Competing against beer gardens from California, Florida, Vermont, Texas, and elsewhere, it is Stevensville’s own Watermark Brewing Co. that has been named the No. 1 Best Beer Garden in the United States by USA Today 10Best, earning the top ranking in the publication’s annual readers’ choice awards.
The 10Best Best Beer Garden award is determined through a combination of expert nominations and public voting, highlighting venues for their outdoor spaces, atmosphere and overall guest experience.
The recognition comes as the independently-owned brewery marks its 10th year in business.
Co-founder Chris Mason said the honor reflects the brewery’s customer base as much as the venue itself. “Good beer is subjective. Cool beer gardens are subjective,” Mason said. “But winning this award shows something bigger — that we have the best community for such a small town.”
When the brewery opened in downtown Stevensville in 2016, Mason said some questioned the decision to build a large outdoor beer garden in a small community.
“Most everyone thought we were crazy to open a brewery with such a large beer garden… This award is proof of how incredible our customers and our community truly are.” – Chris Mason, co-owner, Watermark Brewing Co.
Head brewer and co-owner David Cockell said the designation is meaningful after more than a decade with the company.
“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,” Cockell said.
To mark the recognition, Watermark will host a Best Beer Garden Celebration on April 10 featuring promotional pricing on food and beverages. The event will serve as a lead-in to the brewery’s official 10th anniversary celebration scheduled for July 18, 2026.
Founded in 2016, Watermark Brewing Co. has grown into a regional destination in southwest Michigan, drawing visitors for its craft beer offerings, live music events, and expansive outdoor gathering space. Mason said the national ranking underscores the role the beer garden has played in the community. “This award belongs to everyone who’s ever shared a beer in our garden,” he said. “We’re just grateful to be the place where it happens.”
