Imbibing a craft beer can be a religious experience for people devoted to microbrews. But to enjoy a freshly drawn cold one at a church built in 1875 is a divine experience.

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Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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The road to this beer sanctuary is a long one. In fact, the brewery takes its name from the longest stretch of road in America - Highway 20 Brewing in Elizabeth, Illinois, which is drawing them in with a tasty selection of brews and live music on weekends.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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The converted Church once filled its pews with god-fearing parishioners, but now it attracts pilsners drinking beer lovers.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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All puns aside, the Highway 20 Brewery has evolved over the past 145ish years from Church to wedding chapel to the Holy Mackeral seafood restaurant.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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If you're road-tripping along Highway 20 along the stretch west of Chicago, about 30 miles past Freeport and 15 miles east of Galena, do yourself a favor and check out the vibrant town of Elizabeth. It has a lot to offer, including a fine and fun little nano-brewery.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Owners Brian and Karen had taken their homebrewing skills to the next level when they left Chicago's southside for the countryside and smalltown charms of rural Illinois.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Eight flavorful beers are on tap, with four rotating depending on the season.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Lola's Deli - Elizabeth, Illinois. Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Taproom snacks are available, but it's also okay to bring food from outside. The recently opened Lola's Deli a block away offers a fine selection of subs and salads.

Live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons draws a fun local and out-of-town crowd who enjoy the chilled backyard vibe.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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He's one E away from having the perfect name for this part-time gig; beertender Cole Havens pours pints and talks story to the local faithful and newly converted.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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I must confess that I had my doubts about Highway 20 Brewing, but after a fun few hours of sampling beer and music, I'm a true believer!

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Find more info and follow Highway 20 Brewery on Facebook. Cheers!

Our Freedom Story mural - downtown Waterloo

Take a walk along the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo to view this 3,000-square-foot mural of the city's civil rights history shown abstractly through lines, shapes, and colors. Located behind the Waterloo Center for the Arts (near the Highway 63 bridge). Created by the Waterloo Youth Art Team.

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