Sunday, November 3, 2024

25 BEST Issues to Do in Kalamazoo, MI

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Positioned two hours to the west of Detroit, Kalamazoo seamlessly combines pure magnificence with cultural points of interest, guaranteeing quite a lot of actions throughout all seasons!

Town boasts in depth biking trails, together with the Kalamazoo River Valley Path, good for out of doors lovers. Households with kids will delight within the Binder Park Zoo, providing a memorable expertise. Should you choose indoor adventures, Kalamazoo has you coated with points of interest just like the Midwest Miniatures Museum, the Valley Museum, and the famend Gilmore Automotive Museum.

And for the adults that search the refreshing style of craft beer, quite a few native Michigan breweries await your exploration. The ethical of the story is there are many issues to do in Kalamazoo for all! Whether or not you’re drawn to out of doors adventures or indoor cultural experiences, Kalamazoo offers a satisfying and numerous getaway.


The Greatest Issues to Do in Kalamazoo


1. Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo Valley Museum / Issues To Do In Kalamazoo
  • Handle: 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 4:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm,
    Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Monday: Closed
  • Value of Admission: Free

The primary entry on our listing of greatest issues to do in Kalamazoo assures real healthful household enjoyable for all ages, and the very best half is that admission is free. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has attention-grabbing displays, artifacts, a space-themed exhibit, and a planetarium with common reveals.

One of many highlights is the Kids’s Panorama exhibit, an interactive, self-guided, hands-on expertise for preschoolers aged as much as 5. Themes change repeatedly, and there are numerous completely different points of interest to maintain each youngsters and oldsters occupied, similar to a spaceship and a faculty bus full of completely different interactive and sensory-filled actions.


2. Kalamazoo Nature Heart

Kalamazoo Nature Center
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo Nature Heart
  • Handle: 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: 1:00pm – 5:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: Adults 18-54: $7.00, Adults 55+: $6.00, Ages 4-17: $4.00.
    3 & Underneath: Free

The Kalamazoo Nature Heart is a kind of uncommon locations the place mountaineering lovers, ecological researchers, conservationists, and artwork lovers can all come collectively. The Heart options 15 miles of mountaineering trails by completely different Michigan habitats, with some stunning spots and wonderful wildlife to identify alongside the best way.

The Arboretum options stunning sculptures, and artwork lovers may even benefit from the quite a few artwork reveals and festivals, workshops, and exhibitions on the Glen Vista Gallery. With a lot to do, and solely a $7 admission charge, you’re getting numerous worth for cash and may get pleasure from an excellent day trip with the household.


3. Kalamazoo State Theater

Kalamazoo State Theater
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo State Theater

This Spanish-styled atmospheric theater has been a fixture of downtown Kalamazoo since 1927. This historic theater stays in operation with common stay performances and basic movie showings which are a must-watch when in Kalamazoo.

The Theater is extra than simply for reveals and flicks, as it’s a historic constructing with notable structure, it has been listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in 2021.

Company may even take guided excursions to be taught extra in regards to the structure, historical past, and general design of the Theater (together with the marvelous atmospheric sky), are alluring sufficient however the Theater’s historic organ and pipes put the icing on the cake. 


4. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
  • Handle: 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 am -5:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: Adults $5 / College students $2, Free for members, kids by age 12, and lively army personnel

Artwork lovers rejoice, for this 80,000-square-foot non-profit artwork museum and college has rather a lot to supply. With 10 galleries and an 11000 sq. foot exhibition area, you’ll make sure to catch an artwork present, exhibition, or seminar that may pique your curiosity.

There are nearly 15 exhibitions annually revolving round completely different matters and artwork varieties. The everlasting assortment can also be fairly spectacular, with greater than 4600 unique works from many notable artists similar to Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Andrew Wyeth.

The artwork faculty additionally gives many courses and seminars on quite a lot of artwork matters together with portray, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, pictures, jewelry-making, weaving, and fiber arts.


5. Gilmore Automotive Museum

Gilmore Car Museum
Picture courtesy of Gilmore Automotive Museum
  • Handle: 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: For ticket info, click on right here.

Kalamazoo entertains gearheads and grease monkeys as nicely, with the Gilmore Automotive Museum. Unfold throughout 90 acres, the Museum homes over 400 classic and uncommon cars from completely different eras, with common automobile meets and reveals.

With a lot to see you may make a day journey out of it, and seeing stunning vehicles isn’t the one factor on supply. Younger grease monkey devotees can reap the benefits of “Gilmore Storage Works”, an after-school enrichment program with welding, portray, and fabrication courses. There are additionally lectures on Sunday afternoons on quite a lot of car-related matters.


6. Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market

Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market
  • Handle: 1204 Financial institution St, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am -1:00 pm, Saturday:7:00 am -2:00 pm

Should you’re seeking to purchase native natural produce and artisanal objects, then the Kalamazoo Farmers Market is the place to be.

With greater than 120 farmers, meals companies, and artisans providing their items (together with alpaca socks!), you’ll have numerous decisions. Inventory on each stall within the Market goes to be restricted so be sure you get there on time to get your fingers on all the good things.

The Market is open on Saturdays from 7 AM to 2 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 1 PM.


7. Kalamazoo River Valley Path

Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo River Valley Path

The Kalamazoo River Valley Path is a deliberate 35-mile non-motorized path (of which 24 miles have been accomplished) that’s asphalt-paved and 10 ft extensive.

The Path runs by Kalamazoo County and gives cyclists and mountaineering lovers an excellent likelihood to immerse themselves within the native nature. It opens each day at 7 AM and closes at sundown.

You possibly can stroll the path or trip a bicycle, however that’s about it. No different automobiles are allowed, and pets have to be stored on a leash and pet house owners ought to all the time clear up after their canines.


8. Kalamazoo Aviation Historical past Museum (Air Zoo)

Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Air Zoo
  • Handle: 6151 Portage Rd, Portage (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday- Saturday 9: 00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm -5:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: Grownup: $18.00, Little one 5-17: $16.00, Senior: $15.00, Little one 0-4: Free

Flight lovers will get pleasure from this subsequent attraction in Kalamazoo, which consists of an aviation museum and an indoor amusement park – all rolled into one enjoyable vacation spot for all ages!

The Air Zoo, identified initially because the Kalamazoo Aviation Historical past Museum, homes greater than 80 completely different plane, most of that are nonetheless airworthy. The amusement park can also be numerous enjoyable and has distinctive points of interest such because the 180-degree theater that reveals a simulation of a bombing mission by a B-17 throughout World Warfare 2. There’s even a simulation of a rocket journey to Mars.


9. The Henderson Citadel

The Henderson Castle
Picture courtesy of The Henderson Citadel
  • Handle: 100 Monroe St, Kalamazoo (GPS)

This massive 25-room manor is a must-see spot for those who’re visiting Kalamazoo. The sheer fantastic thing about the structure, design, and craftsmanship is sufficient to maintain you occupied.

If a tour of the Citadel isn’t sufficient, you can too go to the vineyard for a wine tasting or add to your wine assortment with the Citadel’s signature crimson, pinot grigio, chardonnay, riesling, and merlot wines.

If the vineyard and excursions of the Citadel don’t curiosity you, the Citadel additionally gives varied eating choices such because the H Prime Chophouse, a wonderful excessive tea service, and a tremendous Sunday brunch.

The Citadel and its environment are so stunning that many reap the benefits of the Citadel Inn and keep a number of nights within the many comfy and superbly adorned rooms.


10. Milham Park Golf Course

Milham Park Golf Course - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Milham Park Golf Course
  • Handle: 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Kalamazoo additionally has rather a lot to supply to golfers with the Milham Park Golf Course. This famend 18-hole, par 72 golf course is as stunning as it’s difficult. A spherical of golf spent on this Course received’t simply supply sightseeing, but additionally a passable recreation of golf.

The on-site professional store is so good that it’s received awards, the apply services will assist anybody enhance their recreation, and the consuming choices are additionally simply as wonderful.


11. W.Ok. Kellogg Chook Sanctuary

W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Picture courtesy of Kellogg Chook Sanctuary
  • Handle: 12685 E C Ave, Augusta (GPS)
  • Hours: Wednesday- Sunday: 9: 00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Tuesday: Closed

Wildlife lovers can even have a enjoyable time exploring the W.Ok. Kellogg Chook Sanctuary, with three miles of mountaineering trails and many alternative habitats.

Positioned 15 miles north of Kalamazoo and 12 miles northwest of Battle Creek, guests get to see the wildlife of Wintergreen Lake of their pure environment, together with waterfowl, raptors, and recreation birds.

Be sure to’re correctly dressed in response to the climate and put on sneakers with a superb grip. You also needs to maintain a water bottle helpful, particularly when such a protracted stroll is concerned in exploring all the Sanctuary.


12. Hike The Kal-Haven Path

Kal-Haven Trail - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
The coated bridge at Kal-Haven Path
  • Handle: 4143 tenth St N, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Among the finest issues to do in Kalamazoo is go for a hike! Michigan is thought for its nature and wildlife and one in all its crown jewels is the Kal Haven Path. Considered one of Michigan State’s premier vacationer locations, the Kal-Haven Path is a 34-mile-long path connecting Kalamazoo to South Haven and has been licensed as a Pure Michigan Path.

