort by local preservationists and community leaders who recognized its historical and architectural significance. Their advocacy highlighted Fitger’s importance as a local landmark, leading to the incorporation of the building into the highway plans. As a result, the complex was preserved and has since become a cherished part of Duluth’s historical and cultural heritage.
1980s
1980s
In the early 1984, new owner Ron Jacob and the Brewery Limited Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Duluth and a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Grant, embarked on a major renovation of the Fitger’s Complex. The project, which began in late 1983, transformed the historic site into a vibrant two-level destination. It included 40-47 hotel rooms, 20,000-30,000 square feet of retail space for specialty shops, several restaurants, a minibrewery, a museum, a multi-media theater, and a parking ramp. The renovation preserved many original fixtures, showcasing the complex’s industrial heritage with exposed brick and stone walls adorned with memorabilia and photographs. The original copper kettle was featured prominently in the museum, while the Fitger’s Inn lobby retained its historic charm with original grillwork, a beautiful bank vault door, an ornate skylight, two-story columns, and original stairs and entryways. The revitalized complex reopened in December 1984.