Downtown Business District
Explore Downtown
Downtown Battle Creek is experiencing new growth and interest as residents return to the centers of cities nationwide. Our Downtown is uniquely set between the confluence of the Battle Creek and the Kalamzoo rivers, which offers great access to the natural environment in an urban setting. It is the center hub of more than 26 miles of paved trails that connect the Downtown to many remote community assets such as the Leila Arboretum, Baily Park, Willard Beach at Goguac Lake, Irving Park, Claud Evans Park, Woodland Park Nature Preserve and Fort Custer. There is a significant amount of active and passive open space in the center of the city, including Monumnet Park, Festival Market Square, Wave Square, and Friendship Park. The parks and facilities Downtown are programed throughout the year. New residential units are being added annually. Merchants are responding by offering new products and services. We invite you to come Downtown and explore for yourself the many opportunities it offers visitors and residents alike.
DOWNTOWN EVENT GUIDE
Battle Creek Farmer's Market
Wave Square
Flash Flood Water Park
Downtown Kayaking
State Street Commons
Linear Path
Downtown Kayaking
State Street Commons
Linear Path
Battle Creek Farmer's Market
Wave Square
Flash Flood Water Park
Shop / Dine / Services
You might find yourself Downtown shopping for that new bicycle or maybe trying out the new offerings at the coffee shop. It could be that you need to meet with your attorney, hair stylist, or close on your new home loan at the bank. How about meeting family and friends for dinner, a craft beer, or joining the axe throwing league at the Arena? Downtown Battle Creek has an ever-changing wide array of offerings from urban apparel to manicures. We are home to the Kellogg Arena, the Full Blast Water Park, The Willard Public Library, and the WK Kellogg Auditorium. Our parks and plazas are programed with live music, markets, and public events throughout the year. The recently established State Street Commons – Social District allows for visitors to openly consume alcoholic beverages, while milling around the Downtown. Welcome to Downtown Battle Creek, we are glad that you are here.
Downtown Social District
State street commons
The State Street Commons, part of the Downtown Social District, was established in February 2021. The commons is a designated drinking area, a place to sit and relax with plenty of space to be safe and social distance.
This is a designated public area where customers can purchases alcoholic beverages from participating businesses, served in a designated cup and taken to designated Commons areas. So grab a drink and enjoy it while you stroll though the downtown.
how it works
To enjoy the Social District safely and properly, it is important we follow a few simple rules.
1. Exit the liquor establishment onto the designated walkway. Beverages must be purchased and served in the State Street Commons Social District cup to leave an establishment and all cups must stay within the district’s boundaries. Signage will indicate those boundaries.
2. Enter any participating liquor establishment & request your favorite adult beverage in a State Street Commons Social District cup. Hours for the Social District are Sunday-Saturday 10am-2am.
3. A customer that purchases alcoholic liquor to be consumed in a commons area must not transport that alcoholic liquor onto the licensed premises of another licensee contiguous to the commons area from which the customer did not purchase the alcoholic liquor.
4. Properly dispose your State Street Commons Social District cup when empty.
5. Repeat! Drink responsibly and have fun!
Click Image to Enlarge Map
Downtown Art Exhibits
always on my mind [2022]
This work is inspired by the artist’s previous public artworks done with Post-It Notes. This work continues that distinct shape where each successive line shortens until the very end. The nearly monochromatic color scheme is contrasted with one orange line, creating a peripheral effect of visual harmony, and the sense that this orange line is always seen (or felt) no matter where you look. The work also touches on thoughts about expectation (blue, blue blue… orange) and our memories (or hopes) of unique experiences which contrast greatly from the overwhelming amount of time we give to comfortable (& safe) routines.
View Artist Statement
at your innermost center [2022]
This word art piece is a neon light work install consisting of 14 words in three lines. In 2013 the artist bought a used book of Arthur Rimbaud poetry in Portland, OR and inside there was a hand-written inscription. The full inscription reads:
“Dear Katie,
When you are ensconced by darkness, remember that you have the heart and soul of a poet and at your innermost center is all of the light you will ever need.
Love, Becky”
The more he thought about this inscription over the years the more compelled he felt to do something with it. The artist always felt he was meant to see this inscription, to think about its perspective, its truth. And creating a word art piece featuring those words allows the sentiment behind the inscription also to connect with the public.
View Artist Statement
Upcoming Events
Taste of the Creek
June 3, 2023
Taste of the Creek is back! Coming to Downtown Battle Creek on Saturday, June 3. 2023. Head down to Festival Market Square between 2-9 pm on June 3rd and enjoy this FREE COMMUNITY event. Come hungry, because the best foods will be available for purchase from the areas best chefs and restaurants. Fun for the whole family!
Vendors will be located all around Festival Market Square, and you’ll have your choice of food from up to 30 different vendors. Be sure to check out all the great vendors participating below. Be on the lookout, new vendors will be added weekly leading up to the event!
For more information, visit tasteofthecreek.com
Juneteenth Celebration
June 16-17, 2023
The celebration of Juneteenth began on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston TX. Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates African American Freedom and the ending of slavery in the United States of America. In 2003, Battle Creek started Juneteenth celebrations, initiated by the Battle Creek NAACP. In 2005, Juneteenth became a State of Michigan holiday, designating the 3rd Saturday in June, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday and on March 1, 2022, the City of Battle Creek added Juneteenth as an official city holiday in Battle Creek.
The Battle Creek Juneteenth Celebration Committee and the Southwestern Michigan Urban League announced in 2009 for the first time a combined event, which became Juneteenth Family Day. We are very excited to offer this celebration to the community in recognition of Juneteenth, families and especially the youth of Battle Creek.
This year, celebrate Juneteenth in Battle Creek Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th. For all event information, visit juneteenthbattlecreek.com.
Getting Around Downtown
downtown battle creek map
Click Image to Enlarge Map
Parking
Downtown has three parking structures, twelve surface lots, and on-street parking. Over 3,000 parking spaces are available. 2 hour FREE parking is available in surface lots, 1 hour FREE in parking structures, and time limited parking on the street.
Staying past 2 hours? Extend your stay Downtown using the Passport Parking app. Hourly and all day permits available.
For more information on using the Downtown Passport Parking app click the link below:
For more information for long term parking needs, monthly permits in the structures or surface lots, overnight parking, etc. click the link below:
Transportation
We have an extensive transportation system including Greyhound bus, cabs, Amtrak, county wide BC Go, and local bus services through Battle Creek Transit.
For information on public transportation and BC Go options please visit:
Downtown Living
find your place to call home
Downtowns are becoming an increasingly attractive place to live and the same is true in downtown Battle Creek. From young professionals to retirees, each finds a dynamic downtown that fits a unique need. Short commutes, breathtaking views and cultural conveniences are just some of the reasons young professionals, empty-nesters, and families are seeking the downtown living experience.
The demand for downtown residential living is as strong as ever and has caused developers to take notice and pick up the pace to create new living space out of old and empty buildings formerly as banks, departments stores and offices.
For additional information on development opportunities or have residential space available, contact John Hart at [email protected] or call 269-966-3355 ext. 1191
luxury housing Options
Click on the images below for more information on available apartments.
Invest
develop your business in Battle Creek
Ready to begin your business in Battle Creek? You don’t have to do it alone, we are here to help. Our community of stakeholders has come together to lower barries of entry to starting or growing your small business.