Provincial Pints: Michigan’s 30 Best Small Town Craft Breweries

The best hidden gems off the beaten path of the brew trail. Did your hometown craft brewery make the list?

MICHIGAN—Bell’s. Atwater. Short’s. Founders. As a craft beer destination, Michigan’s hometown heroes need no introduction. But these star players are far from the only choices for Michigan beer lovers. Michigan ranks sixth in the country and first in the Midwest for most breweries, boasting about 400 establishments across the state.

Although we love the craft breweries of larger cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, some of Michigan’s most authentic brewery experiences—and best craft beers!—are found off the beaten path in its charming small towns. You may not see these names on the shelves at your local Meijer, but they’re definitely worth a trip.

Ready to get your growler filled? Here are 30 of the best small town craft breweries Michigan has to offer.

Eastern Michigan and Metro Detroit

Drafting Table Brewing Company (Wixom)

49438 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393

Brews Worth Trying: Witty Yank (Wheat), Professional Pils (German Pilsner), Rezolute IPA (IPA), Orange Brewlius (Milkshake IPA)

Drafting Table Brewing Company is a hometown labor of love by two married Michigan State University graduates. Aaron and Kristin Rzeznik took the brewery’s name from their two college majors, landscape architecture and interior design, respectively. Drafting Table Brewing Company serves limited snacks from Pop Daddy, but encourages patrons to bring their own food from either local eateries or the food trucks that are invited on occasion.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Brown Iron Brewhouse (Washington)

57695 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48094

Brews Worth Trying: Detroit Helles On Wheels (Helles Lager), Irish Red Envy (Red Ale), Mood Changer (Double IPA), Dark Nemesis: Chocolate & Peanut Butter (Stout)

Brown Iron Brewhouse is a beer-centric smokehouse serving up craft brews with homemade barbecue. The name comes from the shared surname of married co-owners Tim and Patti Eisenbraun; in German, “Eisen” means “iron” and Braun means “brown.” According to CraftBeer.com, who named the Brown Iron Brewhouse “Best Beer Bar” five years in a row, the brewhouse is akin to Cheers, since the staff try to know everyone by name. In addition to taps that rotate daily, the brewhouse is known for its applewood-smoked offerings and gluten-free options. 

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page. You can also check out their second location in Royal Oak.

Baffin Brewing Company (St. Clair Shores)

25113 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48081

Brews Worth Trying: Heffenwold (Hefeweizen), Macho Man Shandy Savage (Shandy), Mango Unchained (IPA), Bob Barley Cold Brew (Coffee Stout)

The first brewery in Detroit suburb St. Clair Shores was started by Michigan State University roommates Joe VanderMarliere and Evan Feringa. Their first beers were brewed in their college apartment when the two roommates couldn’t afford beer. Now, Baffin Brewing Company serves craft beer with waterfront views on St. Clair Shores’s “Nautical Mile.” Enjoy a craft brew with a rotating line-up of food trucks available tentatively during dinner hours.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Redline Brewing Company (Burton)

5470 Lapeer Rd, Burton, MI 48519

Brews Worth Trying: Super Crew Cab (Wheat), Thunderhead (IPA), Legend-Dary (Milk Stout), Reindeer Nuts (Porter)

This Flint suburb brewery definitely shows the perseverance of the Michiganders in the area. Doug Grover opened this small brewery in 2015, but the original strip mall location suffered a fire within a week of Redline’s opening. Luckily, the local brewery community helped shelter this struggling newborn business with fundraisers and donations. The brewery has since bounced back successfully; as of late 2021, they started offering food via their food truck venture, the Grind Wagon. Try Chef Matt’s Redline Burger, the new signature burger for the brewery!

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Cadillac Straits Brewing Company (Madison Heights)

27651 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071

Brews Worth Trying: Flower Power (Wheat), MadisonBrau (Märzen), Tough Eddie (IPA), Lost Shaker of Salt (Hard Seltzer)

Cadillac Straits Brewing Company became the first brewery in Madison Heights because of the dreams of two former engineers. Gordie Davignon and Gary Marshall sought to open a brewery with a homebrew supply store. In addition to a diverse variety of libations, the Cadillac Straits Brewing Company also features The Supply House, which provides equipment and supplies for brewing beer, wine, mead, kombucha, and more. Also check out their food menu, featuring bar food favorites, including a flatbread pizza named after The Big Lebowski.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Tilted Axis Brewing Company (Lapeer)

