Miss Greenjeans made it to Eastern Nationals for gymnastics (Yay!). That’s means we’re leaving Wednesday evening for Battle Creek, MI. We have some activities on Thursday before she actually competes on Saturday evening, but otherwise we’re free all day on Friday and most of Saturday.
I’ve looked around in the usual places (TripAdvisor and such), but I’m not finding much to do in or around Battle Creek. Any suggestions? I’m open to any good eating suggestions too.
Unfortunately, the Kellogg’s tours stopped many years ago. I can recommend the Kingman museum if you’re into natural history and/or science. If you enjoy gambling, Firekeepers Casino. Even if you don’t like to gamble, their buffet is outstanding. It’s worth a trip to the casino even if you don’t gamble a nickel. If you want something a little more family-oriented, try Turkeyville. Take I-94 east to I-69 north (towards Lansing), then the first exit on I-69 will be Turkeyville. Obviously it helps if you’re fond of turkey.
Binder Park Zoo - http://www.binderparkzoo.org/
Go to Kalamazoo -> 269 Cool Things to Do in Area Code 269 Kalamazoo | Discover Kalamazoo
The Nature Center in Kzoo is awesome, if you’re into animals & nature.
If you can get to Kalamazoo (well, technically, Portage), visit the Air Zoo.
It’s a shame that Kellogg’s Cereal City closed down. I feel fortunate that I got that in before it was too late.
It’s only a couple hours drive to Ann Arbor, where theres a big foodie/restaurant scene. Some nice museums for small city, esp the natural history and archaeology museums.
Somewhat odd/nerdy but its also an hour to Grand Rapids. The Ford Presidential museum in the latter displays the states evidence from Watergate, including the actual lock picking tools.
Another nearby attraction (if you’re a bit nerdy) is the Bridge Park. Several old bridges were moved to this site to be seen and appreciated.
As much as I like Ann Arbor, Lansing is much closer. Check out the Michigan Historical Museum plus the MSU campus, one of the most beautiful in the nation.
I ate at a decent Arby’s there once.
Yeah. That’s what I’m afraid of. TripAdvisor does note a few BBQ places in Battle Creek that may be worth a visit.
Thanks all for your suggestions! And keep 'em coming if there are more.
I was joking about Arby’s, of course, but depending on where you’re coming from - Culver’smight be a good inexpensive option for lunch. Assuming you’re not already from an area with Culver’s. For a fast food chain, it’s really really good. And their frozen custard is to die for.
Memory is a funny thing. I read the title of this OP and was immediately transported back to the breakfast table as a kid, maybe 25 years ago, reading the back of the Grape Nuts box. It had a little story of the history of the cereal and for some reason I remembered that name: Battle Creek.
That also reminded me - I haven’t eaten Grape Nuts in years. It seems I am far from alone in this.
Go to the town hall, ask them where the creek is, and what battle was fought there. 
I heartily 2nd this. The Air Zoo is a great interactive airplane museum. They have flight simulators, rides, refreshments. It is an awesome place, and its only about 30 min from Battle Creek.
I agree with the Air Zoo recommendation, and Kalamazoo has a lot of good food if you’re interested in more than just Arby’s. 
It’s actually the Battle Creek River, whose name has always struck me as redundant.