Nearby Battle Creek, known as the “Cereal City”, is the world headquarters of Kellogg Company, founded by Will Keith Kellogg in 1906, whose brother, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, invented cold breakfast cereal as an alternative to the traditional meat-based breakfast. It is also the home of Post Cereals. One of the most popular events of the year is the World’s Longest Breakfast Table. The Battle Creek Field of Flight Entertainment Festival is an air show and balloon event held yearly in Battle Creek. Don’t miss the International Festival of Lights and The Taste of Battle Creek.
Downtown Battle Creek is 12 miles from National House Inn, and it is fun to explore with many choices, including great food. Sample brick-oven-fired pizza, the Reuben sandwich of which dreams are made of, or the brews available from beans (coffee) to hops (beer). Explore the walking/biking path along the river and monuments depicting the history as well as art from local artisans. Test ride a high tech bike, buy a new designer gown, or shop for a piece of jewelry to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Entertainment options are plentiful. Kellogg Arena is located in the heart of downtown Battle Creek.
The Kimball House Museum is a Queen Anne style Victorian house museum, built in 1886 as the family home for three generations of physicians. Special exhibit rooms focus on the Battle Creek Sanitarium and Sojourner Truth. Displays of special interest include the pioneer room, general store and the servant’s quarters. There is a gift shop and Heritage Battle Creek will open the House Museum, just call for an appointment. Seasonal family events and the Heritage Monday Night programs are held on a regular basis.
Monument Park was created in 1917 and the first statue was erected to honor cereal magnate C.W. Post. The stone history tower, containing historic stones and memorabilia, dates from the 1930’s. The 12-foot high sculpture of Sojourner Truth was dedicated in 1999.
The Underground Railroad sculpture was commissioned by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to honor the men and women who operated the Underground Railroad, as well as courageous fugitives who fled north to freedom. The bronze monument was created by Ed Dwight of Colorado in 1993. It is always open.
Windsong Stable is a premier hunter, jumper, and equitation facility, established in 1984 in Battle Creek. The stables offer a full range of services including, boarding, training, lessons, sales and showing. Also, Windsong Stables host horse shows recognized by the Michigan Hunter Jumper Association and the Lake Effect Horse Show Association.
Kingman Museum is the only natural history/anthropology museum in southwest Michigan. It has a state-of-the-art Digistar 4 full dome HD planetarium system. Kingman renovated its mezzanine galleries recently. Free Tuesday Lecture Series.
Located west of downtown Battle Creek, Historic Adventist Village is a recreated 19th century village that takes visitors back in time through restored and replicated buildings. Visitors experience living history in a restored log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, and the houses of the Adventist pioneers who settled in Battle Creek in 1855
Once Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s Battle Creek Sanitarium (1903-1942), it became the Percy Jones Army Hospital (1942-1953). Today it houses elements of the Defense Logistics Agency. During its centennial, the building was renamed for former Percy Jones patients and Senators Philip Hart, Robert Dole and Daniel Inouye. Free tours of this historic, national landmark are available 9AM-3PM (except weekends and holidays) on a limited basis.
TC’s Woodfire at Arcadia is Battle Creek’s own working artistic craft brewery and restaurant located in the heart of downtown. Internationally acclaimed for distinctive and innovative handcrafted ales, the pub/restaurant is anchored by a wood-fired oven from Naples, Italy and a Southern BBQ Pit. Awesome service allows all to feel like family is combined with world-class ales and inspired wood-fired cuisine.
The ETC ARTS Studio is a vibrant, multi-faceted art experience for the shopper looking for a variety of gifts and to the artist needing a venue of supports for creating and selling their work. The Gallery has over 30 artists with a wide spectrum of visual arts for sale to appeal to everyone.
Station 66 sells locally grown foods and Michigan made products. From fresh fruits and vegetables, to ice cream, jams, freshly ground peanut butter, maple syrup, hot dogs, and many other tasty treats as well as locally made artisan products also available.
Horrock’s Farm MarketSelect from many fresh fruits, vegetables, an exciting array of wine, deli items, and cheese. Or, visit the ice cream shop, the seasonal garden center for plants, flowers, and trees. Also a great place to find books, rustic furniture and unique gifts.
Also read about FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek and Southern Exposure Herb Farm.