Michigan’s craft beer scene continues to thrive in 2025, with hundreds of breweries scattered across both peninsulas. Based on recent rankings and traveler experiences, here are the top 10 Michigan breweries to visit, presented in descending order from 10 to 1.
10. Ludington Bay Brewing Co.
Located in the charming Lake Michigan shoreline town of Ludington, this brewery captures the essence of coastal Michigan in every pint. With a focus on traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients, Ludington Bay Brewing Co. offers a taste of Pure Michigan that beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. The brewery’s location makes it perfect for combining beach activities with craft beer exploration.
9. Cold Iron Brewing
Situated in Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula, Cold Iron Brewing embodies the toughness and grit of this frontier town known for surviving some of Michigan’s harshest winters. The brewery has gained recognition for its delicious stouts and IPAs that appeal even to those who don’t typically favor hop-forward beers. For travelers driving into Michigan from the west, Cold Iron serves as an excellent first stop in the state.
8. North Peak Brewing Company
While Traverse City is renowned for its wineries, North Peak Brewing Company proves the region excels at beer too. Located in downtown Traverse City, this brewery focuses on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable brewing practices, crafting beers that reflect the pristine beauty of the Great Lakes region. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp lager or a bold IPA, North Peak offers a welcome alternative to the area’s wine scene.
7. New Holland Brewing Company
With locations in both Holland and Grand Rapids, New Holland has become a nationally recognized name in craft beer. Their flagship Dragon’s Milk barrel-aged stout (12% ABV) has achieved iconic status among Michigan beers. While both locations offer excellent experiences, beer enthusiasts often recommend visiting the original downtown Holland location for the most authentic experience of this cornerstone of Michigan’s craft beer scene.
6. Atwater Brewery
With three distinct locations in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Grosse Pointe, Atwater Brewery offers varied experiences for beer lovers. Each location features a unique atmosphere: the Grosse Pointe taproom occupies a former church, while the Grand Rapids and Detroit locations embrace a more industrial aesthetic. As of April 2025, Atwater continues to draw repeat visitors across all three locations, with their rooftop Biergarten offering a particularly appealing option as spring weather arrives.
5. Austin Brothers Beer Company
This family-owned operation in Alpena has rapidly gained recognition as one of Michigan’s best breweries. Visitors to this Northeast Michigan gem consistently praise both the beer quality and food offerings, with the Brussels sprout appetizer frequently mentioned as a standout menu item. Along with neighboring Hopside Brewery and PIF Cider Bar, Austin Brothers has helped establish Alpena as an emerging craft beverage destination worth exploring.
4. Blackrocks Brewery
Located in Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Blackrocks embodies the adventurous spirit that defines the region’s beer scene. Known for small-batch brewing and experimental flavors, this brewery delights visitors with its ever-changing lineup of creative beers. Their two-story outdoor patio makes Blackrocks particularly appealing for summer visits, with seasonal offerings like cucumber and lime sour providing refreshing options for warm weather enjoyment.
3. The Mitten Brewing Company
Housed in a historic firehouse in Grand Rapids, The Mitten Brewing Company combines Michigan’s craft beer excellence with baseball-themed ambiance and exceptional pizza. Their lineup features both classic styles and inventive seasonal brews, all served with a side of hometown pride. The combination of quality beer and outstanding pizza makes The Mitten a must-visit destination in Beer City USA, though visitors should arrive early to avoid long waits at this popular spot.
2. Shorts Brewing Company
Located in Bellaire near beautiful Torch Lake in northern Michigan, Shorts has grown from a local favorite to a nationally distributed brand known for pushing boundaries with bold flavors and whimsical branding. Their flagship Soft Parade fruit ale exemplifies their innovative approach to brewing. The brewery’s location in scenic northern Michigan makes it a perfect destination for combining outdoor adventures with exceptional craft beer experiences.
1. Brewery Vivant
Topping the list of Michigan’s best breweries in 2025 is Grand Rapids’ Brewery Vivant. Housed in a renovated historic funeral chapel, this Belgian-inspired brewery offers a truly unique atmosphere that complements its exceptional beer offerings. From their flagship Farmhand farmhouse ale to complex barrel-aged creations, Brewery Vivant’s commitment to quality and tradition has earned it the top spot among Michigan breweries. Visitors should plan ahead and arrive early, as this Grand Rapids favorite often has wait times due to its popularity.
For beer enthusiasts planning a Michigan brewery vacation this spring, consider that Bell’s Brewery in Comstock was recently ranked #9 in USA Today’s list of best brewery tours in the United States. As one of the oldest craft breweries east of Colorado (established in 1985), Bell’s offers tours of their state-of-the-art facilities that include complimentary samples, making it an excellent addition to any Michigan beer adventure.
Whether you’re exploring the urban beer scenes of Grand Rapids and Detroit or venturing into the natural beauty of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, the Great Lakes State continues to cement its reputation as one of America’s premier craft beer destinations in 2025.