Battle Creek, MI

I have no idea with regard to Battle Creek, but if you head over to Bell's, you might also want to consider checking out WaxWings, they've been generating some hype lately (deservedly so in my opinion) and they're on the east end of Kalamazoo.

 

I would add One Well in Kalamazoo. You could also run east to Marshall and hit up Dark Horse. There is actually a thread here on their somewhat fading relevance but still worth a visit as they were one of the originals.

 

I would agree that Bell's is a must, but would recommend you not to go to Dark Horse. I visited a few summers ago and can't think of anything positive about it. (I don't mean to put down the brewery or anyone's preference for it, I just want to bring up the counterpoint that there are also folks that did not care for it - I've heard similar comments from others.)

 

Walldorff Brew Pub in Hastings? Haven’t been there in a while but they had decent brews last time I was there

 

You sound a bit uncertain, and I would echo the same feeling. I used to like the place, and haven't been there for a couple years, but the last time there I felt a slight decline in the beers. No one talks about them anymore compared to the way it used to be.

 

I have a buddy that lives in Marshall and raves about the Grand River Brewing location in Marshall. Close enough to Battle Creek that it might be worth checking out.

 

OP, I am in BC and I can vouch for Territorial Brewing being a worthy visit for their beer and food. The brewery is German inspired and they do a great job with that. They just put on tap their Imperial Vienna Lager which is outstanding. They also have some American styles and hoppy lagers that are also very good.

twelve miles east is Marshall which has Dark Horse as mentioned above, but also in town is Grand River Brewing - Marshall which has very good beer and food too.Their parent location is also a winery and distillery, so they have a full bar experience.

Dark Horse has had recent financial difficulties that has lead to a merger, and the effects of that are just now becoming apparent. Roak Brewing from suburban Detroit is the new money, and their beers are now showing up also on tap at Dark Horse. They make very good beers.

Twenty miles west of BC is Kalamazoo, and Bell's is the gem in that city. One Well was mentioned above and Waxed Wings too, and I'll agree they are great visits. I also like Latitude 42 in Portage, which is about 5-6 miles south of Bell's. Very good beers and food. Kzoo has enough good breweries to fill your time over the weekend.

And then there is Grand Rapids with a slew of great breweries that is 50-60 miles north of Kzoo. Founders is the lead attraction there, but a ton of other great breweries are also located in and around the GR area.

P.S. I should also mention that BC will have another brewery any day now. A former brewer with Goose Island is busy brewing his opening day beers now, so you may be able to drink some of the first batches. Snacks, but no other food unless he is able to arrange food trucks.

 

Bells is a 30 minute drive west of Battle Creek. Might sound weird, but a small local grocery store called Horrocks in downtown Battle Creek has 15 or so beers on draft. They also have a nice selection of beers that they sell. Worthwhile checking out

 

Wasn't New Holland starting a brewpub in Battle Creek?

If possible, try to take a tour at the Bell's Production facility. Bell's has achieved national recognition for their beer tours and deservedly so. The production facility is located approximately halfway between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Definitely worth the stop.

 

The New Holland project is still in the works in downtown BC. They've had some issues because pf the age of the building and I think the necessary additional financing to overcome that, but work recently got started and I think they're projecting an early fall opening.

 

I should comment on this too. The production facility is in Comstock Twp. just west of Galesburg. It is a free tour, but I think reservations have to be made thru bellsbeer.com. Check ahead for days and times.

 

Saugatuck is a good visit. I overlooked mentioning them. I just recently visited there for the first time since they took over Gonzo's BiggDogg almost a year ago, so I'm not in the habit of thinking of them. Good beers and food.

 

If you wanted to travel another 30 minutes west of Bell's you could visit Paw Paw in, well, Paw Paw.

 

Bell's is a must. Try to do the free brewery tour at the cafe or production facility. You get 4 free ~6oz pours, some stickers/buttons, and a coupon to use at the cafe.

I second One Well in Kzoo, especially if you like pinball and NFL blitz. Good beer selection and many pint cans available to take home.

I have only been to the Latitude 42's in Kzoo and their patio is amazing, but it is closed for the season right now.

 

FYI - The opening date for Handmap Brewing is going to be March 27th.