One of the most significant contemporary crossroads in the Midwest is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It has been essential to the region's growth over the years as it sits halfway between Chicago and Detroit. While Kalamazoo has a rich past, it is also a totally modern city with a variety of activities to do for both tourists and locals.
Fur traders first founded the city, which is located on the Kalamazoo River, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Since then, it has developed into one of Michigan's top cities, containing fantastic eateries, parks, entertainment, culture, and tourism attractions.
The Kalamazoo Mall, one of the country's earliest outdoor pedestrian shopping malls, is one of the city's highlights. At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and many other locations throughout the city, visitors can learn everything there is to know about the history of the region.
The city's core and the several acres of parkland that surround it both include a wealth of interesting sites to visit. Discover the top activities in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by reading on.
1. See the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts' displays
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has served as the community's center for culture since 1924. One of the major art institutions in the state, the museum has a permanent collection that has around 4,700 works. The museum is a true hub for cultural education in Kalamazoo because it offers annual events, weekly programming, and seminars in addition to displays.
The museum now occupies 72,000 square feet and has an auditorium, a library, an interactive gallery for kids, and a two-story lobby gallery. Up to 15 temporary exhibits are held annually in addition to a sizable display of sculptures, paintings, photography, and ceramics.
American painters from the 29th century, including Ansel Adams, Alexander Calder, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Cindy Sherman, and many more, are featured in the permanent collection.
2. Check out the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
A visit to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a fantastic way to learn more about Kalamazoo. The museum, which is geared toward kids and families, provides an interactive overview of Kalamazoo's local history as well as its automotive background.
The Atrium of Artifacts is one of the ongoing displays. More than 55,000 artifacts that are significant to the Kalamazoo Valley are on display in this three-story museum.
Inside the museum, a Rain Garden is also expanding. Rain gardens catch rainfall from a rooftop, let it soak into the soil, and filter it all at once. The museum also contains a mummy display that features Tjenet-actual Nefer's mummy in addition to artifacts and a forensic recreation of her appearance.
In addition, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum contains a planetarium with a number of presentations and displays that explore space and time.
3. Check out Kalamazoo Nature Center
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of the top outdoor recreation areas in the city. The nature center, which has 14 miles of paths, has a variety of settings with a wide range of animals, plants, and trees.
The park's pathways wind through wetlands, forests, and prairies, among other different sorts of scenery. The hummingbird and butterfly garden is also open to visitors.
Try the Raptor Ridge hike for some of the county's best vistas. One of the highest spots in the area is reached by this half-mile loop walk, which offers sweeping views of the Kalamazoo River valley.
The exhibitions hall also has a number of changing displays that cover the geography, fauna, and history of the area. Also, local artists' work is on show.
4. See a show at Kalamazoo State Theatre
Visit the Kalamazoo State Theatre to catch a peek of one of Kalamazoo, Michigan's golden eras. One of the last major movie theaters in the nation, the theater first opened its doors in 1927.
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, these "atmospheric picture palaces" were constructed. On the National Register of Historic Places is where the structure is listed.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre was initially intended to be a picture palace where it would show vaudeville acts and silent movies. It serves as the primary venue for live performances of music, comedies, and other events in the city.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Britney Spears, the Temptations, and everyone in between. It features an artist spotlight series and an events calendar.
5. Pay Gene the Pumpkin Guy a visit
Gene Rhodes has been referred to as "The Pumpkin Man" of Kalamazoo for more than 60 years. For many years, he has been picking pumpkins from his farm and selling them at his orange-splattered farm stand near the city. He continues to be revered as a true institution among Kalamazoo locals.
Gene's farm is impossible to miss. With an orange automobile just in front of it, it seems like an orange explosion as it sits by the side of M-43. Rhodes can produce around 40 tons of pumpkins and squash in a good year, and he sells them all along with other fruits and vegetables including corn, squash, and gourds.
Nothing truly captures the spirit of autumn like a visit to Gene's to select your best pumpkin, explore the corn maze, and stock up on locally produced goods like rich pumpkin butter.
6. Explore the Al Sabo Conservancy
Go outside and discover the Al Sabo Preserve's untamed beauty. 741 acres of marsh and forest, 25 miles of excellent walking pathways, and gurgling streams make up this protected natural area.
Visitors will encounter a range of environments when exploring the Al Cabo Preserve, from open meadows and wetlands to hardwood woods. The preserve is covered in kilometers of pathways, most of which are intended for walking.
There are designated cycling trails throughout the preserve if you prefer to explore on two wheels. Mountain biking is a popular pastime at the Al Cabo Preserve, despite this. The designated mountain riding trails are particularly well-liked.
