Discover Battle Creek Michigan: 7 Top-Rated Things to Do, Best Restaurants, Events and Hotels (See Where to Stay!)
Battle Creek Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
Discover fun things to do in Battle Creek Michigan! Hiking along nature trails, fabulous botanical gardens, Binder Park Zoo, awesome restaurants, events, and so much more await you!
We've got your days packed full of fun and adventure while traveling Michigan! I lived in Battle Creek for several years so all of these ideas are first hand experiences I recommend!
Best Battle Creek Events
When is the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Fest?
This fun event is held over the 4th of July celebration! Grab the updated date for the Field of Flight Air Show on our July Michigan Events Page! See the air show, hot air balloons, rock bands, hot air balloon illumes, fireworks and carnival.
When is the World's Longest Breakfast Table?
Battle Creek's World's Longest Breakfast Table is held in June! See the updated event date on our June Michigan Events Page!
-For more Battle Creek events, visit the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce.
Binder Park Zoo!
Seriously...I ADORE Binder Park Zoo. For starters, they have prairie dogs (squeal!), free roaming peacocks, a tram to Africa where you can feed the giraffes, tons of walking trails and lots of shade trees!
Plus there's lots of yearly events for kids AND adults! It's one of my favorite things to do in Battle Creek!
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You May Like: Best Michigan Zoos and Aquariums!! |
Where to Eat in Battle Creek-Best Restaurants
We Love Clara's on the River!
Clara's on the River is so picturesque, it's my go-to Battle Creek restaurant while exploring the downtown area. Not only is this quaint restaurant located on the river but you can eat outside on their beautiful patio surrounded by flowers and a fountain!
I enjoyed a salmon and zucchini dish that was prepared excellently and my friend really liked her tacos with avocado and black beans. The menu is really extensive so there's something for everyone!
Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Cocktails
Known for it's locally sourced Italian meals with great drinks, my friend and I decided to give them a try. She's a vegetarian with dietary restrictions and I lean toward farm-to-table healthy options so we were thrilled this restaurant checked all of our boxes!
First, I wanted to say the hostess and our server were very very friendly, making our dining experience that much more pleasurable. To get things started, I ordered a fantastic dry Mendoza Malbec and Elizabeth ordered a California sweet Moscato.
I then ordered a short rib flatbread and the absolutely best tomato bisque I have ever had. Let me just say, I am a tomato bisque aficionado and this was divine. My friend ordered a vegan burger that she devoured. We loved seeing the open kitchen and appreciated the freshly prepared meals.
Address: 1299 E Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, MI
Leila Arboretum
Wow! What beauty and intrigue! Leila Arboretum is 85 acres of beautiful paved walkways, gardens and 2,500 marked trees and plants. Lush rolling hills of flowering trees, blooming flowers and waving grasses beckons you to grab your water bottle and head out for a stroll.
And the best part? The enchanted Fantasy Forest! If you walk softly, you’ll encounter wise wizards, wonderous trees, whimsical characters and fire breathing dragons! Oh, and you if you are lucky, you just might meet Groot!
Address: 928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free!
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible outdoors as there are many paved walkways. Restrooms - portajohns
Kingman Museum
The beautiful Kingman Museum is a natural history museum and planetarium located on the grounds of Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek. So after you explore the gardens, take a walk through Michigan habitats, learn how the human body works, and see exotic animals and insects from around the world.
Check out dinosaurs, outer space, and planet Earth! There are 20 planetarium shows and night sky talk under the stars, so don't miss out on the fun!
Address: 175 Limit St, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Hours: SAT & SUN 10 am-4 pm.
Admission: Kingman Museum is now free to the public on weekends
Love Hiking? Check Out Ott Preserve - Top Nature Trail in Battle Creek
Ott Preserve is a wonderful place to walk your dog, trail walk or simply explore the great outdoors! We were in absolute awe of the beauty of the marshes, lake overlook, wooded trails and well-kept boardwalks. The preserve is free with ample parking and well marked trails.
Another nature trail in Battle Creek to check out is the Woodland Park and Nature Preserve located at 2518 Gethings Rd, Battle Creek
Fort Custer Recreational Area is also a great place for mountain biking, hiking and camping: 5163 Fort Custer Dr, Augusta, MI
FireKeepers Casino
If you enjoy gaming, check out the FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek. Several restaurants and tons of games will keep you entertained for hours on end. Smoking is allowed in the casino.
Address: 11177 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI
Where to Stay (Best Hotels-Battle Creek)
Hotels Near FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan:
- Stay at the Firekeepers Casino Hotel! Why not stay right where the action is? If they are booked, which they can be all through the summer, check out the Quality Inn and Suites next door.
- Quality Inn and Suites Next to the Casino is super convenient and affordable.
Hotel Near Binder Park Zoo, Shopping and Restaurants in Battle Creek
- Holiday Inn - Read reviews, see photos and book the Holiday Inn on Trip Advisor. Oh, and they have a nice pool and fitness center! I used to live in Battle Creek and I like the location of this hotel as it's right in the heart of restaurants and things to do. Plus it's a straight shot to Binder Park Zoo without getting on the highway.
- Hampton Inn - Read reviews, see photos and book the Hampton Inn on Trip Advisor! Like I said above, I lived in this area and I like the safe location of this hotel. It's right in the heart of restaurants and things to do. Plus it's a straight shot to Binder Park Zoo without getting on the highway.
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