Kalamazoo Travel Guide

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Facts and practical information

Kalamazoo, a vibrant city located in the heart of Michigan, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a rich history that will captivate any traveler. Known as the "Mitten State," Michigan boasts an abundance of picturesque landscapes, and Kalamazoo is no exception.

One of the must-visit spots in Kalamazoo is the beautiful Kalamazoo Nature Center, a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. With over 1,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, visitors can explore miles of scenic trails, observe wildlife, and even participate in educational programs. The center also features a stunning arboretum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of various plant species.

For those seeking a taste of art and culture, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a must-see destination. This renowned museum showcases a wide range of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. The institute also offers art classes and workshops for those who want to unleash their creative side.

History buffs will be delighted to explore the fascinating heritage of Kalamazoo at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits that immerse visitors in the city's past, from its Native American roots to its industrial development. Visitors can also learn about Kalamazoo's contribution to the automotive industry, as well as its rich cultural diversity.

No visit to Kalamazoo would be complete without experiencing the vibrant downtown area. The city's downtown boasts an array of eclectic shops, trendy boutiques, and local eateries. Visitors can explore the Kalamazoo Mall, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops and restaurants, or catch a live performance at the historic State Theatre.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational activities in Kalamazoo. The city is surrounded by picturesque parks and nature preserves, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The Kalamazoo River, which runs through the city, provides a serene setting for kayaking and canoeing.

Alternative names: Settled: 1829Population: 76 thous.Area: 25.1 mi²Elevation: 781 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°17'27"N, 85°35'11"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Kalamazoo Top Attractions

Kalamazoo Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kalamazoo offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wings Event Center, Bronson Park, University Arena, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sport venue • Arenas and stadiums • Sport
Wings Event Center
Wings Event Center is a 5,113-seat multi-purpose arena located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena, opened in 1974, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings, an ice hockey team in the ECHL.
Park
Bronson Park
Bronson Park Historic District is a historic district in Kalamazoo, Michigan, consisting of Bronson Park and the surrounding government, religious, and civic buildings. It is roughly bounded by South Rose, South Park, West Lovell, and West Michigan Avenues. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Sport venue • Arenas and stadiums • Sport
University Arena
University Arena is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States.

Museum • Art gallery • Observatories and planetariums
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a non-profit art museum and school in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States.
Theater • Tudor Revival architecture
Chenery Auditorium
Kalamazoo's Old Central High School, also known as the Community Education Center, is an educational building located at 714 South Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Museum • Observatories and planetariums • Specialty museum
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a "hands-on" museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The museum is largely aimed at families, and focuses on science, technology, and history.
Concerts and shows • Auditorium • Theater
Miller Auditorium
James W. Miller Auditorium is a performance venue at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. It opened on January 12, 1968, with a ceremony that included WMU's third president, James W.
Museum • Art • Art gallery
Richmond Center for Visual Arts
James and Lois Richmond Center for Visual Arts is a visual arts center at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. It was opened on March 9, 2007 and was dedicated on Thursday, April 12, 2007. Along with Kohrman Hall Studios, the Richmond Center for VIsual Arts houses the Gwen Frostic School of Art.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Cathedral of Saint Augustine
Cathedral of Saint Augustine is a Catholic cathedral and parish church located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. It is the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
Park • Baseball field • Playground
Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field
Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a 2,200 seat multipurpose stadium. Its primary tenants are Kalamazoo Christian High School, Hackett Catholic Central High School and Kalamazoo FC of USL League Two.
Universities and schools
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public community college in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was established in 1966 by the overwhelming approval of voters in nine local school districts. It enrolls about 10,000 students.
Universities and schools
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo. Its enrollment, as of the Fall 2019 semester, was 21,470. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
Universities and schools • West Main Hill
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College, also known as K College or simply K, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1833 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The college campus is located immediately east of Western Michigan University. The school was founded by American Baptist ministers, but today it maintains no religious affiliation.
42°20'12"N • 85°35'28"W
Markin Glen County Park
Park
Forts and castles • West Main Hill
Henderson Castle
Henderson Castle, built in 1895, is a large privately owned home located on the steep West Main Hill overlooking downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The castle has been recently renovated and is under new ownership. The building is open to the public.
Library
Kalamazoo Public Library
The Kalamazoo Public Library is an independent district library in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that serves about 120,000 people, has a salaried staff of 90, and spends about $10 million annually. The library consists of the central branch downtown, and four branch libraries.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
State Theater
The State Theatre also known as the Kalamazoo State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan was designed by renowned architect John Eberson and built by founder Colonel William Butterfield in 1927. The Kalamazoo State is one of the very few remaining atmospheric picture palaces still intact.
Convention center • Event space
Fetzer Center
The John E. Fetzer Center is a conference center and special events facility at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. It was opened in 1983 and named for the radio pioneer and Detroit Tigers owner John Fetzer. The facility’s lounge and exhibition area features a display of Fetzer’s life and accomplishments.
42°17'30"N • 85°35'16"W
Kalamazoo Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
The Kalamazoo Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse federal building and former post office located at 410 W. Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

Things to See and Do in Kalamazoo by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Kalamazoo.

Culture

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Kalamazoo
MuseumArt galleryObservatories and planetariums
Chenery Auditorium
Kalamazoo
TheaterTudor Revival architectureVine
Richmond Center for Visual Arts
Kalamazoo
MuseumArtArt gallery
State Theater
Kalamazoo
Concerts and showsConcert hallTheaterVine
Park Trades Center
Kalamazoo
MuseumArt gallery

Active

Red Arrow Golf Course
Kalamazoo
GolfEdison
Wings Event Center
Kalamazoo
Sport venueArenas and stadiumsSportMillwood
Ridgeview Golf Course
Kalamazoo
GolfOutdoor activities
Wings West
Kalamazoo
Game and entertainment centerIce skatingIce rink
Waldo Stadium
Kalamazoo
Sport venueFootballSport

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Kalamazoo – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kalamazoo, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids), Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids), Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (Grand Rapids).

47 milesN
Museum, Art museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids
Nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) stands as a beacon of culture and creativity. This modern art museum, notable for its sleek, contemporary architecture, offers visitors an opportunity to explore a diverse...
48 milesN
Museum, Garden, Art museum
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids Township, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1995, Meijer Gardens quickly established itself in the Midwest as a major cultural attraction jointly focused on horticulture and sculpture.
47 milesN
Interactive exhibits on president's life
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife Betty Ford.
37 milesW
Piers and boardwalks, Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
South Haven Light, South Haven
The South Haven South Pierhead Light is a lighthouse in Michigan, at the entrance to the Black River on Lake Michigan. The station was lit in 1872, and is still operational.
19 milesE
Park
Leila Arboretum, Battle Creek
The Leila Arboretum is an arboretum and garden located at 928 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan. The arboretum is 72 acres, and is open to the public.

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Best Time To Visit Kalamazoo

Learn when is the best time to travel to Kalamazoo weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June, July, August and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Kalamazoo?

The top attractions to visit in Kalamazoo are:

What is the best time to visit Kalamazoo?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.