From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of northern wine country, West Michigan is brimming with craft beverage experiences worth toasting. September and fall bring fresh seasonal flavors, vibrant festivals, and cozy tasting rooms perfect for sipping. Whether you’re in search of hop-forward IPAs, small-batch spirits, or crisp farm-fresh cider, you’ll find a wealth of options across our lakeshore towns, charming inland communities, and bustling cities. Use this guide to plan your next West Michigan brewery tour, distillery visit, or cider-tasting adventure—and raise a glass to Michigan-made flavor.
West Michigan Breweries
The Livery – Benton Harbor
- The Livery serves barrel-aged beers, seasonal specialties, and live music in the Benton Harbor Arts District. It’s a creative hub, perfect for sipping craft beer while enjoying West Michigan’s thriving arts and culture scene.
Bell’s Brewery – Kalamazoo
- Founded in Kalamazoo, Bell’s Brewery is a West Michigan icon known for legendary beers like Oberon and Two Hearted Ale. Tour the brewery, enjoy live music, and experience Michigan’s vibrant craft beer culture at the Bell’s Eccentric Café.
Saugatuck Brewing & Spirits – Saugatuck/Douglas
- Explore the Art Coast of Michigan’s craft beverage scene at Saugatuck Brewing Company, Noble Twist Taphouse, and The Mitten Brewing Company. For handcrafted spirits, visit New Holland Spirits Tasting Room or attend their bourbon cocktail class on September 24.
Silver Harbor Brewing Company – St. Joseph
- Silver Harbor Brewing Company combines inventive craft beer with farm-to-table dining. Just blocks from Lake Michigan, this brewery offers a diverse tap list, flavorful dishes, and a relaxed vibe perfect for beach-town exploring.
Archival Brewing – Belmont
- Archival Brewing celebrates Old World brewing traditions with historically inspired recipes and locally sourced ingredients. This cozy brewery offers a unique menu, rotating taps, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for craft beer lovers exploring the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Armory Brewing – Grand Haven
- Located in a historic downtown Grand Haven building, Grand Armory Brewing serves a wide range of craft beers. Favorites include the Crop Duster IPA and rotating seasonal releases, perfect after a day along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
Harmony Brewing Company – Grand Rapids
- Harmony Brewing Company serves up small-batch craft beer and wood-fired pizzas in a neighborhood setting. With creative brews and a laid-back vibe, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors exploring West Michigan’s thriving beer scene.
Pike 51 Brewing Company – Hudsonville
- Pike 51 Brewing Company offers inventive craft beers alongside wines from Hudsonville Winery. This family-friendly stop blends innovation and tradition, making it a great choice for beer enthusiasts traveling between Grand Rapids and Holland.
Jamesport Brewing – Ludington
- Located in a historic building in downtown Ludington, Jamesport Brewing Company offers handcrafted beers, hearty pub fare, and a welcoming atmosphere. Just steps from Lake Michigan, it’s perfect for pairing a pint with coastal views.
Ludington Craft Beverage Scene – Ludington
- Ludington is a true craft beer destination, home to Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Company, and The Mitten Bar. Visitors can enjoy locally brewed flavors, seasonal events, and cozy taprooms perfect for a fall or winter getaway.
German Heritage Celebration – Muskegon
- Celebrate German heritage on September 27th with live music, stein-holding contests, oversized yard games, and authentic German food specials. Dress in traditional attire for a chance to win prizes at this fun, family-friendly fall event perfect for beer lovers and festival fans.
Short’s Brewing Company – Bellaire
- Short’s Brewing Company is a northern Michigan craft beer powerhouse, known for bold, experimental brews. Visitors can enjoy unique flavors, hearty food, and a lively atmosphere—making it a top destination for beer lovers touring West Michigan and beyond.
Stormcloud Brewing Company – Frankfort
- Stormcloud Brewing Company specializes in Belgian-style ales brewed just blocks from Lake Michigan. With coastal charm and a variety of craft beers, it’s a go-to stop after exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes area.
Cherry Public House – Glen Arbor
- Cherry Public House brings northern Michigan’s cherry heritage to life with craft beer, cherry-inspired dishes, and local flavors. This charming spot is a must-stop for West Michigan travelers exploring the scenic Leelanau Peninsula.
Petoskey Area
- The Petoskey Area is home to 10 incredible breweries, ranging from long-standing favorites to exciting new destinations. Visit historic Petoskey Brewing, the area’s oldest brewery, or enjoy the latest addition at Elder Piper Beer & Cider, highlighting Michigan’s thriving craft beer scene.
West Michigan Distilleries & Spirits
Journeyman – Three Oaks
- Journeyman Distillery produces organic, handcrafted spirits in a beautifully restored historic factory. This Southwest Michigan gem features a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar, and event space, making it a must-visit for craft beverage lovers.
