Moving to Battle Creek any time soon? You may think about cereal when you think about Battle Creek, and for good reason. In the 1900s, for a time, Battle Creek was home to more than 30 cereal companies, including Post and Kellogg’s, according to KZooKids. That’s why Battle Creek is still known to this day as Cereal City.
But there’s so much more to Battle Creek than cereal. If you plan to move here with your family, you’re in for a real treat. There are plenty of things to do here for families of all sizes. Check them out.
Parks
If you like to get outdoors and explore with the kids, check out the Calhoun County Park System, featuring several parks throughout the city and more than five miles of trails. Take a ride on the Linear Bike Path at 10 State Street West. Parking is free in the lot across from Friendship Park.
Recreation
Don’t miss a trip to Binder Park Zoo, where you can either walk around the exhibits or hop on a free Wilderness to the Wild Africa exhibit to view the big cats. Ride the Conservation Carousel or take a trip on the Z.O.&O Railroad.
Station 66 is a blast from the past. This refurbished 1940s gas station has many unique ice cream flavors, along with fresh donuts and locally-sourced produce. Their diner-style menu has something for everyone, including pie, which you can eat outside in the picnic area.
Bailey Park is another must-see, which is an 80-acre park with three full-sized baseball stadiums, shuffleboard courts, two softball diamonds, and sand volleyball courts. It’s home to the Battle Creek Bombers, which is a summer league of the nation’s best baseball players. Check out the Anybodies Playground with the kids.
The Cereal Festival is a fun time, too. It takes place in downtown Battle Creek every June and features vendors, live music, parades and – you guessed it – cereal!
Every 4th of July, the Field of Flight Air Show & Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place over a few days, drawing a crowd of hundreds of thousands. Take in some pretty amazing hot air balloons, air shows, food and crafts, live music and much more.
For some wet and wild fun, hit up Flash Flood Water Park, open Memorial Day to Labor Day with its indoor/outdoor waterpark. Enjoy the two 200-foot water slides, toddler area, zero-depth pool entry and snack shack.
History
If you’re a history buff, go see the Underground Railroad Sculpture at 256 W Van Buren Street. Here’s you’ll get educated about the impact of Battle Creek on the Underground Railroad with this 28-foot long, 14-foot high sculpture that honors those who risked their lives to achieve freedom.
Do your little ones love magic? You must check out the American Magic Museum in nearby Marshall, MI for the largest magic collectible collection in the nation. You’ll see memorabilia from famous magicians such as Houdini and Harry Blackstone of Michigan, followed up by some mystifying illusions at a family-friendly magic show.
Nature
If you love trees, you’ll love the Leila Arboretum, which shows off more than 2,500 marked trees and plants. It’s free to get in and you will enjoy meandering along the kid-friendly Kaleidoscope Garden as well as the Fantasy Forest featuring a variety of mythical wood carvings.
The Ott Biological Preserve is another must-do for nature lovers. This nearly 300-acre park has five miles of walking trails snaking through forests, wetlands, forests and spring-fed lakes.
There are even some cool carnivorous plants along the way, such as bladderwort and pitcher plants.
Ice Cream
Who doesn’t like fresh homemade ice cream? Take the kids for a cone at Moo-ville Creamery
in nearby Nashville, MI. In addition to a refreshing cone of ice cream, you can visit the petting farm, play area and gift shop.
We told you there was a lot to do in Battle Creek for families! Now that you know what you can check out, it’s time to start planning your move here.
Contact Big Lake Movers
Here at Big Lake Movers, we offer a variety of moving services throughout Battle Creek and surrounding areas. Call us for a free quote at 616-319-4478 to start your journey with our professional team.
