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Cottages at Castle Haven Cabins overlook Lake Superior northeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota.2 of 3
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Castle Haven owners Jamie and Clint MacFarlane pose with sons Brody and Cale.3 of 3
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The couple has started a new venture, Castle Danger Brewing, and sells growlers to go.Castle Haven Cabins, a third-generation family resort on Minnesota’s North Shore, has started a new tradition – brewing beer in small batches and supplying it to area bars and restaurants.
Clint and Jamie MacFarlane are in their eighth year of operating Castle Haven, 12 miles northeast of Two Harbors at Castle Danger. Their latest venture, Castle Danger Brewery, is generating positive comments.
The first batches were brewed in March 2011. That followed a year of preparation, including construction of a new building by Clint and father-in-law Dwight Lind on the resort property, and securing the necessary state and federal licenses.
The microbrewery grew from Clint’s interest in homebrewing, which he started in 2006. Clint uses a three-barrel system to produce the small 93-gallon batches. The result is what Jamie calls “every man’s dream” – starting his own brewery.
Now on tap is “Gale Force Wheat” at Sir Benedict’s Tavern in Duluth and “Danger Ale” served at Dunnigan’s Pub and Kamloops Restaurant & Lounge at Superior Shores Resort, both in Two Harbors, and at Dixie Bar & Grill outside of Two Harbors and the Rustic Inn at Castle Danger. Grand Superior Lodge offers both varieties.
The MacFarlanes are also selling growlers at the resort for $15 (refills for $10).
Jamie and Clint are Two Harbors natives. Jamie’s parents, Dwight and Debbie Lind, operated Castle Haven for 30 years. Clint’s parents, Brad and Diane MacFarlane, also live in Two Harbors.
The resort was started by Jamie’s grandfather, commercial fisherman Marcus Lind, in 1933. There are 12 cabins, seven open year-round after being redone with in-room fireplaces.
“We definitely feel lucky to raise our children in such a wonderful area,” Jamie says. “My sisters and I always had so much fun during the summers, with all the other kids staying at the resort. I’m excited for my boys to get the same experience.”
Castle Danger Brewery, 218-834-5800, castledangerbrewery.com. Castle Haven Cabins, 218-834-4303, castlehaven.net. Both at 3067 E. Castle Danger Rd., Two Harbors, MN.