Coppercraft Distillery – Holland
- Coppercraft Distillery crafts premium spirits, including whiskey, gin, and bourbon, all made with Michigan-grown ingredients. Visitors can tour the distillery, sample signature cocktails, and experience the artistry of West Michigan’s award-winning craft distilling scene.
St. Ambrose Cellars Barn Dance – Beulah
- On September 13, St. Ambrose Cellars transforms its barn into a lively dance floor with live music, mead, beer, and wine. Make a weekend of it by staying nearby at Crystal Mountain Resort.
Iron Fish Distillery – Thompsonville
- Iron Fish Distillery is Michigan’s first farm distillery, producing small-batch spirits from grains grown onsite. Nestled in northern West Michigan, it offers tours, tastings, and scenic grounds perfect for sipping whiskey in a countryside setting.
Black Star Farms – Traverse City
- Black Star Farms offers seasonal brandy-based cocktails highlighting northern Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage. Visit their Traverse City area tasting rooms to enjoy creative drinks like the Ray of Sunshine, Basil Berry, Blueberry Mule, or their Apple Brandy Old Fashioned.
Grand Traverse Distillery – Traverse City
- Grand Traverse Distillery handcrafts spirits from local grains, offering vodka, whiskey, and gin. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and an inside look at the region’s dedication to quality craft beverages.
Chateau Chantal – Traverse City
- Chateau Chantal’s Vintner’s Vodka, recognized by VinePair as one of the “20 Best Vodkas,” showcases Michigan craftsmanship at its finest. Smooth and expertly distilled, it’s a must-try for spirit enthusiasts exploring West Michigan’s award-winning craft distilling scene.
Petoskey Area
- Craft spirits also shine across the Petoskey Area with three unique distilleries and tasting rooms. Sip locally made vodka at Gypsy Distillery, discover Muskrat Distilling—founded and exclusive to Boyne City—or visit Mammoth Distillery, each showcasing Michigan’s artistry in craft cocktails and spirits.
Marquette County Craft Beverages – Marquette County
- Celebrate Michigan Craft Spirits Month in Marquette County with local beer, cider, and spirits. From cozy lakefront taprooms to historic downtown brewpubs, each stop on the beverage trail offers a unique taste of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
West Michigan Craft Beverage Scene
Virtue Cider – Fennville
- Virtue Cider crafts farmhouse ciders from local Michigan apples. Visitors can enjoy tastings, seasonal events, and scenic farm views, making it a quintessential West Michigan stop for cider enthusiasts and agritourism adventurers alike.
Fenn Valley Vineyards - Fennville
- Sip the flavors of West Michigan with Fenn Valley Vineyards’ Michigan Hard Ciders, crafted in Fennville from locally grown apples and fruit. Crisp and refreshing, these ciders come in lightweight cans perfect for the beach, backyard, or pool. Try Cherry Apple, Dry, Session, or classic Hard Cider.
Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant & Winery - Fennville
- Rooted in five generations of West Michigan farming, Crane’s Winery blends tradition and innovation to craft exceptional hard cider. Using homegrown fruit and small-batch artistry, Crane’s produces flavorful, authentic ciders that celebrate Michigan’s harvest—locally grown, locally produced, and always made with care.
Lansing Craft Beverage Trail – Lansing
- Lansing’s Craft Beverage Trail features over 20 breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Download the free Craft Beverage Pass to unlock deals, check in at participating locations, and enjoy September’s patio-perfect weather while sipping Michigan-made drinks.
Holland’s Handcrafted Passport - Holland
- Raise a glass to Holland’s vibrant handcrafted beverage scene with the Handcrafted Passport, available free as a mobile pass at holland.org or in print at the Visitors Bureau. Explore West Michigan breweries, wineries, and distilleries—from New Holland Brewing, Leigh’s Brewing Company, and Our Brewing Company. Each stop shares a story, stamp, and taste of local artistry.
Charlevoix Craft Beverages – Charlevoix
- From lake-view breweries to historic barn wineries, Charlevoix offers a toast-worthy craft beverage scene in September. Visitors can sip local wines, enjoy seasonal beers, and sample cocktails at fall events throughout this picturesque northern Michigan destination.
Michigan Craft Beverage Organizations
Michigan Brewers Guild
- The Michigan Brewers Guild promotes the state’s vibrant beer scene, hosting popular festivals across West Michigan. Beer lovers can explore hundreds of breweries statewide, connecting with local flavors and supporting Michigan’s thriving craft brewing community.
Michigan Craft Beverage Council
- The Michigan Craft Beverage Council supports wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries statewide. Through events, research, and promotion, they help highlight West Michigan’s diverse craft beverage offerings and connect travelers with the region’s unique flavors.
Michigan Craft Distillers Association
- The Michigan Craft Distillers Association champions small-batch distilleries, fostering growth and collaboration across the state. Visitors to West Michigan can explore member distilleries, enjoy locally made spirits, and experience the artistry behind Michigan’s thriving craft distilling industry.
