Downtown Ionia is getting a major new attraction: County Seat Brewing Company, a craft brewery and taproom planned for a historic Main Street building. Set within Ionia’s emerging social district, this new spot will join Steele Street Brewing and other local favorites, making this mid-Michigan city a rewarding stop for beer lovers, day-trippers, and locals.
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About County Seat Brewing Company
County Seat Brewing Company is a new brewery project planned for downtown Ionia, Michigan. Co-owned by Logan Bailey and Mark Ludema, it will occupy connected storefronts at 326–328 West Main Street in Ionia’s historic commercial district. As of early 2026, the project is publicly announced with a phased opening expected throughout the year.
The vision: a welcoming neighborhood taproom and community gathering space with approachable beers, a relaxed atmosphere, and strong ties to downtown revitalization and Ionia’s social district.
The brewery’s development will roll out in stages:
- Phase 1: Build out the taproom, start brewing on-site, and open with a focused list of house beers. Renovations to the upper-floor apartments are also planned.
- Phase 2: Add a full-service restaurant with a kitchen and food menu to pair with the beer lineup.
A Historic Main Street Home
The future home of County Seat Brewing Co. is within the Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District, known for late-19th- and early-20th-century brick storefronts. The combined building at 326–328 W. Main Street offers roughly 8,000–11,000 square feet, including a main-floor commercial space, basement, and upper-level apartments.
Historic listings highlight original hardwood floors, tin ceilings, and classic brick facades—ideal for a cozy, character-filled taproom. County Seat Brewing Co. is set to follow the model of many Michigan breweries that blend modern brewing equipment with preserved architectural details.
The location does more than add charm. It supports the City of Ionia’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) goals: activating historic buildings, encouraging walkable streets, and drawing visitors into the core business district.
What to Expect from the Beer Program
The tap list is still in development, but early comments point to a broad, approachable beer lineup, likely including:
- Lower-ABV options for casual sipping and social-district strolling
- Classic styles like pale ales, lagers, and stouts
- Rotating seasonals and experimental brews featuring Michigan ingredients
Expect cans, growlers, and kegs to go, so locals can take their favorites home or to gatherings. Over time, look for special releases and collaborations as the brewery connects with the wider Michigan craft beer community and groups like the Michigan Brewers Guild.
Once the restaurant phase launches, food pairings will likely feature shareable appetizers, sandwiches, and pub-style comfort dishes designed to complement the house beers.
Ionia’s Social District & Outdoor Sipping
County Seat Brewing Co. will sit inside Ionia’s “Discover Ionia” social district, where participating businesses can sell drinks in marked cups that guests may carry outdoors within the district boundaries.
For visitors, this could mean:
- Grabbing a beer from the taproom and strolling along West Main Street
- Enjoying a drink while browsing nearby shops (where allowed)
- Taking part in downtown events and festivals with a beverage in hand
The social district is part of Ionia’s push for a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown. County Seat Brewing Co. is expected to be a key player in that effort.
Planning Your Visit to Downtown Ionia
Because County Seat Brewing Co. is still in development, always check the latest information before planning a dedicated trip. Look for updates from local news, the City of Ionia, or the brewery’s future social and map listings.
In the meantime, here are quick tips for enjoying Ionia’s craft beer and downtown with County Seat Brewing Co. in mind:
- Track the opening phases: Follow local coverage and future brewery channels to know when the taproom, brewing operations, and restaurant each come online.
- Walk the district: Park once and explore Main Street on foot to take in the historic architecture and local shops before or after a visit.
- Know social district rules: Check current boundaries, hours, and cup rules so you can enjoy outdoor beverages responsibly.
- Plan safe rides: Designate a driver or arrange transportation if you’ll be sampling multiple beers.
As County Seat Brewing Co. comes online, expect more events, collaborations, and reasons to keep Ionia on your Michigan brewery itinerary.
FAQ: County Seat Brewing Co. & Ionia
As of early 2026, County Seat Brewing Co. is announced but still under development. A phased opening is planned for 2026. Before visiting, confirm details through local news or the brewery’s future online listings for opening dates and hours.
The brewery is planned for 326–328 West Main Street in downtown Ionia, Michigan. The site is within the Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District and the city’s social district, making it central and walkable from other downtown businesses.
Specific beers aren’t announced yet, but the owners emphasize a broad, approachable lineup with lower-ABV options. Expect classic styles, sessionable beers, rotating seasonals, and eventually cans, growlers, and kegs to go.
Yes. Steele Street Brewing, at 300 S Steele St in Ionia, has operated since 2016 with a rotating tap list, food, and events. County Seat Brewing Co. will complement this existing spot, giving visitors two local breweries in one city.
Ionia’s social district is a designated downtown area where participating businesses can sell alcoholic drinks in special cups that patrons may carry outdoors within marked boundaries. For visitors, that can mean enjoying a beer while walking Main Street or attending downtown events, subject to the district’s rules and hours. County Seat Brewing Co. is expected to participate once open.
For craft beer fans who like exploring smaller Michigan cities, Ionia is a solid stop—especially paired with nearby destinations. With County Seat Brewing Co. on the way, a walkable historic downtown, and nearby outdoor recreation, it’s easy to build a day trip or weekend around Ionia.
Until the brewery launches official web or social channels, your best sources are local news outlets, City of Ionia communications, and listings on maps and brewery directories. As opening nears, expect to see the brewery on Google Maps, beer apps, and possibly the Michigan Brewers Guild directory.