303 W Nepessing St, Lapeer, MI 48446

Brews Worth Trying: Lunar Fallout (Wheat), Crimson Giant (Red Ale), Leafy Hopper (IPA), Spheric Wave (Double IPA)

Billed as “the first brewery in Lapeer since prohibition,” Tilted Axis Brewing Company is part of a movement to revitalize Lapeer’s historic downtown. Co-owner Tom Hansen and his business partners are also in the construction business. This certainly helped them renovate Tilted Axis’s historic location, formerly a jewelry store built in the late 1800s. In addition to quality beers, wines, and other libations, Tilted Axis strives to use fresh Michigan-made ingredients in its food menu, which includes delicious pizza.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Southeastern Michigan

BAD Brewing Company (Mason)

440 S Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854

Brews Worth Trying: Chocolate Covered Coffee Brown (Brown Ale), Ash Street Amber (Red Ale), Kraken IPA (IPA), Hop Dancer IPA (IPA), No Stout About It (Stout)

You’re allowed to be a little bad at this Lansing-area brewpub. Despite the name, BAD Brewing Company does the opposite of making bad beers. BAD stands for “Brian After Dark,” in reference to owner Brian Rasdale’s initial forays into home brewing; for four years, Brian brewed beer at night after his shifts at a full-time job. Today, BAD Brewing Company is designed to be a brewery by beer people, for beer people. As of 2021, they also serve burgers and sandwiches.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Dimes Brewhouse (Dimondale)

145 N Bridge St, Dimondale, MI 48821

Brews Worth Trying: Dimond Ale (Blonde Ale), Pineapalium (Pale Ale), Equilibrium (IPA), Ursus Polaris (White Stout), FruLaLa (Sour)

Who could have guessed that a vacant flower shop in the cozy village of Dimondale could become one of the best craft breweries in the Lansing area? The Dimes Brewhouse was started by Michigan State University chemical engineering graduates Chad and Michelle Rogers, who found a shared love of combining science and creativity. The brewhouse started with just four housemade beers, but has since expanded to also serve cider, wine, and mead. The Rogers have also kept a nod to their shared MSU majors by naming their mug club the “Mad Chemist Club.”

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Tecumseh Brewing Company (Tecumseh)

128 W Chicago Blvd, Tecumseh, MI 49286

Brews Worth Trying: Crème Brûlée Java Brown (Brown Ale), Nighthawk (IPA), Mallow Mood (Milk Stout), The Pit (Porter), Raspberry Java Sour (Sour)

You might have heard of crowdfunding from online platforms like Kickstarter and Indigogo, but did you know breweries could be crowdfunded? Kyle DeWitt and Tim Schmidt were part of a movement in 2014 to legalize company equity for investors in Michigan, a law which passed. Their result is Tecumseh Brewing Company, the first business established through the Michigan Invests Locally Exemption Act, and a manufacturer of some pretty good beers at that.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Southwestern Michigan

Transient Artisan Ales (Bridgman)

4229 Lake St, Bridgman, MI 49106

Brews Worth Trying: The Juice is Loose (IPA), Moon Money (Hazy IPA), F— Hazelnut Chocolate (Cream Stout), Kamigoye (Imperial Stout), Poppin’ Pastels (Sour)

Transient Artisan Ales is an up-and-coming brewery specializing in modern farmhouse ales. The name came from owner Chris Betts, who spent a few years hauling a fermenter in a van between Chicago area breweries. Though no longer physically transient, Betts maintains the lifestyle by trying to never brew the same beer twice. Transient Artisan Ales is one of three craft breweries in the small town of Bridgman. If you can’t stop in for a brew, there are plenty of four-packs available to grab-and-go on your way through I-94.

For more information, visit their official website or Facebook Page.