It’s not a monotonous journey, because the Path passes by completely different settings together with farmlands, orchards, a glacial moraine, small villages, wetlands, and even some ghost cities.

When you’ve crossed the Path you received’t be dissatisfied both, because the Path ends at Lake Michigan; a picturesque finish to an thrilling journey.


13. Enjoyable For All on the Airway Enjoyable Heart

Airway Fun Center
Picture courtesy of Airway Enjoyable Heart
  • Handle: 5626 Portage Rd, Portage (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday -Thursday: 10:00 am -11:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am
    Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: For ticket info, click on right here.

Should you’re in search of a single vacation spot that’s filled with enjoyable video games, actions, and points of interest for all age teams, then the Airway Enjoyable Heart is the place to be.

With a protracted listing of actions together with bowling, palladium, a climbing wall, go-karting, a gyroscope and coaster trip, laser tag, a laser maze, digital actuality, a rope course, and mini golf too, there’s a lot to do.

The Airway Enjoyable Heart will also be an effective way for mother and pop to sit down and relaxation whereas the children run round taking part in.


14. Markin Glen County Park

Markin Glen County Park - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Markin Glen County Park
  • Handle: 5300 N Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am- 9:00 pm

This 160-acre state park, which was as soon as a non-public property, is an outdoorsman’s paradise. With fishing, mountaineering, and 38 fashionable campsites, Markin Glen County Park could make for an excellent tenting vacation.

The environment are extremely stunning and supply extraordinary views of the Michigan wilderness. The Park is residence to one in all Kalamazoo’s highest peaks and in addition incorporates a mature beech-maple forest.

Every campsite features a picnic bench, a hearth ring, and hookups for electrical energy, water, and sewerage. The campgrounds even have clear fashionable restrooms and showers out there on-site.


15. Lawton Ridge Vineyard

Lawton Ridge Winery - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Lawton Ridge Vineyard
  • Handle: 8456 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The Lawton Ridge Winery was established in 1974, however their first in-house classic was in 2008, and the Vineyard launched wines similar to Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Traminette, Two-Handed Pink, and Cabernet Franc.

Whereas this Michigan vineyard could also be comparatively younger, the wines they produce are nonetheless of notable high quality whereas sustaining an reasonably priced value vary.

The tasting room on the vineyard can also be value a go to, costing solely $7 per particular person, which features a tasting of 6 wines. The Vineyard additionally hosts common occasions and courses for its many guests.


16. The New Vic Theater

The New Vic Theater - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of New Vic Theater

Followers of stay stage performances and theatrics will discover the New Vic Theater to their liking. The Theater’s rendition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the annual Christmas Live shows are all the time widespread points of interest, and welcome guests from throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.

These vacation performances have turn into a Christmas custom for a lot of locals and common patrons. The Theater was based by residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler to offer the creative group an outlet and supply fellow residents healthful and complicated leisure.

In the present day the Theater holds a really important place, even presenting some Broadway reveals earlier than they turned widespread in New York.


17. Exploring the Al Sabo Land Protect

Al Sabo Land Preserve - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
  • Handle: 6310 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm

Yet one more spot for the enthusiastic outdoorsman, the Al Sabo Land Protect gives 741 acres of pristine Michigan wilderness.

Although the land was initially given protected standing for its underground water sources, the land above is what has attracted so many friends. With numerous techniques similar to woods, wetlands, and open meadows, there’s rather a lot to discover.

There are various mountaineering trails as nicely, a few of which aren’t mapped out correctly. Should you do select to go on any unmarked trails, make sure to take a map and a compass with you.


18. Glass Artwork Kalamazoo

Glass Art Kalamazoo - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Glass Artwork Kalamazoo
  • Handle: 326 W Kalamazoo Ave #100, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm,
    Sunday – Monday: Closed

Glass Artwork Kalamazoo, situated on the Park Trades Heart in downtown Kalamazoo, is a non-profit training heart specializing in glass arts.

Along with having a gallery and store that shows some stunning glass artwork, Glass Artwork Kalamazoo additionally gives courses for glass blowing, torchworking, kiln fusing, and chilly working.

There’s even a summer season camp for these seeking to maintain their youngsters occupied long-term throughout the summer season holidays. Additionally they host common occasions, permitting artists from all backgrounds to come back collectively and respect the artwork of glass working.


19. Gene The Pumpkin Man

Gene The Pumpkin Man - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Gene The Pumpkin Man
  • Handle: 22637 M-43, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Value of Admission: Free admission

One of many first issues guests will discover at this attraction is the various issues coloured orange. This place is orange and every little thing about it reminds you of pumpkins and Halloween, particularly throughout fall in Michigan.

