Fifteen-plus craft breweries spanning Traverse City to Bellaire to Petoskey, anchored by Short's Brewing, Right Brain, and Petoskey Brewing.
Northern Michigan supports more than 15 craft breweries distributed across the corridor from Traverse City through Bellaire to Petoskey. Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire has built a regional following for inventive seasonal releases. Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City operates a taproom that embodies the city's creative energy. Petoskey Brewing, in the Gaslight District, provides a convenient stop for golfers playing the Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands corridor.
The self-guided approach works best: select two to three taprooms based on geography and the day's golf schedule, and build the stops around an afternoon or evening. Flight-size pours at $5 to $15 per stop allow tasting across multiple breweries without overcommitting at any single location. Bookable beer tours, available through local operators, handle transportation for groups that want to visit more taprooms without a designated driver.
Most taprooms operate year-round, with hours typically running 12 PM to 9 PM. The brewery scene adds a layer of local culture to the golf trip that resort dining alone cannot provide.
The breweries are spread across a wide geographic area. Plan stops that align with the day's driving route rather than attempting a comprehensive tour. Short's Brewing in Bellaire pairs naturally with a round at Shanty Creek, 15 minutes away. Right Brain in Traverse City is walking distance from downtown hotels. Designated-driver planning is essential for self-guided visits.
The quality and variety of Northern Michigan's craft breweries reflect a regional culture that takes food and drink seriously. The taprooms are independent, locally owned operations with genuine character, and the beer is produced with the same attention to craft that defines the area's better golf courses. A flight at Short's after a round at Shanty Creek is a combination that captures the Northern Michigan experience in a single afternoon.