Arclight Brewing Company (Watervliet)

544 N Main St, Watervliet, MI 49098

Brews Worth Trying: Orange Shandy (Shandy), Moe’s (IPA), Snickerdoodle (Porter), Soursmith Black Raspberry (Sour)

Arclight Brewing Company is a BYOF (bring your own food) taproom that claims to be the first and the trendsetter for BYOF breweries. Arclight specializes in shandies, as owner Edward Nash had a love for gourmet root beers. Nash has also brewed craft sodas using Michigan beet and cane sugar.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Greenbush Brewing Company (Sawyer)

5885 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125

Brews Worth Trying: Sunspot (Wheat), Star Chicken Shotgun (IPA), Distorter (Porter)

What do you do when an injury prevents you from working? If you’re Greenbush Brewing Company owner Scott Sullivan, you take up craft brewing. Sullivan’s first breakthrough hit was “Distorter,” a brew that combines elements of a porter and a stout, which is still sold today. Greenbush Brewing Company has revitalized Sullivan’s hometown of Sawyer, attracting beer fans to a downtown that formerly did not exist. Greenbush was so popular, Sullivan had to expand into space across the street. Make sure to also try the delectable brisket and barbecue!

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Tantrick Brewing Company (Allegan)

243 Hubbard St, Allegan, MI 49010

Brews Worth Trying: Hand of Ted (Wheat), Soul Patch Pumpkin Ale (Pumpkin Beer), Craic Irish Red (Red Ale), Hopademic (IPA), Lunar Stout (White Stout)

Tantrick Brewing Company is a labor of love from couple Tanya and Patrick Westover. “Tantrick” is a portmanteau of the couple’s names. Patrick picked up home brewing as a hobby, Tanya introduced a beer club to the retirement home she worked at, and soon enough, the couple decided to change careers into running a brewery full time.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Western Michigan

Lost Art Brewhouse (Walker)

3393 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534

Brews Worth Trying: Mi IPA (IPA), Pineapple Mango Double Milkshake (IPA), Cake (Stout)

Grand Rapids may be Beer City, USA, but this brewery just a stone’s throw away in Walker can give even Founders a run for its money. Lost Art Brewhouse focuses on optimizing the freshness of their beer, brewing with fresh ingredients. Childhood friends Brad Lawrence and Mike Smith started their business during the coronavirus pandemic, and have proved the brewery to be a tenacious contender in a competitive and ever-changing market.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Starving Artist Brewing Company (Ludington)

634 S Stiles Rd, Ludington, MI 49431

Brews Worth Trying: Lime Loco (Lager), Bad Blood (IPA), Zombie Dinosaurs (IPA), Superhero Lunchbox (Stout), Altar De Fuego (Sour)

Farmhouse brew houses are uncommon and unconventional, but Starving Artist Brewing Company founder Andrew Thomas loves the small brewery feel. The Starving Artist name was given by Thomas’s brother-in-law, who saw it as synonymous with Thomas himself. Thomas loves to experiment and break the rules with his beers, dabbling with flavors such as blood orange and lavender honey.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

New Union Brewery (Lowell)

400 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331

Brews Worth Trying: Norwegian Juniper Farmhouse (Farmhouse Ale), Big Bang Brown (Brown Ale), Un-Named New England Style IPA (IPA), Dark Solitude (Porter), Hawaiian Sour (Sour)

Childhood friends Ryan Stoepker and Tyler Velting did not initially choose the village of Lowell as the site for their craft beer dreams, but after another location fell through, Velting noticed the vacant Blue Ribbon Feed building in Lowell. The rest was history. Now, the New Union Brewery is a taproom driven by a sense of community, with a diverse amount of beer, wine, and hard cider offerings.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Cedar Springs Brewing Company (Cedar Springs)

95 N Main St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Brews Worth Trying: Salzburger Marzen (Lager), Outdoorsman (Pale Ale), Pale Weizenbock (Weizenbock), Dunkelweizen (Wheat), Schwarzbier (Schwarzbier)

You don’t have to go all the way to Frankenmuth to get a taste of Germany. At Cedar Springs Brewing Company, traditional Bavarian-style beer offerings are meant to inspire Gemütlichkeit, a German word embodying the concept of friendliness, warmth, and good cheer. The traditions of Upper Bavaria combine beautifully with American traditions to create a diverse beer list and smokehouse food menu.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Central Michigan

ConfluxCity Brewing Company (Portland)

110 N Water St, Portland, MI 48875

Brews Worth Trying: Old M-16 (Wheat), Crooked Kilt (Scotch Ale), Hoptoplasmic Residue (IPA), Great Odin’s Cravin’ (White Stout), The Bishop PB&J Porter (Porter)

