Bell’s Brewery Tours — Kalamazoo & Comstock, Michigan

Discover the Bell’s Brewery Tour in Michigan

Explore one of America’s most influential craft breweries with a behind-the-scenes visit to Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo and Comstock. Visitors learn how Bell’s creates its iconic beers—from Two Hearted Ale to Oberon—through hands-on brewing science, massive stainless-steel tanks, packaging lines, and tasting experiences.
Why it’s special:
Bell’s is one of the nation’s pioneering craft breweries, founded in 1985, and offers tours at both its original downtown brewery and its state-of-the-art Comstock production facility.

History/Story of Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s began in 1985 when Larry Bell started brewing in a small Kalamazoo homebrew shop. What started as a one-man operation quickly grew into one of the most respected craft breweries in the country. The Comstock Brewery opened in 2003 and expanded into a major production campus, while the original Kalamazoo site remains a beloved pub and pilot brewhouse.

What You’ll See & Do on the Bell’s Brewery Tour

Comstock Brewery (Production Campus)

• Go behind the scenes of Bell’s massive brew house

• See the grain-handling room, mash tuns, kettles, and whirlpools

• Watch fermentation in towering stainless-steel tanks

• View high-speed bottling, canning, and packaging lines

• Learn Bell’s brewing philosophy, sustainability practices, and quality standards

• Sample fresh beer at the end of your tour (21+)

Kalamazoo Brewery (Original Downtown Brewpub)

• Explore the historic original brew house

• Learn about small-batch and pilot beer development

• Enjoy pub-only beers and specialty releases

• Visit the Beer Garden and the Eccentric Café

Hands-On Elements: Grain and hop samples, aroma boards, tasting (21+), ingredient education.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed; no flash near control panels or bottling line.
Souvenirs & Extras: Exclusive Bell’s merchandise, glassware, shirts, hats, limited beers, and pub-only specials.

Pricing for Bell’s Brewery Tours

• Comstock Brewery Tour: Free (reservation required)

• Kalamazoo Brewpub Tour: Usually free (when offered; seasonal availability)

• Beer samples: Included for guests 21+

Practical Info for Visiting Bell’s Brewery

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided brewery tour + tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round; Comstock has the most consistent schedule
Working Hours: Typically 12:00 PM–7:00 PM, varying by tour slot
Audience: Craft beer lovers, foodies, brewery tourists, small groups
Accessibility: Most areas accessible; some industrial zones have uneven flooring
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes recommended

• Must be 21+ to sample beer

• Follow guide instructions around brewing equipment
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Reservations required for groups
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, valid ID
  Facilities: Tasting rooms, gift shops, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Packaging lines may not run continuously; brewery expands hours during summer and Oberon season

Nearby

Comstock

• Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

• Binder Park Zoo

• Fort Custer Recreation Area

Kalamazoo

• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

• Kalamazoo Mall & Downtown shops

• Air Zoo Aerospace Museum

FAQs About Visiting Bell’s Brewery

Which location should I visit?
Comstock is the large production facility with the full tour; Kalamazoo is the historic original brewery with pub-only beers.

Are tastings included?
Yes—21+ guests enjoy samples as part of the free tour.

Can kids visit?
Under-21 guests may join the tour but cannot sample beer.

Is Oberon brewed here?
Yes—Oberon and other flagship beers are brewed at Comstock, with some specialty batches at Kalamazoo.

Do I need reservations?
Yes—Comstock tours fill quickly, especially on weekends and during Oberon season.