Battle Creek, MI

Named for a clash between a land surveyor and two Native Americans in the early 1800s, Battle Creek is a city of 53,000 that is known for its lakes, rivers, hills, farms, and forests. It is nicknamed the "cereal city" because the breakfast food was invented in Battle Creek, and the city remains home to major breakfast cereal companies. Residents are attracted by its modest cost of living, its educational opportunities, and its location, on Interstate 94 between Chicago and Detroit.

Battle Creek has long had a reputation as a tolerant city, accepting of religious nonconformists. When Battle Creek was first settled in 1831, Quakers from New York made up many of its original families. In the late 1800s, the city became a Spiritualist center and the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventists. Today, welcoming religious principles still endure in the city. It is currently home to 132 churches, a large number for a city its size.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Battle Creek is the birthplace of the cereal industry. In the early 1900s, the city was home to more than 80 cereal companies. Most are no longer in business, but the industry still plays a major role in Battle Creek's economy. The world headquarters of the Kellogg Company are located in Battle Creek, as are the headquarters of Post Cereals.

Battle Creek's economy also relies on the auto parts supply and aviation industries, along with health care and government. Two state-designated zones, the Battle Creek Aviation SmartZone and the Central Business District tax-free Renaissance Zone, aim to encourage economic development in Battle Creek.

Employers with more than 1,000 workers in Battle Creek are:

• Denso Manufacturing Michigan
• Battle Creek Health Systems
• Kellogg Company
• Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center
• Battle Creek Public Schools
• VA Medical Center
• Kraft Foods, Post Division

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Approximately 53,000 residents reside in Battle Creek. There are around 24,000 houses, out of which 21,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 60 percent are owner-occupied.

Some of Battle Creek's more populated residential neighborhoods include Fremont/Verona/McKinley, Minges-Brook/Riverside, Westlake/Prairieview, Wilson Coburn Roosevelt Territorial (Central), North Central (Washington Heights), Post/Franklin, Rural Southwest, and Urbandale.

Downtown Battle Creek is set to undergo a major revitalization project. The city's economic development group, Battle Creek Unlimited, embarked on an $85 million downtown improvement plan in 2008. The plan includes a new six-story "green" office building to be financed and constructed by a local developer and leased by Kellogg Company.

SHOPPING

Battle Creek is the shopping hub of Calhoun County. The city's four major shopping areas are:

• Beckley Road Shopping District: This fast-growing shopping district is located near Interstate 94. It is home to major retailers with large superstores.
• Downtown Battle Creek: Small specialty shops downtown offer items such as gifts, jewelry, clothing and shoes.
• Horrocks Farm Market: This local landmark sells fresh produce, flowers, beer, and wine. Seasonal gift items are also available.
• Lakeview Square Mall: Battle Creek's only mall is home to three department stores and more than 90 specialty stores.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Art Center of Battle Creek: Since it was founded in 1948, the center has strived to present high-quality visual arts programs. Each year, the center hosts 10 to 12 exhibits that showcase a range of art.
• Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra: This orchestra is Michigan's oldest, dating back to 1899. Concerts are played at W.K. Kellogg Auditorium.
• Balloon Festival: The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival features about 65 hot air balloons that fill the sky over Battle Creek every July.

BEST BETS

• Sojourner Truth Institute: The institute educates people about the life of Battle Creek resident Sojourner Truth, an illiterate freed slave who became an activist for woman's rights and the abolition of slavery. The institute also promotes projects that accentuate the principals for which she stood.
• Binder Park Zoo: The zoo showcases more than 50 animals from around the world in a parklike setting.
• Leila Arboretum: This 72-acre garden contains more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers.

EDUCATION

• Kellogg Community College: This two-year school was founded in 1956 and offers programs in business, health, public science, secretarial and technical fields.
• Miller College: This four-year private school offers bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing.
• Western Michigan University: Battle Creek is home to a branch campus of WMU, a public university that is based in Kalamazoo.
• Spring Arbor University: This evangelical Protestant university has a branch campus in Battle Creek.

SPORTS TEAMS

• Battle Creek Knights: This professional team in the Premier Basketball League plays their games at Kellogg Arena.
• Battle Creek Bombers: The Bombers are a member of a summer baseball league for players with NCAA collegiate eligibility. Home games are played at C.O. Brown Stadium.