We know what you like: Artwork, coffee, music and the smell of books.
4 HOURS
If you’re here for half a day, look for our biggest art pieces.
Color the Creek Mural Tour
This yearly festival has generated dozens of murals in Battle Creek. Artists come from all over the United States to create larger-than-life paintings. Our favorites include a tribute to Sojourner Truth, a building covered in seven murals and a tribute to a community garden.
ArtPrize Winner
It’s possible you’ve seen photos of A. Lincoln, the giant portrait made out of pennies. It won ArtPrize’s public vote in 2017. Trust us, though, it’s even more impressive in real life. You can see it in all its shiny glory in the Lincoln Room. It’s also a great place to relax and use the WiFi, while sipping a coffee from Giving Cup. The coffee shop donates profits to the Battle Creek Shelter.
Fantasy Forest
The perfect place to take your picnic lunch is Leila Arboretum. At the front of the park are fantastical sculptures, such as a centaur and a fairy. When the emerald ash borer destroyed a grove of trees, artists were invited to turn the trunks into wizards and mythical creatures.
Suns Out Buns Out
The restaurant walls of Suns Out Buns Out are lined with pop art – you can browse while waiting for some juicy burgers. The fries are also exceptionally delicious, especially when covered with sausage and gravy. SOBO is located underneath a floral shop and next door to the Art Center.
8 HOURS
Sticking around the whole day? Hit up local galleries.
Art Center of Battle Creek
Local artists have a chance to shine at the Art Center’s rotating exhibits. While you’ll usually see the kind of things expected of an art exhibit, like paintings and photographs, sometimes collectors get in on the act. Action figures or skateboards can challenge what you think about art.
EastEnd Studio and Gallery
Head down Michigan Avenue to Marshall, where there is all kinds of art for sale. If you’re looking for something to hang on a wall or something to hang around your neck, you’ll find both at EastEnd. The exhibit space features a different theme every month.
New Story Community Books
New and used books fill the shelves of New Story, so you’re likely to find a good deal on a good read. The storeowners are proud book nerds, and besides paperbacks, there is artwork, T-shirts and other trinkets that celebrate stories.
Stay overnight
Opening in 2024, the DoubleTree by Hilton will be in the heart of downtown Battle Creek. They have been gathering original art from locals to decorate the lobby and other parts of the hotel.
Cafe Rica
Grab your morning coffee or tea from Cafe Rica in downtown Battle Creek. The coffee comes from Costa Rica, so it’s balanced and bright. If coffee isn’t your thing, try a chai latte that doesn’t taste like a scented candle. Cafe Rica has a food menu, too, with treats such as waffles or a bagel sandwich.
Architecture Walk
Take your breakfast for a walk around downtown. Head west down Michigan Avenue to admire the architecture, which ranges from beaux arts to art deco. You can pop into The Milton’s lobby to see the newly restored paintings.
