Traverse City is home to some of the best breweries in the state of Michigan. Not only is this area considered the best Michigan vacations for families, but this region is also home to the best Traverse City breweries in the state. The area has become a prime spot for craft beer enthusiasts to visit and try some of the unique beers that each brewery has to offer. The brewers in Traverse City push themselves to continually develop new flavors and styles that will surprise their customers.
This list is an overview of all the fantastic breweries you can find in Traverse City. If you’re looking for a delicious craft beer, then you need to check out these breweries!
The Craft Brewing Industry in Michigan
The craft brewing industry in Michigan has seen a boom in recent years, with the number of breweries more than doubling between 2011 and 2016. This growth is due in part to an increase in consumer demand for craft beer, as well as a change in state law that made it easier for small breweries to operate.
Does Michigan Have a Lot of Craft Breweries?
Today, there are over 400 craft breweries in Michigan, which employ over 65,000 people contributing $9.9 billion to the state economy. The state ranks third in the nation in terms of breweries per capita, behind Vermont and Maine. The industry also contributes to the state’s economy through tourism, with visitors spending an estimated $630 million on brewery-related activities in 2017. As the craft brewing industry continues to grow, it is clear that it is having a positive impact on Michigan.
Is Michigan a Craft Beer State?
Michigan’s microbreweries account for about 25 percent of the breweries in the United States. In 2014, Michigan ranked third in beer production by gallons per capita at 42 gallons, according to Beer Institute and the National Brewers Association. That included almost 2.5 million barrels of beer produced by craft brewers in 2013. A lot of the best Traverse City breweries have won awards for their hop brews.
Is Traverse City a Craft Beer Destination?
The Traverse City area has 21+ breweries in its backyard, and they’re all within a 30-minute drive. That’s about two per square mile!
When Does Traverse City Have a Beer Festival?
The Brewing Industry International Conference is held every two years in June in Traverse City at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The conference draws more than 4,000 brewers from around the world.
Best Craft Breweries & Microbreweries in Traverse City
Right Brain Brewery
If you’re looking for something beyond average beer selection, then Right Brain Brewery is the place to go. They have unique flavors stouts, pales, and ambers. This includes flavors such as “Table Rock Red Ale,” an amber ale brewed with cherries, and “Concrete Dinosaur,” a pale ale brewed with grapefruit peel. Their beers are eccentric, flavorful, and delicious! They pride themselves on brewing with “no extracts” and use ingredients such as cherry pie, asparagus, and pig!
Address: 225 E Sixteenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Right Brain Brewery
Phone Number: 231-944-1239
Silver Spruce Brewing Company
Silver Spruce Brewing Company is a brewery that pays homage to the Great Lakes. They brew different styles of beers that are inspired by other parts of Michigan, including, but not limited to, the dunes on Lake Michigan and the cherry orchards in Traverse City. They brew some of the purest beers around, which shows with their great beers’ selection.
Address: 439 E 8th St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Silver Spruce Brewing Company
Phone Number: 231-252-3552
MiddleCoast Brewing Company
MiddleCoast Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries in the area. They are known for their interesting selection of beers, including a blueberry ale, pale ale, and an IPA brewed with grapefruit rinds. MiddleCoast is also pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend!
Address: 329 E State St State Street Market, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: MiddleCoast Brewing Company
Phone Number: 231-943-2739
The Workshop Brewing Company
Workshop Brewing Company is a brewery that is focused on creating high-quality, interesting beers. They don’t have any staple beers and instead focus on many different styles of beer. Their brews range from coffee stouts to grapefruit ales and everything in between!
Address: 221 Garland St Ste A Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: The Workshop Brewing Company
Phone Number: 231-421-8977
Filling Station Microbrewery
The Filling Station Microbrewery is unique and located in the historic Grand Traverse Train Depot. However, it is more than just a brewery; The Filling Station Microbrewery is also a restaurant and bar. They have an extensive menu filled with unique dishes for you to enjoy while sipping on your favorite brew.
