Things to do in Kalamazoo

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Kalamazoo showing wildflowers and a small town or village
Kalamazoo Valley Museum which includes interior views
Battle Creek which includes a river or creek, outdoor art and views
Kalamazoo featuring heritage elements
Kalamazoo featuring a city

Kalamazoo Attractions

An unforgettable city with an unforgettable name, Kalamazoo is a destination for both nature and local culture. The city is the proud home of a strong brewing culture and an abundance of delicious eateries, and is the site of the Kalamazoo Mall, the nation's first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. With a number of lush parks and rivers right at its doorstep, Kalamazoo is a hub of outdoor recreation and wildlife. The city celebrates the arts and education through interactive museums and the engaging Kalamazoo Nature Center, making it family-friendly vacation stop.


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Recommended things to do in Kalamazoo

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Kalamazoo Fun: $13
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Kalamazoo

Free Things to Do in Kalamazoo

A vacation in Kalamazoo doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Kalamazoo Valley Museum - Wander around and marvel at the fascinating displays and unique collections at this museum.

Kalamazoo College - This landmark is a terrific backdrop for a selfie or two.

Bank Street Farmer's Market - Make room in your itinerary to check out this site of local significance.

Portage Creek Bicentennial Park - Organize a picnic and enjoy a relaxing walk around the gorgeous plant life.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's charm comes from its small-town appeal that puts a focus on community. The city constantly works to better its vibrant downtown, quaint neighborhoods, and lush parks.

Downtown

Kalamazoo's Downtown is the living heart of the city. Visit the Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall opened in the United States. Nearby, the historic Arcadia district is home to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Arcadia Creek Festival Place, which hosts the city's most beloved events like the annual Ribfest and the Kalamazoo Blues Fest.

l Sabo Preserve

Composed of marshes, forests, streams, and rolling hills, the Al Sabo Preserve is full of recreational opportunities just outside the city. Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the 741-acre (300-ha) preserve, with numerous outlooks providing panoramic views of the landscape. The preserve's defining natural feature is the Atwater Millpond, a tributary of the Kalamazoo River fed by Portage Creek. Explore the lush paths and look for wildlife like sandhill cranes and beavers.

What to See in Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to discover something new. With permanent and rotating exhibits and a planetarium, the museum covers everything from the origins of Kalamazoo to the origins of the universe. Stop by the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, which houses a permanent collection of 20th-century American art as well as several traveling galleries by contemporary artists. For a look into history, stop by the Air Zoo to see historic aircrafts like the SR-71B Blackbird.

Sightseeing in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is a mix of local culture and engaging activities. Get a taste of the city's rich beer culture by following the Give a Craft Beer Trail, which highlights 13 local craft breweries, or by visiting the annual Kalamazoo Beer Week, where you can meet local brewers and sample their unique creations. In summer, weekly farmers markets let you sink your teeth into local produce and homemade treats. Immerse yourself in nature at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which features live animals, an indoor tropical forest, an arboretum, and plenty of outdoor trails to explore with the family. The Nature Center is an official Michigan Wildlife Viewing Area, designed to bring you closer to the natural world. Families can find both history and excitement at the Air Zoo, an aviation museum and indoor amusement park which houses historic and rare aircrafts as well as flight simulators. Stay active in the city by taking to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, a wide and paved path made for recreation like running and biking that winds through Verburg Park, Mayors' Riverfront Park, and downtown Kalamazoo.

Things to Do in Kalamazoo with Kids

Kalamazoo boasts loads of close by fun activities for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kalamazoo? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Kalamazoo

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo which includes flowers and a garden

Kalamazoo Central Business District

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Kalamazoo Central Business District, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo State Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Kalamazoo Central Business District
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Milwood

If you're spending some time in Milwood, Wings Event Center and Milham Park Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Milwood
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Western Michigan University - KRPH

While visiting Western Michigan University - KRPH, you might make a stop by sights like James W. Miller Auditorium and Waldo Stadium.

Western Michigan University - KRPH
#TroverContest 
#1FantasticArchitecture

Paris Cleaners Drop-Off Booth
1524 South Westnedge, Kalamazoo

The legacy of Paris Cleaners can be traced to 1902 in Kalamazoo. First located on O’Neill Street, Paris was one of the few early dry cleaners that lasted, with several satellite shops around the community. Dating to 1954, the South Westnedge branch of Paris Cleaners is a little gem in Kalamazoo. It was patterend after magazine clippings of California drive-throughs sent to its longtime proprietors, the Bell family, by a previous owner. Rumor has it that it was the first drive-through dry cleaner in the Midwest by only two days.
The drop-off booth’s color has an interesting tale behind it. The Bell family, who owned Paris Cleaners in the 1950s, could not afford to paint their old delivery truck when the drop-off booth was opened. All they could manage was a primer coat, which just happened to be bright purple. Associates and clients all responded well, and it hasn’t changed since.

Neon lights, brick glass windows, triangular shape and rounded corners place the Paris Cleaners Drop-Off at the tail end of the Art Deco movement.

#PureMichigan #YesThereReallyIsAKalamazoo #Michigan #Kalamazoo #KalamazooCounty

Vine

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

Vine might not have many top sights, but Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Vine
The home was the first of the four built in Parkwyn Village and is constructed of concrete blocks, with interior trim of red Tidewater cypress.  The plan had several irregular protrusions that give it a pinwheel effect.  A playroom with basement was added in 1960 by John Howe of Taliesin Associated Architects.

The homes are all individually owned and not open to the public. Driving around the neighborhood to check them out was pretty interesting.

Oakland/Winchell

Oakland/Winchell might not have many top sights, but James W. Miller Auditorium and Oasis Hot Tub Gardens are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Oakland/Winchell
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West Main HIll

4/5(8 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in West Main HIll, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waldo Stadium and James W. Miller Auditorium.

West Main HIll

 

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Popular day trips from Kalamazoo

Frequently asked questions

Is Kalamazoo worth visiting?
Offering a blend of distilleries and craft breweries and walking trails, there are many things to do in Kalamazoo. While you're here, check out Kalamazoo Valley Museum, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Gull Meadow Farms are two great places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Kalamazoo while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kalamazoo?
The top tourist attraction in Kalamazoo is Kalamazoo Valley Museum, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Kalamazoo?
Three days in Kalamazoo is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Farmers Alley Theatre are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Battle Creek.
Is Kalamazoo a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Kalamazoo, such as Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.2 miles from central Kalamazoo is Kalamazoo Central Business District and West Main HIll is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Kalamazoo with kids?
Planning what to do in Kalamazoo with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.
What to do in Kalamazoo for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kalamazoo, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Kalamazoo State Theatre or James W. Miller Auditorium.
Are there free things to do in Kalamazoo?
In Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a top spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Kalamazoo.