West Michigan – In West Michigan, it is well known that beer is more than just a beverage— craft beer is a way of life! With more than 200 breweries across the state, it’s hard to pick which one is your favorite, let alone which one(s) to experience first-hand. That’s why West Michigan Tourist Association has compiled everything beer related happening on the better side of the state this summer. From brewpubs to brewery tours to cruises, West Michigan has something to offer for every craft beer connoisseur.
Southern Region
In Marshall, you can always bet on something fun happening at Dark Horse Brewery. Select from a wide variety of microbrew beer, meet some friends in the outdoor Beer Garten or liven up your Thursdays with live music from 6:00 to 10:30 pm. Come see what Dark Horse Nation is all about!
At their location in Kalamazoo, Arcadia Brewing Company is a favorite in Southern West Michigan. Since 1996, Arcadia Ales has aimed to carve out its niche in the craft beer community with their world-class award winning ales brewed with British and American inspiration (their brewing methods even originated 250 years ago in England). The riverfront brewpub in downtown Kalamazoo is a premier destination to enjoy brews, BBQ, and a breathtaking view of the Kalamazoo River.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at metalsmithing? On Saturday, July 23 from5:00 to 8:00 pm join thePierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings for the chance to drink beer, eat appetizers, and hammer some metal! During the workshop, local artist Lauren Tripp will teach participants to hammer, form, stamp, patina, and polish their very own copper cuff. Get out your daily frustrations while also giving back, as all proceeds will support programming at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. No experience necessary — having fun is the only requirement!
At the family friendly Lucky Stone Pub in Douglas, Saugatuck Brewing Co. offers great beer, a fun atmosphere, and a full lunch and dinner menu. With over 15 featured taps in the brewpub, patrons can choose mainstay styles, limited releases, and experimental brews in addition to wine and hard ciders. And, while you’re there, take the time to enjoy a game of darts, shuffle board or foosball all free of charge. Be sure to take advantage of Michigan’s only program that allows you to craft your own brew and bottle it with custom labels!
In Lansing, there’s plenty to do for the craft beer lover! Hop aboard the Makers & Shakers Trail, Greater Lansing’s artisan wine, beer and spirit collective. Or, take a tasting tour and check out some of Lansing’s premier breweries- with over a dozen to choose from there’s no going wrong! Plus, if you visit at least 10, you’ll receive a free gift.
When you think craft beer, it’s hard not to imagine Bell’s Brewery, Michigan’s oldest brewery that features a variety of more than 20 small batch beers. The Eccentric Cafe, a unique pub in downtown Kalamazoo, offers a spacious beer garden and patio with an eclectic menu and an array of entertainment options throughout the week. Be sure to check their event page for all their upcoming summer brew events!
Additional Breweries in Southern West Michigan to Check Out:
Central Region
This summer, come experience for yourself why Grand Rapids has earned the title of Beer City USA. At the JW Marriott, the Beer City USA Package puts you within walking distance of several of Michigan’s best breweries and only miles from many more. Also included: overnight accommodations, local beers served to your room upon arrival, a Beer City Passport, 20% off The Spa at JW Marketplace, and more!
For an alternate beer experience, the Brew and Renew spa package at Amway Grand Plaza may be for you! Book your stay and enjoy beer inspired services like a brew pedicure, a beer footbath, brew polish and massage, or a beer inspired body scrub followed by aroma therapy and a gift card to enjoy a beer of your choice.
The Gallery Brewery in Portland provides a unique stop right off I-96 between Grand Rapids and Lansing. Stop by for one of their staple beers on tap, with special seasonal beers available throughout the year. The food here is nearly all made from scratch, and offers an eclectic lunch and dinner menu. The name stems from the building’s history, which most recently housed a business that did a variety of art-type activities, including framing, selling art, teaching guitar lessons and pottery. A kiln in the back allows mugs to painted and fired in the back. Now, The Gallery pays homage by hosting regular art exhibits and music Thursday, Friday andSaturday every week.
Founded in 2012, The Mitten Brewing Company is a microbrewery and pizzeria housed in Engine House No. 9, a wonderfully restored Victorian-era firehouse and Grand Rapids city landmark. Inside the taproom, enjoy imagery and memorabilia from turn-of-the-century professional baseball teams all blended with original features of the historic firehouse. Fun fact: this was was the first West Side brewery to open after the prohibition era!
In Whitehall, there’s numerous opportunities to enjoy great beer with great company. Whether it’s dining at an award winning brewery, or staying at Buzz’s Lakeside Inn to enjoy all White Lake has to offer while choosing from several craft beers on tap, be sure to add Whitehall to your West Michigan summer bucket list.