It would be wise to bring binoculars if you have any interest in wildlife. The park is home to about 160 different types of wildlife, including fish, birds, deer, coyotes, turtles, and fish.
7. Kalamazoo Book Arts Center can help you discover your creative side.
The soft, cultural core of Kalamazoo's downtown can be found if you know where to look. Certain areas of the city may appear grimy and tough.
At the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, a nonprofit community organization devoted to preserving the craft of bookmaking, authors and artists unleash their creative potential. In order to teach creatives the ins and outs of book design, printing, paper production, and creative writing, the space was established in 2005.
KBAC, which is based in Kalamazoo's downtown, offers seminars, artists-in-residence programs, a library, and a book arts shop, among other things.
Online or in-person workshops are both options. If a student is in charge of planning an event, they can also choose private seminars.
8. Examine Kalamazoo's downtown
One of the oldest cities in the state of Michigan is Kalamazoo. Prior to the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was initially inhabited by Potawatomi Native Americans. Since being given the name Kalamazoo in 1836, the city has served as a crucial junction for Michigan.
The historic downtown is a must while exploring all that Kalamazoo has to offer in terms of history, culture, and activity. Many of Kalamazoo's historic structures, as well as its art galleries, dining establishments, and entertainment, may be found downtown.
You can explore the pedestrian-friendly Kalamazoo Mall, one of the first in the United States, or the Kalamazoo Valley Museum while strolling around downtown Kalamazoo.
There is a sizable amount of green space in downtown, as well as a section of the Kalamazoo River. Attend a symphony orchestra performance or visit the galleries at the monthly Art Hop.
9. Go to Henderson Castle.
Henderson Castle is a lovely ancient building that has been converted into a posh bed and breakfast. It is perched high on a hill overlooking downtown Kalamazoo and is a well-known landmark among locals. The elegant Queen-Anne-style home, which was first constructed in 1895, is a piece of beauty, and its hilltop location lends it an air of importance.
The public can visit Henderson Castle today where it serves as a bed and breakfast. It has a rooftop hot tub, a ballroom on the third floor, and seven bathrooms. It was Frank Henderson's house in Kalamazoo in the 19th century before it turned into a fashionable location to stay. The castle has had nine different owners since the Hendersons.
Did you know there is a castle in Kalamazoo, Michigan? The Henderson Castle is an inn and restaurant. Built in 1895, the castle now hosts activities like the Murder Mystery Dinner and the Princess Tea Party.#GloballyEngagedBroncosa #CELCIS #MyTownTuesday #ESL #WelcomeAtWestern pic.twitter.com/voX7Xqc3Dy
— WMU CELCIS (@wmucelcis) May 15, 2018
Brick and sandstone from Lake Superior were used to construct the stunning building. Mahogany, birch, and American sycamore are found inside. In its history, it has appeared in three horror movies.
10. Cycling at Markin Glen Park
Kalamazoo travels to Markin Glen County Park to spend time outside. One of the most well-liked spots in the city to spend time in nature, this vast outdoor paradise is teeming with activity.
The park's grounds were formerly Morris Markin's estate and became a park in 1994. It covers 160 acres and is laced with numerous trails for walking and trekking through beech and maple tree forests.
38 campsites and a swimmable beach are also present.
In Kalamazoo, mountain riding is very popular, and Markin Glen County Park is no different. The Maple Hill Trail, a designated mountain bike path with five miles of single track that winds through the park, is a popular destination for mountain bikers. Jumps, rock formations, and tabletops are features.
11. Walk through Milham Park
Milham Park is a wonderful illustration of a stunning outdoor area in Kalamazoo if you need one. Milham Park is a peaceful park that may be explored and is bordered by the lovely Portage Creek. Throughout the course of its 49 acres, a network of unpaved trails may be found, as well as three bridges that span Portage Creek.
The area on which Milham Park now stands was formerly a portion of Kalamazoo resident John Milham's estate. Currently, it serves as a popular gathering place for family and friends.
There are plenty of paved and unpaved walking pathways, grilling stations, picnic spaces, a playground, and other amenities.
South of downtown, the park offers a convenient getaway from the bustle of the city center.
12. Attend a Show at Miller Auditorium
If you're interested in attending a live concert, you should look at the James W. Miller Auditorium's schedule. The Miller Auditorium, which is a part of Western Michigan University, is one of Michigan's biggest theaters. It is the premier venue for the performing arts in Kalamazoo and can hold close to 3,500 spectators.
The location is set up to hold a variety of performances, including live music, comedies, and family-friendly productions in the Broadway style. Also, it serves as the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's home theater.