Exploring the Best Breweries in Michigan for 2025

People are seeing beer differently in today’s world – perhaps it’s a shift in preference to something more special and unique, something more customized as opposed to something more generic. But just as more individuals prefer the relaxed, more intimate setting of a beer brewery to the high-octane vibe of a night club, the evidence shows that breweries are also on the rise, and have become increasingly popular, in fact, since the early 2000s.

When it comes to Michigan, it’s not much different. Michigan's craft beer scene has flourished over the past decades, and it has established the state as a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of Detroit to the serene landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, breweries all across Michigan offer a diverse range of flavors and ultimate craft beer experiences. And this year, these ten breweries stand out as the top destinations for your ultimate beer crawl. So what are you waiting for? Head on up to the Great Lakes State for a definitive beer hopping adventure.

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1. Founders Brewing Co.

Address: 235 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW, Grand Rapids

Website: foundersbrewing.com

Famous for: Its famous beer series that includes All Day, Mortal Bloom, Barrel Aged, and Venture Series, which features Porter, Breakfast Stout, Dirty Bastard, and Rubaeus

We’ve already discussed this brewery in our previous series, the best night spots in Michigan – so it’s no wonder it appears in our search lights again as one of the foremost breweries in the state! Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids remains a cornerstone of Michigan's craft beer industry. Known for its bold flavors and truly innovative brews, the taproom in Grand Rapids offers classics like the All Day IPA (including the All Day West Coast, the All Day Haze, and the All Day Shandy) and the robust KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout). But we personally love the Mortal Bloom, which is a brand-new tropical hazy IPA.

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The spacious taproom also frequently hosts live music and serves Happy Hour specials ($2 off full pours of beer and $1 off wine, draft cocktails, and cider) making it a vibrant spot for both locals and visitors alike. It also serves superb hand-crafted food – make sure you try its sandwiches such as Mug Clubber and the Founders KBS Burger.

2. Bell's Brewery

Address: 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo

Website: bellsbeer.com

Famous for: Its beer selection that includes Year Round beers such as Hazy Hearted IPA and Lager for the Lakes (an American Lager). But it is also known for its Limited Time selection, including Hopslam Ale (a Double IPA), the Double Two Hearted, Seneca Village, and the Cherry Stout.

Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo continues to be a pioneer in the craft beer world – in fact, it calls its revolutionary creations Inspired Brewing, and boy, is it right! What started out in a humble basement culminates in the Two Hearted Ale, an American IPA, and Bell’s Brewery continues to inspire beer enthusiasts from all over. Needless to say, the IPA has garnered national acclaim. The Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo not only serves their extensive beer lineup but also features a beer garden and a music and concert venue, offering a holistic - and unforgettable -experience for patrons and visitors.

3. Blackrocks Brewery

Address: 424 North Third Street, Marquette

Website: blackrocksbrewery.com

Famous for: The 51K IPA, an American IPA that has secured Blackrocks name among beer aficionados to the seasonal beers that include Honey Lav (an American Wheat beer) and the Six Sprocket (the famous Black Ale). The range of Limited Beers are a must-try too – especially the Raspberry Cream Ale called Razzle Rabbits and the Porch Cat, an outstanding pale ale.

Situated in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, specifically in Marquette, Blackrocks Brewery has grown significantly since its inception. As of 2024, for instance, it stands as the largest craft brewery in the region, producing over 12,000 barrels annually. The flagship Year-Round beer selection includes the renowned 51K IPA and the refreshing Grand Rabbits cream ale – they are absolute favorites among locals.

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But there are lots of other brewskies available, from the Mykiss IPA (and American IPA) to the Super Deluxe (a German-style Helles), it’s got it all. What’s more, the brewery's cozy taproom, combined with its commitment to quality, makes it a must-visit destination in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

4. Dark Horse Brewing Company

Address: 511 South Kalamazoo Avenue, Marshall

Website: darkhorsebrewery.com

Known for: Year Round specialty beers such as Crooked Tree IPA, Raspberry Ale, Amber Ale, Reserve Special Black Ale, and Boffo Brown Ale. The Specialty offerings are great, too – especially the Homosapien Trip Ale and the Smells Like A Citra Safety Meeting!

