05-03-2025
2 of the best 3 beer gardens in America are in Michigan, according to USA TODAY readers
Two Michigan breweries' beer gardens were named among the best in the nation by USA TODAY readers.
Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Suttons Bay came in at No. 2 in the top 10 ranking of best beer gardens in America for 2025, according to USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, while Watermark Brewing Co. in Stevensville is right behind at No. 3.
Hop Lot, coming in at No. 2, is a northern Michigan, family-friendly brewery and restaurant with a massive beer garden in the woods.
"Embracing its Northern Michigan roots, Hop Lot Brewing's beer garden invites guests to warm up around the campfire or relax at a picnic table while enjoying their brews," USA TODAY says. "In winter, you can even reserve your own igloo! Hop Lot was established in 2015 as a family-friendly brewery and offers a tap list of around a dozen traditional ales."
Watermark, coming in at No. 3, "has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 2016. Built on a passion for creating exceptional craft beer and unforgettable experiences, Watermark features a sprawling beer garden designed for relaxation and connection," USA TODAY says. "The outdoor space boasts lush greenery, comfortable seating, fire pits, and open-air views perfect for gatherings of all sizes. Inside, the modern yet welcoming taproom serves as the hub for an ever-evolving lineup of meticulously crafted beers. Focused on fostering local connections, Watermark Brewing Co. partners with area food trucks and encourages guests to bring their own bites to enjoy alongside their beverages."
Here's how Hop Lot and Watermark and the rest of the Top 10 ranked:
Henmick Farm & Brewery: Delaware, Ohio
: Suttons Bay, Michigan
Stevensville, Michigan
: Raleigh, North Carolina
: Sebring, Florida
: Lancaster, Ohio
: Charlotte, North Carolina
: Atlantic City, New Jersey
: Fredericksburg, Texas
: Spokane, Washington
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2 of America's best beer gardens are in Michigan