Located at the confluence of the Grand River and Looking Glass River in Portland, ConfluxCity Brewing Company aims to be a meeting place of both new and old friends. Owners Jim and Kiley Hilligan started brewing in their Virginia home’s basement, but when they decided to open a microbrewery, they returned to Jim’s hometown of Portland. The food menu offers premium selections of bar food, including beer cheese, nachos, quesadillas, fried food, sandwiches, and even ice cream bars.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Looking Glass Brewing Company (DeWitt)

115 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820

Brews Worth Trying: Wee Heavy Metal (Scotch Ale), 22 Acacia Avenue (Old Ale), Screaming for Vengeance (Double IPA), Mad Cow (Milk Stout), Shazam! (Sour)

Joel Dillingham and Lee Streeter made quite a vocational jump from working careers in sales and retail to slinging brews out of an old church in DeWitt. The Looking Glass Brewing Company’s kitchen is situated in the historic Mount Hope Church’s old altar and the original stained glass windows are preserved. The brewery also offers mead, cider, seltzer, wine, and a delectable food menu with flatbreads, tacos, beer cheese, and more.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Alma Brewing Company (Alma)

208 E Superior St, Alma, MI 48801

Brews Worth Trying: Bookin’ It! (Wheat), Highlander (Scottish Ale), Mighty Pine Ale (Pale Ale), Impervious (Stout)

Alma Brewing Company is a second taproom owned by Mountain Town Brewing Company owner Jim Holton. It is a sister brewery to the Mount Pleasant brewery. Though Alma Brewing also sells Mountain Town Brewing Company beers, its own taps are solid contenders and hidden gems. Alma Brewing’s other attraction is definitely their food menu, with plenty of bar appetizers, sandwiches, and pub food.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Northwestern Michigan

Stormcloud Brewing Company (Frankfort)

303 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635

Brews Worth Trying: Kurt’s Big Brew (Blonde), Harvest Tripel (Tripel), The Farthest Shore (Dark), Whiled Away IPA (IPA), The Nightswimmer Stout (Stout)

What kind of brewery would have a curling club? Stormcloud Brewing Company in northern Michigan, that’s who. Patrons of this downtown brewery can enjoy a curling rink right on the patio. Frankfort is a harbor town on scenic M-22, but it also boasts some award-winning Belgian-inspired beers thanks to Stormcloud. Why Stormcloud? According to co-owner Rick Schmitt, it “evokes motion and emotion”.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Five Shores Brewing (Beulah)

163 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617

Brews Worth Trying: Michelada (Lager), Level Up (IPA), Hibernated Series #0 – Base (Stout), Bear Dozer (Double Cream Stout), Ghost Train (Sour)

The creation of Five Shores Brewing started as many great ideas do—over a few beers. Award-winning Wolverine State Brewing brewmaster Oliver Roberts partnered with Matt Demorest for this cozy brewery just a hop and skip away from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Roberts’ expertise shines through in the quality of the beers offered by Five Shores. Also check out their food menu, which includes sandwiches, naan, and mac & cheese.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Bier’s Inwood Brewery (Charlevoix)

17959 Ferry Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Brews Worth Trying: Wise Guy (Wheat), Bell Ringer (Double IPA), The (Self-Proclaimed) Reverend of Atwood (Stout), SauerBier (Sour), Everything Nice (Cider)

Tyler and Anna Bier are reviving the history of Charlevoix’s Inwood corner, using their flagship brewery. Bier’s Inwood Brewery is situated in a renovated farmhouse on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a vast orchard valley. The Inwood area is a family labor of love, as Tyler’s parents Ray and Tami Bier also own the nearby Bier Art Gallery, which displays over 100 local artists in a former schoolhouse building.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Hop Lot Brewing Company (Suttons Bay)

658 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Brews Worth Trying: Woad Warrior (Scotch Ale), Smash Face (Pumpkin Beer), Uncle Green Guy (IPA), Red Over Red (Red IPA), Leelanau Exchange (Stout)

Ever been to a four-seasons beer garden in the woods? The Hop Lot Brewing Company, Sutton Bay’s first microbrewery, is secluded within acres of hardwood forest. This “Up North” brewery was started by Holland siblings Steve and Drew Lutke. One of their biggest claims to fame was bringing igloos to the brewpub, long before the COVID-19 pandemic made it cool. The must-try item from the food menu would be their tacos.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Northeastern Michigan

Austin Brothers Beer Company (Alpena)

