Watermark Brewing Co. in Stevensville, Michigan, has been recognized as the nation's top beer garden by USA Today's 10Best awards. The independently owned brewery earned the honor through expert nominations and public voting, coinciding with its 10th year in business. Owners credit the community's support for the achievement.
Watermark Brewing Co., located in downtown Stevensville, Michigan, has been named the "Best Beer Garden" in the country by USA Today's 10Best. The award, determined by a mix of expert nominations and public voting, highlights outstanding outdoor spaces, atmosphere, and guest experiences among prominent beer destinations nationwide.
The recognition arrives as Watermark marks its 10th anniversary since opening in 2016. The brewery has become a regional draw, celebrated for its laid-back hospitality, crafted beers, and expansive beer garden that hosts live music, family events, and casual gatherings, attracting visitors from across Michigan and beyond.
Co-founder Chris Mason emphasized the role of the community in the win. "Good beer is subjective. Cool beer gardens are subjective," Mason said in a news release. "But winning this award shows something bigger, that we have the best community for such a small town. To be included with, and ultimately recognized above, so many prolific nominees from across the country is incredibly humbling."
Mason recalled initial skepticism about the large beer garden. "When we started building the brewery, most everyone thought we were crazy to open a brewery with such a large beer garden in downtown Stevensville," he noted. "This award is proof of how incredible our customers and our community truly are."
Head brewer and co-owner David Cockell shared his perspective: "While brewing for over 10 years at Watermark, it has been inspiring to overlook the beer garden from my brewhouse and see customers enjoying our beer in what is now officially the best place in the world."
Co-owner Justin Schaul kept it light: "This award is awesome. Now it’s time to crack open a cold one and party."
Co-founder Juice Koehneke looked forward: "We’re just heating up."
To celebrate, Watermark will host a Best Beer Garden Celebration on April 10 with $1 beers and hot dogs. This event kicks off a year of milestones, culminating in the brewery's largest gathering on July 18 for its official 10th anniversary.
Mason concluded: "This award belongs to everyone who’s ever shared a beer in our garden. We’re just grateful to be the place where it happens."