Address: 642 Railroad Pl Traverse City, MI 49686
Website: The Filling Station Microbrewery
Phone Number: 231-946-8168
North Peak Brewing
North Peak Brewing Company is an original brewpub of Traverse City. It’s one of the best Traverse City breweries around. The food is excellent, as is the award-winning craft beer and a relaxing atmosphere. The landmark brewpub is where pints are measured by good times.
Address: 400 W Front St Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: North Peak Brewing
Phone Number: 231-941-7325
Rare Bird Brewpub
Rare Bird Brewpub is a brewpub located in the heart of downtown Traverse City. They serve unique dishes that go perfectly with their beers, and they also have excellent vegetarian options for those who don’t eat meat. They have over 35 taps of different beers that you can drink there or take home with you in a growler.
Address: 229 Lake Ave Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Rare Bird Brewpub
Phone Number: 231-943-2053
Farm Club
Farm Club Brewery is a brewery that was started by a group of friends who love beer and agriculture. Their beers are inspired by where they live on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. They offer many different styles of brew, including, but not limited to, an IPA, double IPA, barrel-aged raspberry stout, and rye ale.
They also have a marketplace and a restaurant where you can get food that goes perfectly with their beers.
Address: 10051 S Lake Leelanau Dr Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Farm Club
Phone Number: 231-252-3079
Brewery Terra Firma
Brewery Terra Firma is located on a 10-acre farm that also has an orchard, which is great for their beers. Their focus is on local ingredients and brewing farm-to-table beers. They offer many different varieties of beer, including pales, stouts, lagers, and more! All of their beers are delicious and make Brewery Terra Firma even better!
Address: 2959 Hartman Rd Traverse City, MI 49685
Website: Brewery Terra Firma
Phone Number: 231-929-1600
Stone Hound Brewing
Stone Hound Brewing started in 2017 and is bike-friendly! They are located on the TART Trail and one mile from VASA Trailhead. Ample parking and wonderful views are provided to you. Their beers are all brewed on-site in small batches to make sure quality is never compromised.
Address: 3593 Bunker Hill Rd Williamsburg, MI 49690
Website: Stone Hound Brewing
Phone Number: 231-421-5010
Earthen Ales
Earthen Ale is a brewery that is focused on combining science and art to create some of the best beers around. They make many different styles of beer, including, but not limited to, an IPA, stout, and cide
Address: 1371 Gray Dr Ste 200 Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Earthen Ales
Phone Number: 231-252-4270
Acoustic Draft Mead Taproom
Acoustic Draft Mead Taproom is located in downtown Traverse City. They make over 20 different styles of their own meads, which range from traditional to experimental. Mead is made with water and honey, but all other ingredients are up to the brewer’s discretion. They also have music, food, and more.
Address: 119 N Maple Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Acoustic Draft Mead Taproom
Phone Number: 231-714-5028
Mackinaw Brewing Company
Mackinaw Brewing Company is a brewery that was built on the philosophy of sharing quality craft beer, great food, and culture with people from all over. They have many different types of beers, including a stout, a porter, a pale ale, and more! Wherever you go in Traverse City, Mackinaw Brewing Company is sure to be nearby. It’s a top destination for those in search of the best Traverse City breweries.
Address: 161 E Front St Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Mackinaw Brewing Company
Phone Number: 231-933-1100
Fresh Coast Beer Works
Fresh Coast Beer Work is a craft brewery that offers many different styles of beer. They have an emphasis on fresh ingredients and local products. It’s also a homebrew supply store, so you can purchase the homebrew supplies of your favorite brew drink.
Address: 120 S Park St Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Fresh Coast Beer Works
Phone Number: 231-943-2016
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery Old Mission Peninsula
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery Old Mission Peninsula is a place where you can drink many different beers and also buy some to go. They offer many styles of beer, including, but not limited to, a brown ale and an imperial stout. Jolly Pumpkin Brewery Old Mission Peninsula will satisfy all your cravings for craft beer!