821 W Miller St, Alpena, MI 49707

Brews Worth Trying: Woody Wheat (Wheat), The Parallyzer (Double IPA), Sir Murkelton (Triple IPA), Barrel Aged Sumo Sumatra (Stout), Raspberry Vanilla Porter (Porter)

Austin Brothers Beer can be found in several party stores across Michigan, but the Alpena favorite still carries that small town brewery feel. The Austin family is originally from California, but fell in love with Alpena after visiting the area on a cross-country road trip. Now, their brewery distributes over 2000 barrels annually to retailers across Michigan.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Snowbelt Brewing Company (Gaylord)

132 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735

Brews Worth Trying: Blood Orange Holy Whit (Wheat), Seams Like Brew! (Brown Ale), SunnySide Hop (IPA), Alpine Village Porter (Porter), Sneaky Pants Cider (Cider)

Nate and Angielena Muellenberg are the brewmasters of Michigan’s little alpine town of Gaylord. This year-round brewery is the result of Nate’s homebrewing hobby, and makes for a perfect pitstop between kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, or just relaxing on the beach or shopping downtown. As for the food menu, the most unique creation is the Mac Waffle, a combination of tater tots and mac & cheese pressed in a waffle iron.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Alcona Brew Haus (Harrisville)

676 N U.S. 23, Harrisville, MI 48740

Brews Worth Trying: Fool’s Gold (Golden Strong Ale), 60 Shilling Ale (Scottish Ale), Sunset IPA (IPA), Night Mission (Porter), Sour Patch Berliner (Sour)

One of Michigan’s smallest towns is also home to the Alcona Brew Haus, a brewery with a soft spot for veterans. The IGY6 Pale Ale, shorthand for “I Got Your Six,” was the creation of brewer, veteran, and Michigan Air National Guard Master Sergeant Shane Ison. For every pint of IGY6 sold, the brewery donates $2 to veteran non-profit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The Alcona Brew Haus has plenty of other incentives to visit, though, like from-scratch pizza dough that owner Sandy Arens perfected at Schoolcraft College’s culinary institute.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Upper Peninsula

Blackrocks Brewery (Marquette)

424 N 3rd St, Marquette, MI 49855

Brews Worth Trying: Barrel Aged Barbaric Yawp (Scotch Ale), Fern + Dock (Red Ale), Starman (Pale Ale), MYKISS (IPA), Freakout Milk Stout (Stout)

As the Upper Peninsula’s largest city, Marquette has several breweries for craft beer aficionados to try. Blackrocks Brewery, though, ships the most beer in Marquette, with over 7000 barrels distributed annually across Michigan. Owners David Manson and Andy Langlois originally turned a downtown Marquette house into a one-barrel brew operation pub. Demand skyrocketed, and Blackrocks soon became advocates for the local trails and hosts of the Forestville Beer and Music Festival.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

Three Bridge Brewing Company (Menominee)

2221 13th St, Menominee, MI 49858

Brews Worth Trying: Death Candle (Pumpkin Beer), Sky Kettle (Märzen), Beno Fino (American Brown Ale), Barbarian (Winter Ale), River Coast (Double IPA)

Kris Rusch may have gotten his M.S. in behavioral neuroscience, but it’s clear from his brewery, Three Bridge Brewing Company, that craft beer is his passion. This cozy operation in Menominee may practically be in Wisconsin, but the small town spirit is pure Michigan. With a two person brewery team of Rusch and his wife, Three Bridge puts the “small” in small batches, and it’s truly meant to be savored.

For more information, visit their Facebook Page.

51st State Brewing Company (Kingsford)

115 Harding Ave, Kingsford, MI 49802

Brews Worth Trying: Batty Millie (Wheat), Never Was (Cream Ale), Monk’s Biscuit (Doppelbock), Double Coconut Mango Milkshake NEIPA (Double IPA), Peanut Butter Cup (Stout) 

Iron Mountain’s first brewery started as an out-of-control hobby of owner Jeff Brickey, a hobby that his family couldn’t help but participate in. The whole Brickey family participates in the business, with Jeff’s wife Victoria running the restaurant, son Ben running the bar, and younger daughter and son, Vica and Ben, helping with pizzas. The name is a history lesson; in the 1970s, a proposal sought to make the Upper Peninsula a separate state.

For more information, visit their official website, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.