Get to Know Battle Creek

Crispy, crackly, crunchy breakfast cereal is a big deal in Battle Creek. Cornflakes were invented here and major cereal manufacturers are among the biggest businesses in town. Although it's known as "Cereal City," breakfast food isn't the only highlight in Battle Creek. You'll be charmed by the city's parks and walking path along the Battle Creek River, entertained by its cultural events and festivals, and given a glimpse into history at sites like those honoring Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, an innovative health reformer, and former slave turned abolitionist Sojourner Truth. After a hearty breakfast of cereal—how can you not in this city?—discover Battle Creek’s natural beauty and enjoy memorable moments that’ll make you want to come back.

Cereal City Weather

Battle Creek can look like a winter wonderland during light to moderate snowfalls from late November through early March. Bring your coat, scarf and warm socks when you visit in winter because the temperature ranges from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to extended periods below freezing. Spring and autumn temperatures hover between the low 40s to mid-70s, so pack a light jacket. Summer brings warmth, with July temperatures peaking in the low 80s. It's not unusual to see overcast skies and light rainfall even in the summer, and there is often noticeably high humidity.

Things to See

You're in luck if you're a history buff visiting Battle Creek. A stroll through the Seventh-day Adventist Village gives you a peek behind the scenes at the site where a worldwide religion was founded. A monument, museum and memorials honor the city's Underground Railroad heritage. After a look into the past, head over to the Historic Bridges Park where grown-ups and kids enjoy old train trestles from around the state rest in a pleasant, grassy setting. There's plenty for nature lovers, too. Walk, bike and play along the riverfront and in the parks or take your time getting up close with wildlife at Binder Park Zoo. Fairs and festivals keep things lively several times a year, and you can jazz things up anytime at the Firekeepers Casino gaming tables.

Big Business in Battle Creek

Kellogg's World Headquarters is in Battle Creek, as are Post Cereal and other major corporations linking Midwest agriculture with food manufacturing. Denso, a Japan-based automotive parts manufacturer, operates a large plant in the city's eastern suburban area. Health care plays a major role in the city's economy, employing thousands in facilities that include a VA Medical Center; Bronson Battle Creek Hospital; and the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, which incorporates the Western Health Reform Institute, Percy Jones Army Hospital and the historic Battle Creek Sanitarium.

Battle Creek Transportation

Two major thoroughfares crisscrossing the state give road travelers easy access to the city. If you're driving on Interstate 94 east to west, or vice versa, Battle Creek is about halfway between Chicago and Detroit. Or come into town from Interstate 69, which runs north-south through the lower part of Michigan. Both Delta and American Airlines fly in and out of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. Amtrak train lines and Greyhound buses also serve Battle Creek and have downtown stations.

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