The brewpub sits behind Bowers Harbor Inn and has brews from North Peak Brewing Company as well as rustic-style country brews. The restaurant serves a variety of small plates, salads, artisan pizzas, sandwiches, and plates.
Address: 13512 Peninsula Dr Traverse City, MI 49686
Website: Jolly Pumpkin Brewery Old Mission Peninsula
Phone Number: 231-223-4333
Bravo Zulu Brewing
Bravo Zulu Brewing is the perfect place to get your favorite foods and grab a pint of craft beer. They have many different types of beers, including, but not limited to, an IPA, porter, oatmeal stout, and more! Their beers pair perfectly with any dish, so don’t be afraid to get something delicious at Bravo Zulu Brewing!
Address: 6060 US Highway 31 N, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Website: Bravo Zulu Brewing
Phone Number: 231-943-1459
Hop Lot
Hop Lot is a brewery that focuses on American-style ales and Belgian-inspired beer. They have many different kinds of beer, including an IPA, wheat ale, stout, and more! If you love delicious craft beer, then Hop Lot is the perfect place for you!
Address: 658 S W Bay Shore Dr Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Website: Hop Lot
Phone Number: 231-866-4445
Suttons Bay Ciders
In Suttons Bay Ciders’ tasting room, visitors can try hard apple cider while taking in the stunning vista of Grand Traverse Bay. They offer many different types of cider, such as a tart cherry and dry-hopped. You can also take some cider home with you in their super cute bottles!
Address: 10530 E Hilltop Rd Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Website: Suttons Bay Ciders
Phone Number: 231-271-6000
Brewery Ferment
Brewery Ferment not only has awesome beers but also awesome food! They have a small menu with mostly appetizers so everyone can find something they’ll enjoy to go alongside their drinks. Brewery Ferment is focused on farm-to-keg beer. This means that many of their ingredients come from local sources around Traverse City, including hops, honey, malt, apples, cherries, grapes, pumpkins…basically everything! They have created phenomenal beers, such as blueberries and beets, using these ingredients.
Address: 511 S. Union Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Brewery Ferment
Phone Number: 231-735-8113
7 Monks Taproom
7 Monks Taproom is a brewery that has many different beer styles. They have many unique beers, including, but not limited to, a milk stout and a sour ale. If you’re looking for an adventurous craft beer, then 7 Monks Taproom is the perfect place for you!
Address: 128 S Union St Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: 7 Monks Taproom
Phone Number: 231-421-8410
Kilkenny’s Irish Public House
Kilkenny’s Irish Public House has not only great beer but also great food! They have craft drinks, nightly features, and games. They also have many events, such as their Full Irish Breakfast and Trivia night. It’s a great place to stop by to grab a pint and hang out with friends!
Address: 400 W Front St Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: Kilkenny’s Irish Public House
Phone Number: 231-941-7527
What Are Other Things to Do in Traverse City?
While the area is primarily known for the Traverse City Cherry Festival, there are also a number of the best indoor water parks in Michigan in the Traverse City area. If you are there with your family or kids, be sure to check those out. You can get access to many of the water parks with an overnight stay.
The downtown area is home to numerous shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries, museums, and theaters. Visitors can also take advantage of the town’s many parks and trails, which provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The area around Traverse City is also home to several wineries and fruit farms, making it the perfect place to sample some of Michigan’s local produce. In addition, the town hosts several annual festivals, including the National Cherry Festival in July and the Traverse City Film Festival in August. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Traverse City has something to offer everyone.
What is Traverse City Known For?
Traverse City has been associated as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” hosting an annual Cherry Festival. There are multiple best old mission peninsula wineries and many other festivals throughout the year, including Dogs Gone Wild on harness racing at Cherryland Meadows.
How Can I Get Around Traverse City?
You can use a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber or take a brewery tour. These tours are a fantastic way to experience all that Traverse City offers. It’s also very affordable and the best way to see everything this wonderful city has to offer.
