Planning a day trip from Detroit just to check out great local breweries is a real treat, especially with the variety you’ll find right in the surrounding area. If you love craft beer, quirky taprooms, and a change of scenery, Southeast Michigan has plenty of breweries that make for a fun day out. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite day trip brewery destinations within a reasonable drive from Detroit. Read on for inspiration and a little advice to make your beer adventure smooth and memorable.
Why Day Trips for Breweries Are Worth It
Detroit has its own vibrant brewery scene, but sometimes it’s nice to get out and explore what other cities and small towns are brewing up. Brewery day trips combine craft beer tasting with a bit of adventure. You usually get to see a new place, try limited releases right at the source, and maybe catch some brewery events or beer gardens with a view.
Michigan is home to more than 400 independent breweries, according to the Michigan Brewers Guild. Many of these are tucked along lakes, in historic downtowns, or even in countryside barns, which is a big part of the fun since each brewery has its own personality. You won’t have to go far to find something unique, and most are easy to reach even if you just have an afternoon free. Jumping into a brewery day trip lets you dig into the rich tradition of Michigan beer.
Popular Day Trip Brewery Destinations from Detroit
There are dozens of great options, but here are a few top picks I always recommend. You can easily spend a few hours at one, or make a loop to sample a couple if you’re feeling ambitious (just make sure someone in your group plans to be the designated driver).
- Ann Arbor: Less than an hour from Detroit, Ann Arbor has become a craft beer hotspot. A few breweries to put on your list:
- Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery – Known for its sour beers and farmhouse ales in a cozy downtown spot.
- HOMES Brewery – Offers creative IPAs, fruited sours, and inventive food options.
- Arbor Brewing Company – One of Michigan’s originals with a friendly vibe and brewpub menu.
- Ypsilanti: Just east of Ann Arbor, Ypsi packs a punch in a small area. Don’t miss:
- Unity Vibration – Kombucha beers and tasty vegan options make it a cool and different stop.
- Ypsi Alehouse – Classic, well-made beers and regular events in the historic Huron Building.
- Plymouth: About 30 minutes from Detroit, this downtown is bustling with great places to eat and drink:
- Liberty Street Brewing Company – Offers creative small batch beers and a laidback crowd.
- Royal Oak & Ferndale: Both just north of Detroit, these towns offer a cluster of breweries and fun neighborhoods to explore. Highlights include:
- Royal Oak Brewery – Classic brewpub fare and approachable beer styles.
- Urbanrest Brewing Company (Ferndale) – Known for super clean lagers and mixed fermentation.
- Milford: If you want a quick escape into nature combined with great beer, Milford’s River’s Edge Brewing Company sits right along the river. There’s plenty of room to stretch out on the patio and enjoy seasonal brews after a walk at Kensington Metropark.
How to Plan a Successful Brewery Day Trip
A little planning goes a long way with brewery trips. Here’s what I’ve found works well and keeps the fun going all day:
- Pick Your Route: Decide if you want to stick to a single destination with a couple of breweries, or hop between a few nearby towns. Google Maps is pretty handy for timing out drives and making sure you’re not zigzagging across the region unnecessarily.
- Designate a Driver or Use a Rideshare: This one’s really important. Even tasting flights add up quickly, and arranging a safe ride lets everyone relax. In areas close to Detroit (like Royal Oak or Ann Arbor), rideshare apps are easy to use.
- Check Brewery Hours and Food Options: Some breweries serve food or have food trucks, while others are just taprooms. Look up opening times, especially if you’re heading out on a weekday or planning to visit a smaller community brewery, which might not open until later in the day.
- Pace Yourself: Most places offer smaller pours or flights so you can try a variety without overdoing it. Mixing in water and snacks is always a good idea. If you love a beer, take some home in a growler or can.
- Look for Special Events: Some breweries host live music, release parties, or outdoor fests on weekends. It’s worth checking out the brewery’s website or social media before you go. These events usually make for a really fun experience along with limited edition beers.
Tips for Enjoying Smaller Town Breweries
Some towns have that hidden gem feel, and hitting up their breweries lets you enjoy a more relaxed vibe. Here are a few towns I’ve found worth exploring for brewery lovers who want to skip the big city buzz for the day:
- Dexter: Short’s Brewing Company’s Northern Michigan location is a big draw, but Dexter’s own Null Taphouse (home to northern favorite Null Brewing) is a friendly, dogfriendly stop with solid IPAs and stouts. Great for relaxing after a hike in the woods.
- Brighton: Brewery Becker calls a historic creamery home, serving up a big selection (and a shady patio) right by charming downtown shops. They rotate seasonal, Belgian style, and barrel aged beers.
- Howell: Aberrant Ales sits right in Howell’s classic downtown, especially nice if you like a classic American brewpub with some twists.
These spots tend to have fewer crowds and a slower pace, perfect for decompressing or a casual outing with friends. Bonus: they often have cool stories behind the buildings or the brewers. Whenever you check out a new place, take a moment to talk to the staff and ask about the brewery’s history or signature pours—it adds a layer of connection to your visit.
What to Expect on a Michigan Brewery Day Trip
A few things make exploring Michigan breweries especially fun:
- Variety of beer styles. From hazy IPAs to crisp pilsners and fruited sours, you’ll see a wide range.
- Local flavors and collaborations. Breweries here love partnering with farms, bakeries, and coffee roasters in their communities, leading to small batch beers unique to the area.
- Unique atmospheres. Rustic barns, scenic river views, historic train depots, and artsy patios make each stop feel fresh and exciting.
Many breweries offer nonalcoholic beer, cider, or kombucha too, so nobody has to miss out—even if beer isn’t their thing. The inclusive vibe keeps everyone comfortable and part of the experience.
If you’re a big fan of beer snacks, many breweries in Michigan source local cheeses, pretzels, and meats to pair with their pours, adding a great food element to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Brewery Trips
All sorts of questions pop up when you’re new to the Michigan brewery scene. Here are a few I’ve gotten the most often.
Question: How far should I plan to travel for a day trip?
Answer: Most destinations listed here are within an hour’s drive. If you’re feeling adventurous, Grand Rapids (the so-called “Beer City USA”) is about two and a half hours away, so save that for a full day or overnight getaway.
Question: Do Detroit area breweries offer tours?
Answer: Some larger breweries provide behind the scenes tours, especially on weekends, but check their websites in advance. Many smaller breweries focus just on the taproom experience.
Question: Can I bring kids or dogs?
Answer: Every brewery is different, but a lot have familyfriendly patios and allow leashed pets outside. Call ahead or double check the website just to be sure before you show up with the crew.
Extra Recommendations for Beer Lovers
If you get really into the craft beer hobby, a brewery passport (like the Michigan Brewery Passport app) is a fun way to keep track of your visits. A lot of towns organize brewery walking tours or “beer trails,” for example, Ann Arbor’s “Ale Trail” connects breweries by foot. Bringing home cans, bottles, or merch from your favorite breweries is a great way to remember your trip. Most staff are happy to recommend bottles you can only get at the taproom.
Seasonal beer releases (like pumpkin ales in the fall or hefty stouts in winter) make repeat visits feel exciting. And don’t forget: brewery staff are almost always happy to chat and offer pours based on what you like, so ask questions and try something new while you’re out!
It’s pretty easy to turn a regular weekend into a brewery adventure, especially starting in Detroit, where you’ve got so many options within arm’s reach. With a bit of planning, an appetite for new flavors, and some good company, these trips make for some of the most memorable experiences around, and maybe even a new go to beer to bring home. Wrapping up, Michigan’s brewery scene offers a blend of community, creativity, and local pride that turns every outing into something a little special.