Downtown Detroit Lakes has been undergoing a renaissance in the past few years with new stores, restaurants, and streetscape upgrades. This past summer, Bucks Mill Brewing opened its doors and makes a great addition to the downtown vibe, giving downtown visitors another entertainment option. Plus, it’s a true destination!
“We believe the brewery adds a critical business to downtown Detroit Lakes,” says Henry Van Offelen, one of the owners/founders. “It builds on the recent redevelopment of properties on Washington Avenue and the variety of other new businesses that have moved on the scene.”
“We think that the brewery and these other downtown and mall businesses have created a critical mass of interesting stores for local residents and regional visitors to patronize,” he added.
Indeed, there was plenty of community buzz about the brewery months before opening. And Van Offelen says that he’s heard foot traffic has increased downtown since the brewery opened.
“I feel this is one of the best places I’ve been in the area for a brewery atmosphere. It’s large and well-designed and decorated.”
Google Review from Vince
Visitors are taken aback by the spacious, smartly-decorated interior. “The space is large, but everyone involved with the design wanted to create a set of comfortable, diverse spaces for our customers to experience,” Offelen said.
Attention to detail brings in local flavor and support, such as the custom steel railing circling the lower-level brewing area. Peer down to the stainless steel city below, noticing the railing was created by local manufacturer BTD. And take in the large, colorful murals – social media selfie magnets – provided by long-time local artist Hans Gilsdorf.
“Local support has been great,” Van Offelen noted. “We have also had strong support from nearby businesses in the area and have partnered with local restaurants, the food coop, the grocery store, and a variety of mall businesses to encourage patronage.”
There is a separate room and upper level for private gatherings, along with four cove areas with comfy couch seating. And we won’t get into the details of how the designers considered sound in the brewery, with great acoustic design aspects.
“A must stop in for a beer (or 5) kind of place. Fun and inviting. Seating is awesome, you can lounge and play a game or belly up to the bar! Definitely a great addition to the town!!!”
Google Review from Brandy
Local support includes assistance from West Central Initiative (WCI). “Greg and Kate at WCI were great to work with,” Van Offelen said. “We originally approached WCI in the early stages of business planning to scope out the potential services and products that were provided. We then solidified that relationship during the process of securing financing through Bell Bank.”
“WCI was able to provide some loan options that were not available from a conventional bank,” he added. “The loan secured through WCI completed our financing package with a product that lowered our monthly costs.”
Kate Mudge, Business Development Officer with WCI, said it was a privilege to help. “Bucks Mill Brewing is a premiere destination in Detroit Lakes for locals and beer tourists. West Central Initiative is honored to support the many business owners that help create connected communities throughout our region.”
The whole project is a big investment in Detroit Lakes, Van Offelen said. “All along, we have said that we want to build a community asset, a place that local and out-of-town folks will appreciate, enjoy, and remember. Detroit Lakes has an established history of being a regional destination; the brewery and other recent development in the community solidify this status.”
“This place is so cool and the beer and kombucha is amazing. A must go to for sure!”
Google Review from Andrea
Carrie Johnston, President of the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce, agrees. “Downtown Detroit Lakes is a unique mix of a shopping mall, boutiques, restaurants, movie theatre, service businesses, library, apartments, a food co-op, and now a brewery,” Johnston said. “Adding Bucks Mill Brewing to Washington Avenue brings a new, fun gathering space to complement its neighbors.”
Johnston said the local ownership team values local art, food, and relationships. “They are ready to welcome tourists and residents all year long in our beautiful downtown,” she said.
Bucks Mill Brewing is open year-round, which gives locals a place to hang out over the winter. Yet there are many who look forward to the brewery’s first full summer season in 2023. In fact, the downtown streetscape blossoms when literally the entire brewery frontage is opened up like one big open-air patio. Just walk on in!
So who should walk in? Van Offelen says they cater to local, regional, and out-of-town visitors “who want to drink great beer with friends and have a great taproom experience. Great brews. Great people. Great experience.”
Cheers to that!
(Editor’s Note: West Central Initiative provides loans for entrepreneurs in west central Minnesota. For information on loans or other small business assistance, contact Kate Mudge at 218-739-2239 or kate@old.wcif.org)
