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

Stop down to Festival Market Square during May - October to see what the Battle Creek Farmer's Market has to offer.

Wave Square

Check out the Wave Square live feed!

Flash Flood Water Park

Looking for a place to cool off? Stop by Flash Flood Water Park, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Downtown Kayaking

State Street Commons

A designated drinking area. A place to sit with plenty of space. Grab a drink and enjoy it as you stroll through downtown.

Linear Path

Take a stroll Downtown on the linear path!

Downtown Kayaking

State Street Commons

A designated drinking area. A place to sit with plenty of space. Grab a drink and enjoy it as you stroll through downtown.

Linear Path

Take a stroll Downtown on the linear path!

Battle Creek Farmer's Market

Stop down to Festival Market Square during May - October to see what the Battle Creek Farmer's Market has to offer.

Wave Square

Check out the Wave Square live feed!

Flash Flood Water Park

Looking for a place to cool off? Stop by Flash Flood Water Park, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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. Properly dispose your State Street Commons Social District cup when empty. 

4. Repeat! Drink responsibly and have fun!

Click Image to Enlarge Map

Downtown Art Exhibits

origami Art Sculpture

The Origami Sculptures have FINALLY ARRIVED!!!
This placemaking project celebrates the Japanese culture that exists in and around Battle Creek.  This type of exhibit helps to build a more livable community by enhancing culture and vitality and has provided a venue for showcasing local and regional creative talent with the opportunity for artist sales.
Be sure to visit one of the participating State Street Commons Social District establishments, grab your favorite beverage and take a stroll to see what these talented artists have created.
It is amazing!!
Sculptures will be on display, open and free for the public to view, for one (1) year. Of the selected sculptures chosen for display, one will be selected by the public at the end of the one year exhibition, and then purchased by the SBDO and remain in downtown Battle Creek indefinitely.
And to compliment that exhibit, Aerick Burton’s ArtPrize 2021 Taxigami exhibit is on display for public viewing at Cafe Rica, 62 E Michigan from October-December.

For questions or more information contact Jacquie McLean at [email protected].

 

Upcoming Events

Queens of Halloween Drag Show

October 29, 2021

The first ever Drag show at the Kellogg Auditorium is a Halloween themed show. This family friendly event will be fun for everyone!

Get your tickets at https://battle-creek-pride.ticketleap.com/battle-creek-drag-excellence

Battle Creek Police Department 9th Annual Trunk or Treat

October 29, 2021

Join us for the Battle Creek Police Department’s ninth annual Trunk or Treat!
This year will be a walk-up event. Come join the fun from 5-7 p.m. next Friday, Oct. 29.
Families will attend again this year at Bailey Park, 1392 Capital Ave. NE. Volunteers will distribute candy in the parking lot in front of C.O. Brown stadium, closest to the main, Eaton Street, park entrance. Visitors can park in this lot and walk over.
Trunk or Treat is free and open to the public. Volunteers will be properly spaced and will wear masks. All park entrances/exits will be open.

Battle Creek Pumpkinfest

October 30, 2021

Looking for some spooky fun this Halloween season?! Get your carving knives ready and bring a Jack-o-Lantern to the very first Battle Creek Pumpkinfest Halloween Festival at the Leila Arboretum!
There will be plenty of opportunities for fun! Crafts! Pumpkin painting! A moon bounce! Live music! Food trucks! Pie eating contest! Costume contest! Hayrides! Games and prizes!
For Pumpkin Carving Contest Rules visit us at www.facebook.com/bcpumpkinfest

Kidz Day 2021

October 30, 2021

Join us as we celebrate the youth in our community. This year’s KIDZ Day will feature a treat trail, costume contest, vaccination station competition, and a drive-in movie. See flyers for more information and details.
Southwestern Michigan Urban League and our partners are committed to providing universal access to all our events. Please contact Tracie Woodford at 269.788.3501 to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

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.

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