Top Rated Attractions in Portage

Built in 1948, the Art Center of Battle Creek is a beautiful red brick building with a sloping roof where art thrives. The center is dedicated to showcasing the talent of local artists in the form of public exhibitions. There are usually ten to 12 showings in a year, some of which are specially dedicated to showing art created by elementary and secondary students from local schools. This allows them to have a formal gallery-like space to display their work. Several art classes, outreach programs and volunteering programs are also conducted here.

The Children's Garden is a part of Leila Arboretum, located on Michigan Avenue, in Battle Creek. Covering about an acre (0.45 hectare), the garden offers a dynamic, ever-evolving setting midst which children of all ages can benefit from fun, outdoor learning. The place incorporates several vegetation sections wherein the little visitors are introduced to many plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. As such, the Children's Garden at Leila Arboretum is available for educational workshops, field trips, programs and lots more. The garden is only open between April and October, check the website for more or call ahead.

Located in Monument Park, the Sojourner Truth Monument is dedicated to Sojourner Truth who was an African American activist who fought for women's rights and abolitionism. She was the first ever African American woman to win a case against a white man in the court of law and was also instrumental in recruiting African American troops for the Union Army during the Civil War. The monument which graces the park is 12 foot (3.66 meters) high and was sculpted by the internationally renowned sculptor Tina Allen.

Battle Creek, though quite small in size as a city, is replete with tourist attractions, both natural and man-made. Lakes, nature-reserves, parks, monuments, restaurants, hotels, historic buildings and more attractions are peppered across the landscape of this city. As such, the unsuspecting tourist may get quite overwhelmed and confused about what to do, where to stay, where to eat, what to see and so forth. Calhoun County Visitors Bureau is there to solve all your problems and answer all your questions with regards to tourism. Just visit the center or call them up if you have any inquiries.

Battle Creek is blessed with a pristine topography and the Woodland Park is an inextricable part of the city's wilderness. This vast stretch of land spans across more than 120 acres (48 hectares) and is home to several wildlife species that fancy the attention of many nature lovers. Additionally, the wetlands at the park have constantly been the subject of numerous research papers submitted by local and national environmentalists. The park makes a perfect spot for a picnic with your family, and its winding trails are simply a treat for anyone who is a fan of the outdoors. It is also a great place to bring pets as they have ample of space to frolic around. Under the able ownership of Woodland Park and Nature Preserve Foundation Committee this reserve has flourished in leaps and bounds, and promises a plethora of outdoor activities like Geocaching and Letterboxing in addition to skiing, bird-watching and more.