While visiting the charming beach town of Ludington, be sure to check out local brewery Jamesport Brewing. The brewpub, set in a late Victorian six-storefront complex built in 1890, brews their own crafts onsite and also features a full-service bar and an assortment of domestic beers to satisfy beer enthusiasts on both ends of the spectrum. Stop by any weekday between 4:00 and 6:00 pm for Happy Hour!
Located on the Westside of Grand Rapids, Harmony Brewing Company at Harmony Hall excels at small batches of well-balanced beer. This style of brewing allows Harmony to react to the changing seasons as well as the tastes of their enthusiastic community. They apply the same amount of creativity to their food creations as they do with their beer. The rich menu of German inspired breads and sausages will surely go perfectly with your next beer!
Established in 1997 by true craft brew enthusiasts, award winning Founders Brewing Co. is known for their complex, in-your-face ales with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. One of the fastest growing breweries, they also rank among the top 30 largest craft breweries in the U.S. Visit their taproom in downtown Grand Rapids to taste the beer that pushes limits.
Additional Breweries in Central West Michigan to Check Out:
- Our Brewing Company, Holland
- Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Grand Rapids
- The Gallery Brewery, Portland
- Tripleroot Brewery, Zeeland
- Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
- Newaygo Brewing Company, Newaygo
- Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery & Supply, Ada
- Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
- Atwater Brewery & Spirits, Grand Rapids
- Perrin Brewing Company, Comstock Park
- Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids
- Old Boys’ Brewhouse, Spring Lake
Northern Region
Since opening in Benzie County in 2013, Stormcloud Brewing Company has been on the fast track! While their beer is now in 50 different pubs and restaurants in Michigan, their pub on Main Street in Downtown Frankfort offers samplings from 16 taps of their Belgian style brews and locally produced cider. If you’re lucky, you may even catch Executive Chef Joe Meyers’ spontaneous grill outs on the patio serving different BBQ delights. Don’t waste any time, be sure to check out the Trip Advisor-certified #1 restaurant in Frankfort!
Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry will be hosting numerous Sip n’ Sail cruises throughout the summer. Departing from Mackinac City, Mackinac Island, and St. Ignace you can take in the panoramic view while enjoying live entertainment and your favorite cocktails and brews. Plus, on July 7 and 28 and August 25, take part in the Upper Hand Brew Cruise, featuring live music and craft beer favorites from Upper Hand Brewery. And, at the end of the month, Upper Hand is putting on their first ever Backyard BBQ (yooper style!) featuring beer, all you can eat BBQ, live music, and lawn games on July 23.
When in West Michigan, one of the best ways to follow your passion for craft brews is while doing so amidst the beautiful scenery of Traverse City. There’s several unique breweries to check out while you’re there: Rare Bird Brewpub and Brewery Terra Firma to name two! Not only can you choose from an array of different craft beers, you also have the chance to get hands-on. Visitors can take the TC Brew Bus for the best tour of Traverse City breweries or become a passport holder with Michigan BrewVine for exclusive discounts and other brewed benefits.
Planning a stay at beautiful Walloon Lake? Be sure to check out Hotel Walloon, offering charm and hospitality of the early nineteenth century along with the comforts of modernity. After a long day on the lake, there’s no better taste than a cold craft beer at the hotel’s own Barrel Back restaurant.
When thinking about opening a brewery, the owners of Big Hart Brewing Company thought of three things that inspired their business: beer, food and atmosphere. But once they started putting everything together, they found that their home, Hart and Oceana County, was the biggest influencer of their company. Now, they strive to showcase the area through their beverages and cuisine. Visit them and experience their home in every drink and bite.
Burnt Marshmallow Brewing is the newest Nano-Brewery to open in Petoskey, Michigan. Using ingredients from their 190 acre farm and other local resources, they are able to create their experimental brews that often push the envelope. Try one of these handcrafted beers from one of their seven rotating taps at their taproom or pick up a crowler to go!
In Northern Michigan, Charlevoix is a top destination for many. But, did you know the area is also home to a local brewery? Founded last June, The Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company is nestled just feet from the picturesque Round Lake and is a prime spot to sit back, relax, watch the boats and enjoy great food paired with even better craft beer.
No trip to the beautiful Northern Lower Peninsula is complete without a stop in downtown Bellaire to visit the fourth largest craft beer producer in Michigan: Short’s Brewing Company. Honing in on the creative and inventive spirit of craft brewing, Short’s offers a variety of unique craft brews. And, if you’re looking to spend the night, Shanty Creek Resorts is the place to stay, even offering a shuttle running from the resort to the brewery and other downtown Bellaire hot spots.
