In the corner of southwest Michigan, just 30 minutes from the quirky city of Kalamazoo — a growing favorite for recent graduates looking where to move — there’s another unique city with a turn-of-the-century reputation as the “Cereal Capital of the World.” Battle Creek, Michigan, also affectionately referred as the birthplace of Cornflakes, is known for its year-round festivals, breakfast-themed attractions, parks, and more. It’s not all breakfast in Battle Creek, though. Despite being the “Cereal Capital,” Battle Creek and the rest of Calhoun County have a rich and diverse culinary scene.
Getting to Battle Creek is relatively simple for locals and those visiting from out of town. Located in the heart of Calhoun County along I-94 between Kalamazoo and Jackson, it’s also less than a two-hour drive down the interstate from the major metro area of Detroit — home to one of North America’s best airports, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, however, is the closest international hub, located 51 miles away in Grand Rapids. Beyond that, Amtrak also provides train service to Battle Creek from Chicago via its Blue Water Line.
Although there are year-round activities in Battle Creek, summer is the city’s festival season, with the National Cereal Festival every June. Better yet, spring and summer are peak Michigan weather for enjoying Battle Creek’s many parks, food trucks, and live music events. With a walkable downtown, nature-filled spaces, and plenty of quirky charm, Battle Creek is an out-of-the-(cereal)-box Michigan destination worth exploring.
Festivals and flavors that define Battle Creek
One of Battle Creek’s most beloved events is the National Cereal Festival. Held in town every summer, the celebration lets visitors enjoy the world’s longest breakfast table — a record initially broken in 1979 and a yearly tradition ever since…