Location: Battle Creek
Top Things to do in Battle Creek
The 9 Best Things to Do in Battle Creek, United States
Known as "Cereal City," Battle Creek, Michigan is home to both the Kellogg and Post corporations. These two companies have left their mark on the city, building both office buildings and local attractions. The Leila Arboretum, part of Battle Creek's 7,000 acres of parkland, was created by the widow of CW Post, founder of Post Cereals. Post himself had been inspired to go into the cereal business after a visit to the now-historic Battle Creek Sanitarium, which was then run by John Kellogg.
Restaurants in Battle Creek
1. Binder Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By Beth P
Love bringing my whole family out for the day, lots to do and even more for kids to enjoy. Food and restrooms to accommodate everyone of all ages. Would recommend this to everyone.
2. Firekeeper's Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 675 reviews
Reviewed By Melissa B
My husband and I go to casinos regularly, Firekeeper's is not a favorite. I think this is the only casino we have ever been to where we have lost each other and you can't hear your cell phone ringing because it is so loud in the casino. The comps aren't great, and though the guest rooms are nice they do not offer any smoking rooms. This is also the only casino that would not allow us to bring in one bottle of liquor to our guest room which we found very odd. I realize that we are older, late 50's, maybe this casino is just better suited for younger people who find the enormous size & noise level exciting.
3. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Located just west of downtown Battle Creek, this recreated 19th century village takes visitors back in time through reenactments, restored and replicated buildings to tell the story of a people who lived to honor God. Visitors experience living history in a restored log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, and the houses of the Adventist pioneers who settled in the west end of Battle Creek in 1855. Sunday – Friday from 10am to 4 pm, Saturday from 2pm to 4 pm. Call ahead for an appointment. Admission by donation. We are closed the follow Holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day.
Reviewed By Robert W - Park Ridge, Illinois
The free tour starts at the Kellogg Discovery Center. It has a good video on Dr. Kellogg. The museum has an interesting collection of his inventions and discoveries. He was very focused on healthy eating and fitness. Battle Creek owes many of its buildings and heritage to Kellogg and his cereal company. After the first building there are about 18 other buildings which are all about the Adventist church. It is an interesting tour, but it was not what I was expecting. In fact there is no big sign directing you to the Kellogg Discovery Center. Instead the entrance is at the Historic Adventist Village.
4. Kingman Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
This natural history museum has great programs for kids and a planetarium.
Reviewed By Kathy s - Battle Creek, Michigan
Although this museum has changed and evolved from my childhood, we still bring our children and now our children's children to this educational place with mastodon and sabertooth tiger bones.
The museum is positioned in the Leila Arboretum which also is of interest with their tree-tall wood carvings that called the fantasy forest. Each year for several years chainsaw artist from the region have come to turn ash trees that have been lost to the ash tree borer into fantasy creatures and now they have built a outdoor theater for events. The site also hosts a Children's Garden. Everything is family friendly and very affordable.
5. Full Blast
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Indoor recreation center with sports and activities for the whole family.
Reviewed By LadyArchitek - Kalamazoo, Michigan
This is a great local swimming pool with slides and a kiddy splash area. There are lots of tables, chairs, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. They have a concession stand with reasonably priced food and beverages. We live this city run public well guarded and clean open to the public at a modest cost pool.
6. Historic Bridge Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By zenjimama
This was a great little park that families of all ages will enjoy. My little ones enjoyed the new playground and walking around all the bridges. The picnic areas were clean and had ample tables for eating snacks or lunches. Only down side was the gross GREASE in the water. I couldn't figure out what it was and then discovered there was an oil spill a few years ago! Disgusting! Needless to say we did not see any fish.
We also discovered that you can walk in a big loop, though not well marked and a bit dangerous as you cross railroad tracks. Go through the tunnel and up and around. The trail is part of the North Country Trail, which I found really intriguing! I didn't know about that trail system but there is info about it at the signage down by the river.
7. Battle Creek Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Fernando M
I have been going all these last months as it is really a good thing to do when you are in the Battle Creek town on a Wednesday morning.
In general terms, it is not really different of other markets in the area of Michigan. I may say it is even a little one - but enough for the place and the city.
So, you have the typical producers of veggies (amazing asparagus at the beginning of the season) and fruits (strawberries and blueberries); some meat producers, cheese people, food stands (the great quiches that you find in other markets, pulled pork sandwiches and the Guatemalan food among others) and some music filling the air. Nothing really different.
However, as any place, it has a couple of secrets: one, go with the guy who with long white bear and that looks like an Amish and ask for the butter. The best in many many miles around.
The biggest one (you will notice it if you go when you see a long line at the lunch hour): the lady of the noodles. Such a fantastic cooker... These season she has based the main dish in different pork cookings making special combinations (one with watermelon some weeks ago that ... Wow!) that it is a must that you need to try.
All the stands make this market special and helps to keep the life going on in this cereal city that still needs more to live.
8. Historic Adventist Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Michel P - Oshawa, Canada
We spent a very inspiring and informational afternoon being immersed in the 19th century and learning about daily life and the devotion of first days Adventist pioneers. I would strongly recommend for anyone interested in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church, but also to the general public who wants to learn about Kellogg (of Corn Flakes fame), life in the mid 1800’s, or evolution of modern medicine.
9. Battle Creek Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
The Battle Creek Welcome Center is a must see stop on your visit to the area. Our friendly staff can offer valuable travel information about the area and our attractions. Take a photo in front of our cereal “selfie” wall and browse our gift shop with Kellogg, Battle Creek and Pure Michigan souvenirs. Free maps, visitor guides, coupon books, and restrooms.
Reviewed By CSSnowshoer - New York City, New York
I wanted to get a postcard, so this seemed the best place to stop. Its a wonderful little shop with lots of local souvenirs and postcards. The desk people are very helpful. It may be the only place to buy little cereal bowls with cartoon characters.They also had locally made shopping bags that were hand painted. I do suggest this as a stop if you are in the downtown.
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