Michigan is starting to thaw. The warm days are stringing together, convincing Michiganders that hibernation may be over and spring is on its way. For many brew lovers, nothing is better than soaking up the sun and sipping a craft beer in a brewery’s Biergarten, and fortunately, West Michigan is packed with patios perfect for exactly that. Keep reading for a list of Biergartens every Michigan beer enthusiast should know about.
Bellaire, MI
Short’s Brewing’s Elk Rapids Pull Barn is all about turning a brewery visit into a full-on experience. Since opening its year-round indoor-outdoor space in 2021, the Pull Barn has become a destination. Rustic barrels and metal chairs gather tables outside, many underneath a wooden canopy or vibrant green umbrellas. The space comes alive with regular events from lively trivia to wine nights.
Beulah, MI
St. Ambrose Cellars is a springtime haven. Rows of picnic tables stretch out in front of a rustic barn, inviting guests to settle in with a glass of mead and a slice of pizza or burger. The events calendar is packed with laid-back dinner nights like Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays, along with a steady rotation of comedy shows that keep St. Ambrose lively as well as gorgeous.
Read all about an afternoon brew hopping at St Ambrose in Beulah here: St. Ambrose Cellars and Five Shores Brewing: Beer, Mead, and the Beauty of Beulah
3. Starving Artist Brewing Co.
Ludington, MI
Starving Artist is an excellent gem in the long stretch between Traverse City and Muskegon. A brewery doubling as a barn rests with wooden barrels, dainty metal tables and chairs gathered between leafy pillars, bringing a woodland paradise to the heart of Ludington.
Muskegon, MI
Muskegon Brewing Company boasts a brewery patio that rivals the best. Perched several stories high in a multi-use building along the edge of Muskegon Lake, the brewing company was revived from Muskegon’s roots. The patio offers views of the lake on two sides, with docks and boats in sight. With a rotating lineup of events each month, it’s the perfect place to sip a beer and watch the sunset over the water.
Belmont, MI
Archival Brewing’s Biergarten is another iconic one in West Michigan. Consistently featured in local roundups highlighting the region’s best outdoor spots, this space is more than just a patio. Archival has a large expanse of seating with lights, nods to Michigan lovers, and a bonfire ready, all along a serene field. With regular brunch specials, live music, and happy hours, Archival turns casual afternoons into something memorable.
Read all about Archival’s interesting brewing methods and message here: Archival Brewing: From Archives to Biergarten, Unique Brews in Grand Rapids
Hudsonville, MI
Farmhaus Cider is a small-town brew lover’s dream; just far enough from Grand Rapids to feel like a retreat, but close enough for a quick escape. Outside, long picnic tables under twinkle lights invite you to linger, gather, and sip with friends. Trivia nights and pop-ups from local restaurants round out the events calendar.
Grand Rapids, MI
Founders Brewing Co. is the godfather of West Michigan breweries, which extends right into its Biergarten. With plenty of room to gather, the space features bars, benches, and tables, plus an outdoor bar ready for those busy weekend nights and a fire to keep things warm on chilly ones. Weekly euchre nights and open mic sessions keep the calendar lively, with monthly live music events thrown in.
Holland, MI
Big Lake Brewing’s Biergarten adds something special to Holland’s brewery scene. While their indoor space is expansive, it’s the outdoor setup—with bold Big Lake umbrellas, shading metal tables and wooden benches—that invites a brew lover to enjoy a pint in the sun. Their summer calendar is already packed with parties and live music performances, making Big Lake a go-to gathering spot.
As the days get warmer and the patios open up, there’s no shortage of places in West Michigan to enjoy a beer outside. Whether you’re into big brewery scenes or quieter countryside spots, there’s a Biergarten waiting. Spring is a great time to get out, try something new, and enjoy a pint in the fresh air.
Brews on the Lakeshore 
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