Dark Horse Brewing Company, located in Marshall, has a storied history in Michigan's beer scene. Despite challenges, including a change in ownership in 2019, the brewery has persevered and continues to produce beloved beers like the Crooked Tree IPA and Scotty Karate Scotch Ale. The taproom, adorned with thousands of mugs from its mug club members, offers a unique and rustic ambiance – and aside from serving a wide variety of its famous beers right on tap, it’s also got quite an extensive menu that includes heavy favorites such as Dark Horse Whole Chicken Wings, calzones, sandwiches, and White Pizza. It is now also a small distillery and a winemaker!

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5. Northern Natural Cider House & Winery

Address: 7220 Chief Road, Kaleva

Website: northernnaturalwinery.com

Famous for: Wine and hard cider – which are absolutely divine - but it has also recently expanded into beer-making, with its foremost product, Chief Lake IPA, Dudley’s D-Lite Cream Ale, and Arcadia Beach Amber Ale.

While primarily known for its ciders and wines - after all, it is known for producing Michigan’s Finest Hard Cider since 2007 - Northern Natural in Kaleva has also ventured into the beer scene with its Brewery Series. It has launched a new beer selection at the Tasting House, and this includes Chief Lake IPA, Arcadia Beach Amber Ale (our personal favorite), Portage Point Peanut Butter Porter (a mouthful – literally and figuratively!), and Pine River Pilsner, among many others.

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In 2025 as well, Northern Natural introduced live music events in its taproom, and the Pizza Wagon is also a must-try. Its commitment to organic and locally sourced ingredients ensures a fresh and authentic taste in every pint.

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6. Short's Brewing Company

Address: 121 North Bridge Street, Bellaire

Website: shortsbrewing.com

Famous for: Beer on tap such as Altered Vision, Chocolate Wheat, Huma Lupa Licious, and Pure Michigan Pale Ale, but it also has Packaged versions, including Nitro Super Delicious Stout, Bellaire Brown, and Pure Michigan Winter Pils.

Short's Brewing, located in Bellaire, is touted as Michigan’s favorite brewery – and it’s easy to see why. It is renowned for its experimental approach to brewing. The Bellaire Pub is where the happenings happen, and this is also where you can enjoy good food in the company of friends. With offerings like the Soft Parade, a fruit-infused rye ale, and the hoppy Huma Lupa Licious, there's always something new to try. Additionally, the Bellaire pub often hosts events, from live music to beer release parties, ensuring a lively atmosphere, and the dining menu offers the best comfort food favorites such as Sammies like Where’d The Cheese Go and The Rift, and pizzas like the Falling Out and Joppa Road.

7. Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Address: 2515 Riopelle Street, Detroit

Website: easternmarket.beer

Famous for: Paczki-flavored beers (including blueberry and raspberry), Elephant Juice, and Irish Cream Stout

Located in the heart of Detroit's historic Eastern Market, this brewery has become a community hub. In response to the growing trend of non-alcoholic options, it introduced new brews catering to Dry January participants in 2025. Its innovative approach and community engagement make it a standout in the Detroit beer scene. It also has a bevy of events with an active calendar – for instance, this month, you can join a weekly Run Club, Yoga + Brews, and Trivia Night every Wednesday!

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8. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Address: 2319 Bishop Circle East, Dexter

Website: brewery.jollypumpkin.com

Famous for: Rustic, country-style brewing, which has produced year-round favorites such as Bam Biere (a farmhouse ale), Blanca (a farmhouse witbier), and Oro, a wild artisan golden ale.

Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter prides itself in being the very first ‘all-wild, oak-aged brewery in the US’ where it uses only traditional Belgian beer brewing methods. It specializes in sour and wild ales, setting them apart in Michigan's diverse beer market. Its Oro de Calabaza, a Belgian-style golden ale, and the tart La Roja are exemplary examples of its craft. The rustic taproom in Dexter offers a cozy setting to explore the unique offerings, but it’s got non-sour beers as well, and this selection includes Brumo (a Hawaiian style hazy IPA) and Lupulo, a West Coast style IPA.

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9. New Holland Brewing Company

Address: 66 East 8th Street, Holland

Website: newhollandbrew.com

Famous for: Craft beers that include the ever-popular Dragon’s Milk selection and the year-round Peach Space Machine and the Uber Space Machine, but also handcrafted spirits such as the Origin Bonded, the Origin Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, and the Origin Honey Barrel.

New Holland Brewing Company, found in Holland, Michigan, also has other branches in Michigan, including Grand Rapids – and it is famous for seamlessly blending craft beer with artisanal spirits. Case in point: the Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout has a dedicated following, and so does the rest of the Dragon’s Milk series, including Dragon’s Milk: Crimson Keep, Dragon’s Milk: Tales of Gold, and Dragon’s Milk: Coffee Chocolate. But you mustn’t forget the full range of spirits, like the Knickerbocker Gin, as it showcases the brewery’s versatility. The Holland location features a spacious pub and restaurant, making it a perfect spot to indulge in both food and drink, and it has regular events and daily specials as well.

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10. Alpha Michigan Brewing Company

Address: 303 East Center Street, Alpha

Website: alphamibeer.com

Famous for: Naughty School Girl Ale, a cream ale; the Bow Wow Blood Orange Winter Wonderful, Outstanding Wheat, Bears Cave IPA, Split Rock Chocolate Cherry Stout, among many others.

Alpha Michigan Brewing Company can be found in the town of Alpha, and it is distinguished by being the smallest town in the United States with an actual brewery. The brewery has a host of events every month, and visitors can even bring their own food and stay in the taproom or beer garden. There is also free popcorn! It is best known for being a brewery with a purpose, as it sets aside a portion of its proceeds to support various community charities. Our personal favorite is the Not Your Grandma’s Gingerbread, a brown ale with a crisp and smooth malt flavor with a hint of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.

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Planning your beer crawl in Michigan

If you are planning on embarking on a beer crawl across Michigan, you should be aware from the start that it will require some elaborate planning to ensure a memorable – and truly unforgettable - experience. So here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Transportation: Consider renting a van or using ride-sharing services to safely navigate between breweries, especially if the brewery is in a far-flung area. The beauty of this lies in your safety as well: driving a car should be the farthest thing from your mind, and you can enjoy your time without worrying about getting back to your home or hotel!

Accommodations: Many breweries are located in cities with a wide range of lodging options. So if you are thinking of making a weekend of it, book in advance - especially during peak seasons like summer or fall.
Events: It might also benefit you to check brewery websites, as they often have events like new beer releases, live music, trivia nights, or festivals that might coincide with your visit.
Tours: And lastly, there may be some breweries that offer tours of their facilities. This may provide you with better insight into their brewing processes and histories – and it’s more interesting than you may think.

All in all, Michigan’s craft beer scene continues to thrive, offering a diverse and seemingly endless range of flavors, experiences, and atmospheres that cater to every kind of beer enthusiast. From Grand Rapids all the way to the Upper Peninsula, each brewery on our list brings something unique and flavorful to the table - whether it’s a commitment to time-honored brewing techniques from Belgium, bold experimentation with organic ingredients, or a fusion of beer with interesting local community and culture, creating a lasting bond through the decades.

A beer crawl through these top ten breweries isn’t just about tasting great brews - it’s about immersing yourself in the craftsmanship, passion, and creativity that define Michigan’s brewing community. With inviting taprooms, live music, and locally sourced ingredients, these breweries offer more than just drinks - they provide a whole experience. What more could you ask for? Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just starting to explore the exciting and enticing world of craft brews, Michigan is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable beer adventure. So grab your pint, map out your route, and embark on an unforgettable beer crawl through the Great Lakes State! Cheers!