Battle Creek Rest Area 703 — Local services in Battle Creek

It's a very pretty rest stop. The restrooms were clean, but the "handicapped-accessible" stall is too narrow to truly accommodate a wheelchair (you can pull in but you can't turn, door is difficult to grab over the back of a wheelchair so it's difficult to shut and you must be very creative to get from chair to stool). I say handicapped-accessible in quotes because I had to assume it's supposed to be for that use, as it was the only one that was slightly deeper than the others, the only one with handrails, it was the furthest stall from the door, and the only one a wheelchair could roll into (although, to use it one must balance on the rails and flip around in the air to get from chair to stool)… but it wasn't marked in any way and the other stalls were consistently ignored (although empty) by the able-bodied persons using the restrooms in favor of this one. I can only assume that ALL the stalls are too narrow and cramped for the use for which they were intended? If I'd had to "go" badly I'd have wet myself waiting for people to use the other stalls (which are physically impossible for someone in a wheelchair to even enter) instead of the only stall that, while still inadequate, at least will allow the chair entry. The grounds, however, as I mentioned earlier, are very pretty to look at and are clean. My husband took my service dog to the dog run as the walks are quite uneven and somewhat taxing for wheelchair, but we (SD, husband and me) were truly grateful for the designated dog area. I will simply have to remember that I can't use this rest stop if alone. Others in wheelchairs should take into account that they will have to be capable of a certain amount of gymnastics to use the restroom facility… if they can get the able-bodied people out of the stall long...

The moment we stepped inside, an unpleasant odor overwhelmed our senses, making it evident that the restrooms were not properly maintained. The stench was a significant deterrent, undermining any semblance of comfort or convenience we had expected. It was disappointing to witness such a stark contrast between the appealing exterior and the neglect inside.

Furthermore, the lack of cleanliness was readily apparent. The floors were dirty, and it seemed as if they hadn’t been properly cleaned in quite some time. The toilets were in need of attention, with dirty seats and grimy surfaces, clearly indicating a lack of regular upkeep. It was disheartening to see such neglect in an essential facility that is meant to provide comfort and hygiene to visitors.

Given the promising exterior appearance, it’s even more disconcerting that the restrooms failed to meet basic cleanliness standards.

I hope that the management takes these concerns seriously and undertakes immediate actions to address the issues highlighted.

I haven't took any picture of the restrooms as they...

I was horrified to see this place in such a mess. I'm from Michigan and traveled to traveled thru different states and visited ALOT of the rest areas with my 2 dogs. When I got here...1st thing I seen was a pan handler !!!!! Never seen any in any other rest areas. Despicable!!! This was a heavier set gal with a sign. She'd then go and disappear in the back. When I left I was looking to see where she could have gone. There was a steel fence behind, and houses. No homeless dump !!!!! Something needs to be done with this. People traveling don't want to be bothered with this discomfort of looking out behind them as they walk. Another thing is the shaoe of the restrooms. Filthy!!! Disgusting!!!! All the toilets were rusty water and so were the sinks. Horrible. I wanted to crawl back in my car. What do visitors from other states think?? PURE MICHIGAN?!?! I don't think so. There was toilet paper all the floor too!!! So I'm not a fan of this rest stop for sure. Can't we...