Cheers to Michigan: Exploring the Craft Beer Renaissance in the Great Lakes State

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Michigan’s Craft Breweries

Positive Things In Michigan

Michigan’s craft beer scene is renowned for its diversity and quality. From vibrant cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit to charming towns such as Kalamazoo, Michigan offers a plethora of breweries to explore. Here’s a curated 3-day itinerary that takes you through some of the state’s finest craft beer destinations, complete with local attractions and dining options.

Day 1: Grand Rapids Brewery Exploration

Morning: Arrival and First Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Grand Rapids and check into your hotel. Recommended options include The Grand Rapids Downtown Hotel or Hotel Lafayette for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Founders Brewing Co..
  • Location: 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Experience: Sample their flagship beers like “KBS” and “All Day IPA.” Enjoy a brewery tour if available.
  • Founders Brewing Co. Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Head to The Mitten Brewing Company for a delicious lunch.
  • Location: 527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Experience: Enjoy their pizzas and craft beers in a cozy atmosphere.
  • The Mitten Brewing Company Website

Afternoon: More Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Continue your tour at Brewery Vivant.

  • Location: 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  • Experience: Taste Belgian-inspired beers and explore their unique offerings.
  • Brewery Vivant Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Short’s Brewing Company’s Grand Rapids location or Bellaire location if available.

  • Location: 121 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615
  • Experience: Sample their creative and eclectic brews.
  • Short’s Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at The Green Well, offering farm-to-table cuisine and a great selection of local beers.

  • Location: 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  • The Green Well Website

• Entertainment: Explore Grand Rapids’ downtown nightlife or visit a local bar or music venue.

Day 2: Kalamazoo and Nearby Breweries

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo (approximately 50 minutes).
• Brewery Visit: Start at Bell’s Brewery.
  • Location: 8938 Krum Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053
  • Experience: Sample their “Two Hearted Ale” and take a tour of their facilities.
  • Bell’s Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Central City Tap House.
  • Location: 2412 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  • Experience: Relish their craft beers and pub fare.
  • Central City Tap House Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to Arcadia Brewing Company.

  • Location: 1500 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
  • Experience: Enjoy their traditional and innovative brews.
  • Arcadia Brewing Company Website

• Brewery Visit: Check out Paw Paw Brewing Company.

  • Location: 120 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
  • Experience: Sample local brews in a laid-back environment.
  • Paw Paw Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at The Mill at Vicksburg for great food and local beers.

  • Location: 121 W Prairie St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
  • The Mill at Vicksburg Website

• Entertainment: Enjoy a stroll around Kalamazoo’s downtown or catch a show at Kalamazoo State Theatre.

  • Kalamazoo State Theatre Website

Day 3: Detroit Craft Beer Experience

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Kalamazoo to Detroit (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Brewery Visit: Begin your day at Atwater Brewery.
  • Location: 237 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Experience: Sample their “Vanilla Java Porter” and explore their brewery.
  • Atwater Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Head to Batch Brewing Company for lunch.
  • Location: 1401 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48216
  • Experience: Enjoy their craft beers and unique food offerings.
  • Batch Brewing Company Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Visit Motor City Brewing Works.

  • Location: 470 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201
  • Experience: Taste their “Ghetto Blaster” and enjoy the brewery’s atmosphere.
  • Motor City Brewing Works Website

• Brewery Visit: End your tour at New Holland Brewing Co.’s Detroit location if available or check out their Holland location.

  • Location: 66 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
  • Experience: Sample their diverse range of beers.
  • New Holland Brewing Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at The Old Shillelagh, known for its lively atmosphere and craft beer selection.

  • Location: 349 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
  • The Old Shillelagh Website

• Entertainment: Explore Detroit’s nightlife or catch a game at Ford Field or Little Caesars Arena if events are happening during your visit.

  • Ford Field Website
  • Little Caesars Arena Website

Michigan Wine & Wineries

This 3-day itinerary offers a comprehensive tour of Michigan’s top craft breweries, highlighting the best beer experiences the state has to offer. Enjoy your journey through Michigan’s craft beer landscape and make the most of your brewery exploration!

Fun Things and Sports in Michigan

Michigan is a state with a rich tapestry of activities and experiences to offer, whether you’re a sports enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or culture lover. Here’s a guide to the fun things to do and sports events to catch while you’re exploring the craft beer scene in Michigan.

1. Outdoor Adventures

1.1. Explore the Great Lakes

• Activity: Take a scenic cruise or a day trip to enjoy Michigan’s stunning Great Lakes. Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and beach relaxation.
• Popular Spots:
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Known for its beautiful sand dunes and hiking trails.
    • Sleeping Bear Dunes Website
  • Mackinac Island: A charming island with no motor vehicles, perfect for biking and exploring historic sites.
    • Mackinac Island Website

1.2. Hiking and Biking Trails

• Activity: Discover Michigan’s diverse hiking and biking trails. The state’s varied terrain offers something for everyone, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes.
• Popular Trails:
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Offers breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls.
    • Pictured Rocks Website
  • Leelanau Peninsula Trails: Known for scenic views and vineyards.
    • Leelanau Trails Website

1.3. Winter Sports

• Activity: In winter, Michigan transforms into a winter sports paradise with skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
• Popular Spots:
  • Boyne Mountain Resort: Offers a variety of winter sports activities.
    • Boyne Mountain Website
  • Crystal Mountain: Known for its ski slopes and snowboarding.
    • Crystal Mountain Website

2. Sports Events

2.1. Professional Sports

• Detroit Tigers (MLB): Catch a game at Comerica Park, where the Tigers play. The stadium offers a great atmosphere and a chance to see Major League Baseball action.

