Ten Things to Do in Battle Creek, Michigan
#1 Attend a Sporting Event
Playing at the Kellogg Arena, you will find the Battle Creek Crunch, a newly inducted member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League (GLIFL). Also holding games in the Kellogg Arena are the Battle Creek Knights, which represents the International Basketball League (IBL). Their first season was held in 2005 and provided fans with a 21-0 season. 2006 marks the last season that Battle Creek’s Class A minor league baseball team, the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays, can be enjoyed. This is a real shame because going to the Devil Ray games were pretty fun. They held numerous Friday night fireworks events after games and offered various giveaways. One night, I left with 6 loaves of Sara Lee bread as part of a promotion. After the 2006 season, you may pay a visit to the team in Midland, Michigan, which is about 2 Ã?½ hours away.
Side Note: If you don’t mind the bar scene, Pablo’s (35 W Jackson St) offers ultimate and non-ultimate boxing events on advertised Saturday nights.
#2 Nottke’s Bowling Alley
Location: 775 West Columbia Avenue
Everyone likes to bowl, right? Even if you don’t feel like hitting a few pins around, this bowling alley offers a game room with darts and pool table, located in a sectioned off area by the bar. It’s a great place to take not only the family, but also your significant other for an inexpensive night on the town. The bowling alley oozes with special offers for every day of the week: Sunday ($7/person; unlimited cosmic bowling until 12am); Monday ($1-Day, including games, shoes, beer, Pepsi, pizza slice); Tuesday (2-for-1, including games, shoes, hot dogs, popcorn, and Pepsi); Wednesday ($5.00 Cover Charge, everything after that is 25 cents: soda, hot dogs, shoes and games); Thursday ($8/person, unlimited bowling/shoes from 9-11pm); Friday & Saturday ($12/person on Fri; $15/person on Sat; unlimited bowling for 4 hours with disco lights and music).
Side Note: Nottke’s is currently offering free bowling from 12-6 pm everyday. Although there is a 2-hour time limit, I’ve gone with two others and easily bowled five games. All you have to do is pay for the shoes (~$2.50-2.75).
#3 Cheap Flicks
Location: 15375 S. Helmer Rd
Movie theater prices of today can be extremely demanding, especially if you want soda, candy and popcorn. You might as well fork over your entire wallet because for a family of four, you’ll be paying close to $50. Battle Creek is home to Cheap Flicks, a refreshing alternative to high theater prices, which charges $3 per movie ticket. Although you will have to wait 1-2 weeks before viewing the latest releases, you will have a nice selection of blockbuster films to choose from. There are always 2-3 movies appropriate for younger audiences, as well as around 7 selections for the adults. Past movies have included The DaVinci Code, War of the Worlds, Finding Nemo, and The Break Up. Discounted snacks, popcorn and drinks are also available.
#4 Gary Field’s Comedy Club
Location: 51 West Michigan Avenue
Looking for something to get into for the weekend? There’s a lot going on at this hot spot. Friday and Saturday nights at Gary Field’s provide you with a night filled with entertaining comedy with the occasional hypnotist or magician thrown in for good measure. Two shows are offered per night: 8pm non-smoking and 10:30pm options. The club is also open throughout the rest of the week with Monday Bike Night (seasonal); Tuesday Wings & Comedy Movie Night; Wednesday Dueling Piano & Martinis from 7:30-11:30; Thursday Wings, live Rock & Blues.
#5 Binder Park Zoo
Location: 7400 Division Drive
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Well, not exactly lions and you won’t find any tigers or bears either, but there are a wide-range of other exotic animals to explore when visiting this popular zoo. At this zoo, you get to take the tram to Wild Africa, feed and pet a giraffe (exciting!), as well as learn the differences between a wallaby and a kangaroo. Additional residents of this zoo, includes cheetahs, a giant tortoise, zebras, wolves and Chinese red pandas. Side Note: Take the kids to the Zoo Boo, held October 14th through the 30th, where you come dressed for the Halloween season. Trick-or-treat trails along some of the homes of the animals is the main attraction.
#6 Kellogg’s Cereal City
Location: 171 W. Michigan Avenue
A variety of activities can be enjoyed when paying a visit to Tony the Tiger’s lair. Browse through the gift shop where a wide-range of Kellogg character souvenirs and collectibles await your arrival. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy lunch at the Red Onion Grill, as well as cool off with a Froot Loops Sundae at the onsite ice cream parlor. This is a great attraction for visitors of all ages. Side Note: The Discovery Channel named Cereal City as one of the best factory tours for children in the world.
#7 Leila Arboretum
Location: W. Michigan at North 20th Street
There is no admission fee expected to enjoy this year-round natural attraction. On the premises, there are 72 acres filled with themed gardens, trees, flowers, benches and hills. This breathtaking playland has hosted countless weddings and supplied the peaceful backdrop to many picnics. During the winter, you may partake in an exciting sledding adventure or take in the fresh air supplied by the snow-covered pines. A Cretan-style labyrinth, as well as an attractive fountain are additional highlights of this site.
#8 Riverview Recreation
Location: 2000 E. Columbia Avenue
A host of activities are offered at this recreation center, where many parties have enjoyed the video arcade, snack bar and game room facilities. For outdoor activities, there are bumper boats, go-karts, as well as mini-golf.
#9 Full Blast
Location: 35 Hamblin Avenue
Family fun awaits your arrival when you treat yourself to a visit at the award-winning entertainment center. There are more than 150,000 square feet of activities to explore, including indoor and outdoor water parks. Game enthusiasts may head for the video arcade, while the more adventurous may prefer a visit to the rock wall or inflatable obstacle course. Children will find the bouncy room and trampoline area entertaining, while older patrons may gravitate towards the glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf or NASCAR remote control racing option.
#10 Oak Hill Cemetery
Location: 255 South Avenue
Calling all history buffs! Headstones of some of the earliest pioneers associated with the Battle Creek area can be found here, including abolitionist, Sojourner Truth, C.W. Post (from Raisin Bran fame) as well as the co-founders of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, James and Ellen White.