Gene’s farm is even colloquially often known as the land of orange and the individuals who work listed here are known as ‘pumpkin folks’.

The pumpkin mailbox, the six ft extensive orange play pumpkin, the orange barns, tractors, vehicles, and vans all add to the allure of Gene the Pumpkin Man. Gene is considerably of a neighborhood celeb and the farm grows high quality pumpkins, winter squash, Indian corn, gourds, and honey.

There’s even a pumpkin cookbook! Visiting relies on the season, and the farm is simply accessible to guests from mid-September to November, from 10 AM to eight PM.


20. Farmers Alley Theater

Farmers Alley Theater - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Farmers Alley Theater
  • Handle: 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo (GPS)

Kalamazoo nonetheless has extra to supply to the followers of the stage and the Farmers Alley Theater offers high quality stage performances for Kalamazoo’s locals and different residents of the better surrounding space.

Within the coronary heart of Farmers Alley, the Theater largely places on performances by up-and-coming writers and artists, however there are nonetheless some mainstream performs and reveals being carried out occasionally.

Essentially the most notable characteristic of the Theater is that it’s a non-profit enterprise. So, for those who go to and luxuriate in your time and wish to help the Theater, don’t overlook to donate.


21. VerHage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill

VerHage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of VerHage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill
  • Handle: 8619 West ML Ave Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Thursday – Friday: 9:00 am -5:30 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Should you’re a fan of natural selfmade meals items, then ensure to cease on the VerHage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill. Right here you should purchase contemporary produce, baked items, similar to pies, donuts, cupcakes, bread, and pastries.

The Farm’s apple cider vinegar is notable, and plenty of guests purchase a number of bottles to take again residence. There are additionally different contemporary natural merchandise out there, similar to honey and maple syrup. You possibly can even take a bunch tour of the cider mill, and, throughout Christmas time, you will discover stay timber and wreaths on the market.


22. Lillian Anderson Arboretum

Lillian Anderson Arboretum - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Kalamazoo School Lillian Anderson Arboretum
  • Handle: 7787 W Essential St, Kalamazoo (GPS)

This 140-acre facility, owned by Kalamazoo School, includes marshes, meadows, and pine and second-growth deciduous forests. The School’s objective is to protect the Arboretum in its pure state and suffice it to say they’ve performed an excellent job to date. Mountaineering by the Arboretum is an absolute delight and in addition provides hen watchers rather a lot to do with the thriving native wildlife.

In the course of the winter, there’s additionally cross-country working and snowboarding, making a visit right here among the best issues to do in Kalamazoo within the winter.


23. Confections with Convictions

Confections with Convictions - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Confections with Convictions
  • Handle: 116 W Crosstown Pkwy #101, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Closed: Sunday – Monday

These with a candy tooth ought to make it a degree to go to Confections with Convictions, an artisanal confectionary that makes pleasant chocolate treats. Their treats embody truffles, caramels, barks, chocolate bites, and even some vegan choices.

The scrumptious treats however, what units this place aside is that they make use of honest commerce practices and rent folks with a prison report, giving them a second likelihood to construct their lives.

Confections with Convictions additionally do wholesale and bulk orders for any occasions that you just may need throughout your go to to Kalamazoo.


24. Miller Auditorium

Miller Auditorium - best things to do in kalamazoo, michigan
Picture courtesy of Miller Auditorium
  • Handle: 1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo (GPS)
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Positioned on the campus of Western Michigan College, the Miller Auditorium is taken into account the premier performing arts venue in West Michigan and the Auditorium has lived as much as its popularity.

The Auditorium’s objective is to boost the cultural lifetime of the Area with using stay theater. Over time the Auditorium has hosted quite a lot of occasions together with touring Broadway productions, concert events, stand-up comedy, and household reveals.

The College continues to work on the Auditorium periodically guaranteeing that it has state-of-the-art services. Along with being a patron, you can too donate to the Auditorium to assist them additional their mission.


25. West Michigan Beer Excursions

  • Handle: 8619 W Ml Ave, Kalamazoo,(GPS)
  • Hours: 24 hours

Should you’re a beer lover, then the West Michigan Beer Excursions are certain to give you some enjoyable leisure. This firm gives excursions, each private and non-private, which take guests on a visit to a number of beer/spirit breweries and wineries.

Guests even have the choice of a strolling tour or to go to websites on a bus. One of many extra widespread excursions is Kalamazoo’s Beer Path, which consists of 14 completely different stops the place vacationers can style the native craft beer. Make sure you tempo your self and never overdrink. Additionally, maintain consuming water to maintain your self hydrated!

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READ MORE MICHIGAN TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you loved this information on what to do in Kalamazoo. Listed here are a number of related articles for extra journey round Michigan.

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