Welcome to Battle Creek! Here’s the visitors guide to Battle Creek for gymnasts, parents and officials.
THINGS TO DO
If you need to kill an hour Walk around downtown Battle Creek. You can start at the Welcome Center. Tony the Tiger thinks a selfie with him would be Grrrrrrrrreat! We also have information about the area, suggestions for places to eat or things to do, and souvenirs.Make sure to bring some quarters for the Playable Pinball Museum while you’re at Kellogg Arena.Hangout suggestion: Biggby is going to get crazy, so cut across the Riverwalk parking lot and 32 Social is right across the street – it’s only a few minutes of walking.Once you have your coffee or hot chocolate, go down the hall to the Lincoln Room for couches and tables. Why is it called the Lincoln Room? There’s a giant portrait of Abraham Lincoln made out of pennies. It won ArtPrize in 2017.There are plenty of outlets for charging devices and ask 32 Social for the WiFi password.
If you have the evening open Battle Creek has three movie theaters. NCG Movies is located at Lakeview Square Mall (5775 Beckley Road), so it is right by Barnes and Noble, Dunham’s, Target and Meijer. It also tends to have the most movies. West Columbia 7 (2500 W. Columbia Ave.) is a little farther out, but it has the best seats. JC Cinema (15375 Helmer Road) prices are cheaper than the others. Hangout suggestion: Barnes and Noble is open until 9 p.m., with all the important amenities in reach: Frappes, WiFi, magazines and books.
If you want to shop For shopping, head out to Harper Village on Beckley Road. There’s a Meijer and Walgreens if you need essentials, a Kohl’s and TJ Maxx for clothes and a Best Buy and a GameStop for electronics. Ulta Beauty offers make-up consultations, so you can see what’s new. Plus, it’s free! Target and Lakeview Square Mall are right down the road from Harper Village.
If you want to play with friends If you have a group of people, try an escape room. Cereal City Escape is located at the mall and has three different puzzle challenges. The newest room is like going to Hogwarts -- solve the puzzles in enough time, and you can graduate from Wizard School. Cereal City Escape is located in Lakeview Square Mall, which also has laser tag.
If you update social media Battle Creek has some great spots if you want to level up you Instagram or TikTok.
- The “love” graffiti mural makes a great backdrop. It's at 15 W. Michigan Ave.
- Leave downtown to find Historic Bridge Park (14930 9 Mile Road). It has some very photogenic bridges, like the red one that adds a pop of color to any photo.
- For a classy backdrop, the Record Box (15 Carlyle St.) has a simple brick façade right next to the river that any VSCO Girl would love.
PLACES TO EAT
If you need a quick bite It takes three minutes to walk to Jimmy John’s from Kellogg Arena. Order ahead of time with the online app, and they’ll have your sandwich ready once you get there.
If you're having a group dinner There’s no denying, pizza is the best. It’s tasty and filling and it’s easy to feed a crowd. Here we have a list of some of the best pizza places in Battle Creek: www.battlecreekvisitors.org/2019/08/8487If you’re looking for more of a sit-down restaurant, try Clara’s on the River. They can host a big group and should have something for everyone, from burgers to gluten-free zucchini noodles.
If you want to eat with family Nothing brings a family together like tacos. Three favorite destinations include Taqueria San Francisco, Torti Taco and La Cocina Mexicana.
If you need snacks Horrocks Farm Market is a wonderland of snacking possibilities. Gummies in every shape and flavor, chocolate-covered everything, yogurt pretzels, cereal mixes, hot chili sesame sticks, cookies, plantain chips, fresh popcorn that comes in savory and sweet, mochi ice cream balls – do we need to keep going?
If you want a smoothie Mango Healthy Fruit & Food has two locations in Battle Creek – both are where you want to be if you’re looking for a smoothie or protein shake.
If you're vegetarian or vegan Umami Ramen has lots of flavor, no matter what you choose from the menu. Start with a broth, then choose noodles, protein and garnishes. If you want to go vegan, try rice noodles with mushroom pho, tofu and bean sprouts, pickled vegetables and the house-made hot chili sauce. There are meat options, as well.
