Craft brewing has never been so big in the USAand there are some states that really stand out as masters of microbrewery.
Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes and beautiful Midwestern landscapes over 120 craft brewers, including several national and global beer competition winners.
Make a great idea to take a Michigan brewery road trip!
Read on for the perfect itinerary for exploring Michigan’s many great breweries.
How to plan a Michigan brewery road trip
For an unforgettable road trip, Start on Michigan’s southwest cornerand be prepared for frequent pit stops at the many micro and craft breweries along the way. Of course you need a qualified driver – but be a good athlete and get some bottles so you can at least enjoy them later!
Day 1: Three Floyds
If you can, start your trip in a little west of Michigan (less than 1 hour) Munster, Indiana – Home of the dear ones Three Floyds Brewpub, one of the most talented brewers in the country.
As their 96% „World Class” rating on Beer attorney indicates that Three Floyds is famous for their hops breweries, but they can’t seem to go wrong no matter what style they adopt. Be sure to try some fan favorites like Dreadnaught, Gumballhead, and Zombie Dust, and stock up on great bar food too, including top-notch burgers and deliciously wacky scotch eggs.
Day 1: Greenbush Brewing & The Livery
Continue your search north towards Michigan and stop by Greenbush Brewing ((Sawyer, MI) and The paintwork ((Benton Harbor, MI) for some samples on the way to one of the best breweries on the route – New Holland Brewing (Holland, MI).
Day 1: New Holland Brewing
New Holland has a well-established, large and well-lit brewery (a contrast to dimly lit 3 Floyds) with a wide selection of craft brews on tap. Fortunately, you can try almost all of them by creating your own flights – a selection of (usually 4 to 6) smaller beers.
Holland is a lovely little town on the coast, great for walking and with beautiful sandy beaches, so it’s a good place to stay overnight. If you are traveling in a group, opt for a two bedroom suite Residence Inn in Holland, complete with indoor pool, BBQ and free breakfast.
Day 2: Founder’s brewery
The next day you drive to the east Grand Rids, MI and make your first stop at Founder Brewing company.
Get a full pint of one of their phenomenal breakfast dishes and try a few others. Even the designated driver can have a foretaste as you go to the nearest brewery that you absolutely must visit …
Day 2: HopCat
…HopCat, number 3 brewery in the world according to BeerAdvocate magazine. Hopefully you will arrive around noon as HopCat not only offers a fantastic beer but great food too (don’t miss the crack fries).
Day 2: Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales
There are three other major breweries that you must visit before the walking tour is complete. Further east a couple of hours until nice Ann Arbor, Michigan that just got more beautiful Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales has a brewery here.
Jolly Pumpkin specializes in interesting, complex beers that many brewers don’t even try. Their Oro de Calabaza Ale has won multiple awards and hailed as the best non-Belgian Belgian beer you can find. Enjoy a night of food and drink and spend the night in Ann Arbor.
Day 3: Dark Horse Brewing Company & Bell’s Brewery
Finally, on the final day of the Michigan Brewery Road Trip, head back west and visit two highly respected Midwestern craft brewers. Dark Horse Brewing Company (Marshall, MI) and Bell’s brewery (Kalamazoo, MI).
Both breweries have a wide variety of beers to try – Bell’s has managed to perfect many of the standard American styles, while Dark Horse is more experimental and often includes fruit in their process.
If you don’t have a dedicated driver, there’s always the option to book a Michigan brewery tour. Here are some options.
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