There’s undoubtedly more to the Midwestern state of Michigan than corn, the Great Lakes, and frigid winters. Visitors to the state can take a distillery tour at some of the best facilities around. It’s a treat to watch masters at work, producing craft beers, artisanal liquors, and small batches of craft spirits in Michigan. If you are curious about the craft distillery scene in Michigan, you must check out our ultimate guide to plan your itinerary. Along the way, you’ll learn where to go for tastings, grab a bottle of vodka, whiskey, or beer, and places to shop and eat. Pull up a barstool and learn more about the best distilleries and tours in Michigan worth taking at least once.

Explore The Craft Distillery Scene In Michigan

Dive into Michigan’s world of craft spirits and take the best distillery tours featuring fantastic craft beer, whiskey, vodka, and gin. You’ll want to explore facilities like the Coppercraft Distillery for its gin formulated with 13 botanicals. Or, head to Journeyman Distillery for a quality rye whiskey. The ambiance will take you back in time, as this facility is located within a former 19th-century factory that produced corsets and tools for buggies. Two James Spirits is another distillery not to miss, as they make absinthe and love to use local ingredients. 

In Michigan, you’ll find various micro-distilleries and small operations that are proud to source ingredients with a farm-to-still mentality. The spirit and climate of this Midwestern state come together beautifully in every batch of liquor and spirits. Not to mention, Michigan is a premier destination for delectable fudge, tasty BBQ, and farm-to-table culture. Between stops at the best distilleries in the state, stop by a local eatery for a bite to eat and explore natural wonders. After reviewing our ultimate guide, you’ll see that visiting Michigan is a pleasure. You’ll want to come back soon to take another best distillery tour and sip a glass or cocktail of something lovely.

Must Visit Distilleries In Michigan

North

• Shipwreck Distillery, Caseville, MI
• Mammoth Distilling, Central Lake, MI
• Northern Latitudes Distillery, Lake Leelanau, MI
• Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville, MI
• Grand Traverse Distillery, Traverse City, MI

Mid/Central

• Michigrain Distillery, Lansing, MI

Western 

• Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids, MI
• Wise Men Distillery, Grand Rapids, MI
• Coppercraft Distillery, Holland, MI
• Green Door Distilling Co., Kalamazoo, MI
• Journeyman Distillery, Three Oaks, MI

Southeastern

• Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Ann Arbor, MI
• Two James Spirits, Detroit, MI
• Detroit City Distillery, Detroit, MI
• Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery, Royal Oak, MI

How To Plan Your Michigan Distillery Trip

When visiting the main part of the state, not the upper peninsula, plan out where you want to take distillery tours in Michigan accordingly. Think of the state by dividing it into the Northern, Central, and Mid Region, Western, and Southeastern sections. Many major cities within the state have distilleries or nearby facilities, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Saginaw, and Royal Oak. Give yourself enough time to traverse the distance between locations or focus on visiting the best distilleries in specific regions.

Where To Make Reservations

If you don’t mind venturing to Traverse, Michigan, consider making reservations at the Victorian-style Bayshore Resort or Grand Beach Resort Hotel. Or, if you are closer to Detroit, spend the night at the Motor City Casino Hotel or the Atheneum Suite Hotel. For other accommodations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, consider a stay at The Leonard At Logan House or Peaches Bed & Breakfast Ltd.

Places Worth A Visit

As Michigan is home to the Motor City of Detroit, it’s worth checking out the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Other must-see gems include Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

If you are looking for a deal, try your luck at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, MI, for shopping. Or visit a local farmer’s market in Holland, Michigan, or Ann Arbor for delicious produce to bring home.

Enjoy Michigan’s majestic beauty and wonder, visit unique restaurants, take in gorgeous views, and learn about the state’s history and people. Enjoy the picturesque scenery at Rose’s On Reeds Lake Restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Or, dine at Forest for a sophisticated gustatory experience in Birmingham, Michigan – about a 30-minute drive away from Detroit.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Michigan Distillery Scene

What is the oldest distillery in the state of Michigan?

The craft distillery scene in Michigan doesn’t have the century-old history as other states, but it is thriving and expanding. The Red Cedar Spirits distillery, which is in East Lansing, dates back to 1998. The Traverse Distillery is one of the oldest micro-distilleries, operating since 2007. The Iron Fish Distillery, dating since 2016, is one of the first farm distilleries in the state. 

What should I wear when on a distillery tour?

Most distillery tours in Michigan take between 45 minutes to an hour, so prepare to wear comfortable walking shoes. Unless you plan to go out to a fancy dinner or event following, you don’t have to dress to impress when taking a tour.

Can you visit a Michigan distillery without having to go on a distillery tour?

Yes, you should be able to visit many of the best distilleries in Michigan without taking a tour. We recommend reserving a date and time to take a distillery tour at most facilities. However, call ahead to confirm the details before heading out to a distillery. Often following a tour, tastings and samples are included, so you don’t want to miss out.

What’s the difference between a craft distillery, microdistillery, or small distillery?

The American Distilling Institute and the American Craft Spirits Association are two authorities to help define the difference between distilleries. A craft distillery lives up to a standard of transparency, distills products with authentic ingredients, and is independent. Microdistilleries brew smaller batches of craft spirits, compared to larger facilities, and may not be an independent operation.

Cheers To A Taste Of Michigan

There is so much to explore in Michigan; it’s hard enough to conquer every single distillery available. The state is particularly lovely to visit during the autumn months. And there’s nothing like the experience of drinking a seasonal batch of artisanal brews or craft spirits in Michigan, released for enthusiasts to celebrate the summer and concert season. We hope you enjoyed reading this ultimate guide to distilleries and taking facility tours in Michigan. Visit Distillery Nearby for more exciting adventures in liquor and spirits, trivia, and worthwhile distillery tours.