Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago breweries?

[billginam]

Milwaukee - +1 for Lakefront and also Sprecher Brewing
Also Great Lake Distillery is close to downtown

[Alewyfe]

I'll second the comment to visit Surly and Summit Brewing and I recommend adding Town Hall brewery in Minneapolis. 

Third that from an expat Minneapolitan.
Anyone coming to visit from Minnesota is duly instructed to bring at least a sixer of Summit.

[snowtiger87]

My "Golden Triangle" of places to visit in Chicago are Goose Island, Piece, and the Maproom. If you want to take beer home there is a huge store right beside Goose Island. Also, if you have the time the Whole Foods down the street has a great tap bar inside, right by the front intrance.