MILWAUKEE -- A part of Milwaukee's beer history gets an update.

Miller Caves Renovated

MillerCoors has spent $1 million to make improvements to the historic Miller caves and the Miller Visitor Center.

The company will host a grand reopening on Friday and Saturday.

Visitor Center tours showcasing the new improvements will run every half-hour from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests 21 and older will have an opportunity to sample the new Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown Ale at the completion of all tours.

The historic Miller Caves, at 60 feet below ground level, were created in 1849 to keep beer cool prior to distribution.

In a new cave tour video, the ghost of Frederick Miller emerges from a mural on the wall to explain the use of the caves in the beer-making process. Other improvements to the Caves include renovations to the King Gambrinus fountain, an homage to the patron saint of beer and improved acoustics.

Improvements to the Visitor Center include:

• New historical timeline and photos on walls
• Signature photo wall as a backdrop for souvenir photos
• New bar and sampling station
• Welcome desk and counters made of recycled beer bottle glass
• Enclosure and addition of Miller Lite motorcycle

Free one-hour tours begin at the Visitor Center located at 4251 W. State St. and are available between 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

To confirm daily tour times, call 414-931-BEER or 800-944-LITE.

MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales.