PRESS RELEASE: LAKEFRONT BREWERY LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH FRIENDS OF WISCONSIN STATE
PARKS WITH A “PARKS CROWLER” SHOW OF SUPPORT

Lakefront Brewery is partnering with Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) to help address a critical funding gap for Wisconsin’s public lands with the launch of a new “I’m a Friend of Wisconsin State Parks” donation crowler.

Despite welcoming nearly 21 million visitors in 2025—during the 125th anniversary of the state parks system—Wisconsin ranks last in the nation in state park spending per visitor, at just $0.39 compared to the national average of $3. With iconic destinations like Devil’s Lake State Park drawing nearly three million visitors annually, demand continues to grow while funding lags behind.

Beginning Saturday, May 2nd, guests can purchase a special “I’m a Friend of Wisconsin State Parks” 32oz donation crowler. This uniquely designed aluminum crowler can be filled with any beer on tap for off-site consumption. The crowler will cost an additional $5 which Lakefront will match—resulting in a total $10 contribution to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks for every crowler sold. The brewery is excited to host representatives from FWSP on launch day from 5pm to 7pm to answer questions, provide options to donate in person, raffle off items, and discuss other ways to make a difference.

“We have a lot of public lands that need our support, and the current level of funding is stretching the state park system thin, forcing Friends groups across the state to dig deeper in supporting the lands that are a key part of Wisconsin’s identity,” says Seth Taft, Executive Director of FWSP. “Wisconsin is lucky to have some of the most lush and picturesque state parks, we want to do everything in our power to protect and keep them open. Lakefront has provided an easy and fun way to show your support.”

The parks donation crowler will be available throughout the summer exclusively at the Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall. Guests can order in person or online for scheduled pickup by selecting their beer of choice and choosing the “Parks Crowler” option starting May 2nd.

“Our namesake—Lakefront—has always been about enjoying the outdoors, by Lake Michigan, having fun,” says Lakefront Brewery Owner, Russ Klisch, “we may be located on a river now, but our love for Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces still holds true, we hope this partnership helps spark awareness and meaningful change.”

Lakefront has provided THIS WEBPAGE to learn more about Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, the current funding by the numbers, a guide to contact your state representatives, and the ability to donate directly. Donations received will help bolster FWSP’s mission which includes aiding their advocacy efforts to better educate our state legislators and promoting their 65+ Friends groups across the state
with their dedicated volunteerism and stewardship work.

For the fourth year, the brewery is also encouraging everyone to get out and see the state parks by giving away free state park passes found in stores, in 12-packs and 15-packs of their award-winning beers. You can also enter for a chance to win by filling out THIS FORM.

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Lakefront Brewery, Inc. is an independent craft brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin founded by brothers Jim and Russ Klisch in 1987 when they scaled up their homebrew equipment to a 7-barrel brewhouse. They have grown to produce over 20 full-scale offerings yearly including Riverwest Stein Amber Lager, Hazy Rabbit IPA, Dive Beer Milwaukee Lager, and New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner, the first Certified Gluten-Free beer in America.

Lakefront Brewery is committed to using business as a force for good by achieving the high social and environmental standards verified through B CorpTM certification. Experience Milwaukee's brewing legacy by taking their award-winning brewery tour and indulge in top notch traditional Bavarian and Midwestern fare at Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall, one of Milwaukee's premier tourist destinations.

Lakefront distributes its best-in-class products to over 30 states, Canada, Ukraine, and Sweden. For more information, visit lakefrontbrewery.com or call 414-372-8800.

CONTACT:
Russ Klisch
Owner/President
Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414.292.0805
russ@lakefrontbrewery.com

Seth Taft
Executive Director
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
608.294.0810
execdir@fwsp.org