About Third Nature Brewing
Third Nature Brewing is a family brewery where the White Pine Trail meets the Rogue River in Rockford. Brewmaster Troy Zitzelsberger first got hooked on beer during a family trip to Germany, began home brewing at Michigan State, then moved to Seoul, where he helped build the craft beer scene, became Korea's first certified Cicerone and founded a brewery. He came home to open this one with his wife Donghee, his brother Chad and Chad's wife Hayley, and his sister Lisa and her husband Bryce.
The brewhouse is one of the most efficient in the area: a mash filter system uses less water and makes less waste, and the brewing water is treated by reverse osmosis. The team brews a wide range of styles and uses local ingredients when it can. A full kitchen runs nearly as long as the taproom each day.
Outside, the biergarten welcomes leashed dogs; enter through the outdoor patio entrance, bring a bowl for the staff to fill and pick up after your pet. Dogs aren't allowed indoors or in the igloos. Seating is first come, first served with no reservations, tables can't be moved, and big groups may need to split up. Private events are booked by email. Eastern Kille Distillery is next door.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm is about 20 minutes east. It isn't open for visits, but you can pick up an online order there on Wednesday or Friday and then ride or walk a stretch of the White Pine Trail before dinner here.
What to do
- Bring your leashed dog to the biergarten
- Try a range of house beers brewed on a low-waste system
- Eat from the full kitchen, open almost as long as the taproom
- Walk or bike the White Pine Trail nearby
- Pair with Eastern Kille Distillery next door
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round, seven days a week, with an outdoor biergarten
- Hours
- Mon 4–8 PM, Tue–Wed 3–8 PM, Thu 3–9 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–8 PM; kitchen closes an hour early Thu–Sat (posted on their website, page updated 2025)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Leashed, biergarten only
- Reservations
- Walk-in; no reservations
Tips for your visit
- Enter through the outdoor patio entrance if you have a dog, and bring a water bowl
- Large groups may have to split across tables since furniture can't be moved
- Open tabs left at closing get a 20% tip added automatically
- Plan a designated driver, or come by trail and walk home
Pair it with a lavender farm
Great Lakes Lavender Farm · about 20 minutes away
Great Lakes Lavender Farm is about 20 minutes east; it isn't open for visits, but a Wednesday or Friday order pickup pairs with dinner here.
Getting there
Questions
Are dogs allowed at Third Nature Brewing?
Yes, leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the biergarten only, not indoors or in the igloos.
Can I make a reservation?
No. Seating is first come, first served; private events are booked through events@thirdnaturebrewing.com.
Is there food?
Yes, a full kitchen that closes an hour before the taproom on Thursday through Saturday and with the taproom on other days.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Rockford, Lowell & Grand Rapids, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
