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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.