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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2026
Stevensville, MI – Watermark Brewing Co. has been named the #1 Best Beer Garden in
the United States by USA Today 10Best, earning the top spot among some of the most well-known and prolific beer destinations in the country. The honor comes as Watermark celebrates its 10th year in business, marking a milestone moment for the independently owned brewery and the small Southwest Michigan community it calls home.
Selected through a combination of expert nominations and public voting, the 10Best Best Beer Garden award recognizes destinations that offer outstanding outdoor spaces, atmosphere, and guest experience. For Watermark, the win is less about beer styles or aesthetics and more about people.
“Good beer is subjective. Cool beer gardens are subjective,” said Chris Mason, co-founder of Watermark Brewing Co. “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.
“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,” Mason added. “This award is proof of how incredible our customers and our community truly are.”
For head brewer and co-owner David Cockell, the recognition hits close to home.
“While brewing for over ten 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,” said Cockell.
Co-owner Justin Schaul kept the message simple and celebratory.
“This award is awesome,” said Schaul. “Now it’s time to crack open a cold one and party.”
Looking ahead, co-founder Juice Koehneke emphasized that the milestone is just the beginning.
“We’re just heating up,” Koehneke said.
To celebrate the national recognition, Watermark Brewing Co. will host a Best Beer Garden Celebration on Friday, April 10, featuring $1 beer and hot dogs* for guests. The celebration serves as the kickoff to a year of milestone events leading into Watermark’s official 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, July 18, 2026, which is expected to be the brewery’s largest celebration to date.
Since opening in 2016, Watermark Brewing Co. has grown into a regional destination, known for its laid-back hospitality, thoughtfully crafted beers, and one of the Midwest’s most beloved outdoor gathering spaces. The beer garden has become a hub for live music, family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments drawing visitors from across Michigan and beyond.
“This award belongs to everyone who’s ever shared a beer in our garden,” Mason said.
“We’re just grateful to be the place where it happens.”
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