  • Detroit Tigers Website

• Detroit Lions (NFL): If you’re in town during football season, see the Lions in action at Ford Field. The Lions have a passionate fan base and exciting games.

  • Detroit Lions Website

• Detroit Pistons (NBA): Enjoy a basketball game at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons are known for their competitive play and vibrant home crowd.

  • Detroit Pistons Website

• Detroit Red Wings (NHL): Hockey fans can catch a Detroit Red Wings game at Little Caesars Arena, one of the most storied franchises in the NHL.

  • Detroit Red Wings Website

2.2. College Sports

• University of Michigan Wolverines: Experience college football at the “Big House,” the largest stadium in the U.S. The Wolverines are a powerhouse in college sports.

  • University of Michigan Athletics Website

• Michigan State Spartans: Check out the Spartans in action at Spartan Stadium or the Breslin Center for basketball games.

  • Michigan State Athletics Website

2.3. Auto Racing

• Michigan International Speedway: Watch NASCAR races and other motorsport events at this iconic speedway.
  • Michigan International Speedway Website

3. Cultural and Recreational Activities

3.1. Museums and Historical Sites

• Detroit Institute of Arts: Explore an extensive collection of fine art at this renowned museum.

  • Detroit Institute of Arts Website

• Henry Ford Museum: Discover American innovation and history through exhibits on automobiles, aviation, and more.

  • Henry Ford Museum Website

3.2. Festivals and Events

• Tulip Time Festival (Holland): Celebrate Dutch heritage with parades, music, and thousands of tulips.

  • Tulip Time Festival Website

• Detroit Music Festivals: Enjoy various music festivals throughout the year, including the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and Motor City Music Festival.

  • Detroit Music Events

3.3. Culinary Experiences

• Food Tours: Take a food tour to explore Michigan’s diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table dining to international cuisine.
  • Detroit Food Tours
  • Grand Rapids Food Tours

Michigan offers a wealth of activities and experiences that complement its craft beer scene. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, professional sports, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying good food and drink, the state has something for everyone. Enjoy your trip and make the most of all that Michigan has to offer!

Michigan Weddings

Michigan is home to a variety of beer festivals that celebrate the state’s rich brewing culture and craft beer scene. Here are some notable beer festivals in Michigan that you might want to check out:

1. Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

• Location: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MI
• Dates: Typically held in late July
• Description: One of the largest beer festivals in the state, featuring hundreds of craft beers from Michigan breweries. It includes live music, food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating Michigan’s brewing heritage.
• Website: Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

2. Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

• Location: Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park, MI
• Dates: Typically held in late February
• Description: This festival is a winter counterpart to the Summer Beer Festival, showcasing a wide range of winter ales, stouts, and other seasonal brews. The event features craft beers, food, and entertainment in a festive winter setting.
• Website: Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

3. Detroit Beer Fest

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Dates: Varies, usually in early October
• Description: Held in Detroit’s historic district, this festival celebrates the craft beer community with local and regional brews. It features live music, food trucks, and a great atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
• Website: Detroit Beer Fest

4. Grand Rapids Beer Week

• Location: Various venues in Grand Rapids, MI
• Dates: Usually in November
• Description: A week-long celebration of craft beer in Grand Rapids, featuring special events, tastings, and collaborations across local breweries and bars. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant beer scene.
• Website: Grand Rapids Beer Week

5. Kalamazoo Beer Week

• Location: Kalamazoo, MI
• Dates: Usually in January
• Description: A week-long celebration of craft beer featuring events, tastings, and beer releases at various venues throughout Kalamazoo. It’s a great way to explore the local craft beer scene.
• Website: Kalamazoo Beer Week

6. Beer City Brewsader™ Winter Warmer

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI
• Dates: Usually in early January
• Description: This festival highlights winter brews from Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, featuring a selection of warming ales and stouts. The event also includes live music and food.
• Website: Beer City Brewsader™ Winter Warmer

7. Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Top of the Park

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Dates: Held in June and July
• Description: While not exclusively a beer festival, this summer festival includes beer and cider tastings from local vendors as part of its summer events. Enjoy music, food, and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.
• Website: Ann Arbor Summer Festival

8. Northville Beer Festival

• Location: Northville, MI
• Dates: Typically in late September
• Description: A local beer festival that features a variety of craft beers, food vendors, and entertainment. It’s a smaller, community-focused event with a great atmosphere.
• Website: Northville Beer Festival

These festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide range of craft beers, meet local brewers, and enjoy the unique beer culture of Michigan. Be sure to check the festival websites for the latest information on dates, tickets, and other details.