Wayne County Brew Weekend

Detroit has an authentic beer culture formed from the unique twist of industrialism, Midwestern work ethic, music legends, and today's beer innovators. It's the perfect melting pot for unrivaled creativity in the American craft beer scene. If you're not a Detroiter, it's time to hop on a plane and discover what's been brewing in Detroit. The Wayne County portion of the Brew Trail is incredibly delicious. Wayne County encompasses Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Hamtramck, Plymouth, Romulus, Livonia, Taylor, and more. Just outside Wayne County is Ypsilanti, home to unique shops, yummy fare, and more great breweries. Ypsilanti is included in this part of the Detroit Brew Trail because it was just too good to leave out.

Who doesn’t love Beer and prizes. Visit Detroit has some fantastic gear you can earn on the Brew Trail like coozies, pint glasses, coasters, stickers, bottle openers, and a grand prize.

Checking in and earning prizes on the Detroit Brew Trail is super easy and can be done from your phone.

First, sign up at Visit Detroit. Check your email and open the email from Visit Detroit on your phone. In the email, you’ll find a pass that you can add to your home screen. When you’re at the brewery, check in to start earning prizes.

5 check-ins – Custom Brew Trail Coozie

+ Detroit Brew Trail Sticker

10 check-ins – Custom Brew Trail Bottle Opener

+ Detroit Brew Trail Sticker

15 check-ins – Custom Brew Trail Pint Glass + Custom Coasters

+ Detroit Brew Trail Sticker + an automatic entry into the grand prize drawing!

+3 additional check-ins – Every three additional check-ins is an additional entry into the grand prize drawing

While there are plenty of lodging options in Wayne County to fit any budget and list of requirements, two stand out as perfect choices for this weekend itinerary. The Dearborn Inn and The Henry, Autograph collections are perfect places to rest, relax, and renew between Metro Detroit Breweries and sightseeing.

The Dearborn Inn

The Dearborn Inn has a long history in Metro Detroit. It was built in 1931 on land belonging to the Ford Motor Company. It’s a historic landmark that boasts a refined design and auto-themed artwork. Plus it’s only a mile away from The Henry Ford.

The Henry, Autograph Collection

The Henry is the only Autograph Collection hotel in the entire state of Michigan. Located just 2.5 miles from the Henry Ford, it’s perfectly located for this weekend adventure. Expect modern rooms, marble bathrooms, and high-end dining like other Autograph Collection hotels. This boutique arts hotel even features its own contemporary art gallery.

Other excellent area hotel choices include Royal Park Hotel, The Townsend Hotel, The Inn at St. John’s, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Country Inn and Suites to name just a few of the many in the area.

Depot Town in Ypsilanti is full of fun and unique shops. You can find it on East Cross Street. Start at the Huron River and head to North River Street plus the 300-block of North River Street. Check out Unicorn Feed & Supply, Brick and Mortar Modern General Store, Apple Annie’s Vintage Clothing, and This, That & the ODDer things.

734 Brewing Company

734 Brewing Company is a brewery with a mission. They’re working to bring craft beverages, equity, and opportunities to forgotten communities. Check out their events on Facebook for the next live music, DJs, karaoke, and more. While you’re there, try the Flor de Jamaica Hibiscus Cream Ale, Lavender Lemon Drop, or the Oatmeal Stout.

Water Tower Selfies

What would a trip to Ypsi be without a selfie with the iconic water tower? Built in 1890, it’s an icon of Ypsilanti, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll soon understand why it’s so popular.

Lunch: Ypsi Ale House

Come hungry to the Ypsi Ale House and choose from incredible choices like Rosemary Truffle Fries, Ale House BLT, Basil and Brie, Michigan Salad, or the Dutch. Fresh, quality, and unique ingredients like bone marrow butter, onion jam, smoked Gouda, and beer cheese grace the menu. For brews, try Badger in the Barley, Cross Street Crush, or Lallybroch.

Shopping At Laurel Park Place

After lunch at Ypsi Ale House, it’s time to head to Livonia for a bit of shopping and dinner. At Laurel Park Place, you’ll find favorites like Chico’s, H&M, Trollbeads, White House Black Market, Von Maur, and more.

Dinner: Supernatural Brewing Livonia

Supernatural Brewing has a lot going on and is a ton of fun. If you’re a brewery connoisseur, you’ve probably never been to another brewery quite like this one. Check out a Dungeons and Dragons Workshop, stop in for a comedy show, or just stop in for some delicious beer and food. For beer, try the Fat Elvis Peanut Butter Imperial Hefeweizen, Paranormal Pils, Shadow Realm, or Peaches and Cream. For dinner, try Supernatural Nachos!, Kimchi Fried Brussels Sprouts, Umami Mac and Cheese, or the KPOP Braised Pork Sandwich.

The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour

If you’re planning on just half a day exploring the Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, you’ll want to choose just one as there is so much to see. If you want to extend your trip, all three are definitely worth visiting.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

With 250 acres to explore, there is so much to see and do at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Of course, cars are an essential part of the museum but so are planes, space, trains, electricity, and more.

Lunch Options: Plum Market Kitchen, Lamy’s Dinner

Greenfield Village

Step back in time at Greenfield Village. Walk through the seven historic districts, ride in a Model T, step into Edison’s lab, and discover the work of the Wright Brothers. Check out working farms and talk to era actors to get a true sense of what life was like in the past. Ride on a real steam locomotive and get to see the only operating roundhouse in the entire midwest. There are so many authentic, historical buildings and items that were moved to Dearborn to create Greenfield Village.

Lunch and Snack Options: A Taste of History, Eagle Tavern, Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop, and Frozen Custard.

Ford Rouge Factory Tour

See American innovation and design in this in-depth and entertaining manufacturing experience. See how America’s most iconic truck is made, the F-150, or go back in time in the legacy theater to learn where it all began.

Late Lunch: Ford’s Garage

If you have a Ford-themed day, why not grab a burger from Ford’s Garage? Try the American Standard or the Model A. Ford’s Garage also has an extensive craft beer selection featuring many Michigan breweries. Look at all the details while there, from gas pumps and cars outside to cars inside, tire sinks, gas can urinals, car part door handles, and more.

Dearborn Brewing

Dearborn is known for more than just Henry Ford and the auto industry. It’s beginning to make a name for itself in the brewery world. Check out Dearborn’s first brewery and try Kolsch Comfort, SumTam Lotion Gose, or Modle IP “A”.

Downey Brewing Company

Downey Brewing Company is a brewhouse and place to gather. Check out their weekly events like yoga, craft and draft, bike rides, and trivia. Some favorite drafts include Hefe Bravo, Zomberries, and Hooligan.

Dinner: Mint 29

The atmosphere of a 1920s bank building pared with global fusion cuisine makes for a perfect dinner choice. Try the Seafood Ceviche, Mint 29 Lamb Lollipop, Chilean Seabass, or Dissembled Salad.

Start your Detroit Brew Trail adventure in Wayne County and discover so much more along the way. Step back in time to find history makers of the past or step out into the innovations of new chefs, brewmasters, and creatives in the many restaurants, shops, and breweries in the area.

After being wowed by Wayne County, Michigan, make plans for the rest of the Detroit Brew Trail. Special itineraries for stops in Macomb County, Downtown Detroit, and Oakland County will take you to some of the best places in Metro Detroit and the entire state of Michigan.