Attractions & Experiences

You can kayak down the Kalamazoo River, bike to the lakeshore on the Kal-Haven Trail, or run with thousands throughout the city at the annual Borgess Run and Kalamazoo Marathon. You can visit a monthly Art Hop, and if you’re feeling inspired, take a class at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Kalamazoo has a free public museum, several golf courses, shopping, walking tours, and even a “zoo” dedicated to aircraft. Soon enough, you’ll find you need more time to explore!

Activities

father and his kids running a marathon

Kalamazoo Marathon

Don’t miss the lively spectacle of the annual 5K, 10K, Half and full marathon on Sunday, May 6 – or sign up and explore the city by foot!

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two people riding their bikes on Kal-Haven Trail

Kal-Haven Trail

This 33-mile trail links the city of South Haven to the city of Kalamazoo over bridges, through small towns, and alongside points of interest. Kalamazoo is filled with trails and...

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glass of wine with map sitting on table

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or expert advice on selecting the right wine, the Wine Trail offers more than a dozen wineries to explore--all within a short drive of...

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couple drinking beer and smiling

West Michigan Beer Tours

The explosion of craft breweries in Michigan was led by Bell's Brewery, founded in the 1980s right here in Kalamazoo. Private and public tours showcasing the area’s amazing craft brew...

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outside of art hop

Art Hop

Held on the first Friday of every month (May 1 during the 2020 Festival), Art Hop provides an evening of free art exhibits and events throughout downtown Kalamazoo as an...

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multiple guitars hanging up

Heritage Guitar

Kalamazoo’s history with the guitar dates back to the late 1800s. The Gibson Guitar Company was born in Kalamazoo and lasted until 1984, when former employees founded Heritage Guitar, Inc....

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Museums and Attractions

outside of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Museum

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Since 1924, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has presented opportunities to the community and visitors from around the world to enjoy and create art. It holds more than 4,700 pieces...

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Father and his three kids inside Kalamazoo Valley museum

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Voted top small museum in Michigan by readers of Michigan Living magazine, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers planetarium shows, hands-on crafts, lectures, and musical performances. General admission is free!

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two historical cars parked at Gilmore Car Museum

Gilmore Car Museum

Antique Automobile magazine has called the Gilmore Car Museum “one of the top five car museums in the nation.” The 90-acre park-like location holds nearly 400 automobiles.

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owl at kalamazoo nature center

Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Kalamazoo Nature Center was voted top nature center in the nation and features indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Explore 1,100 acres of wooded, rolling countryside including an...

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kids on a ride at air zoo

Air Zoo

With more than 50 rare and historic aircraft, the Air Zoo features indoor amusement park-style rides, full-motion flight simulators, RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater, as well as historical exhibits and educational...

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children feed giraffes at binder park zoo

Binder Park Zoo

Situated on 433 acres, Binder Park Zoo features a variety of rides and exhibits. An 18-acre savannah hosts herds of impala, zebra, antelope, lions, gazelle, and ostrich, and the Twiga...

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Golfing and Shopping

outside of Milham Park Golf Course

Milham Park Golf Course

Milham Park is a challenging 18-hole, par-72 layout on 130 acres adjacent to beautiful Milham Park on the southern edge of Kalamazoo.

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landscape view of Gull lake view golf club and resort

Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort

Gull Lake View is Southwest Michigan’s oldest and largest golf resort, featuring five championship courses, lodging and dining, and event facilities in Augusta, MI.

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landscape view of Angels crossing golf course

Angels Crossing Golf Club

Named one of the top 10 public access golf courses in Michigan, Vicksburg golf course Angels Crossing offers terrific views and challenging play for all golfers.

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merry go round at crossroads mall

Crossroads Mall

The Crossroads Mall includes more than 100 popular retailers and an extensive food court. The mall is located in Portage.

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view down the street at kalamazoo mall

Kalamazoo Mall

Situated on Burdick Street between Eleanor and Lovell streets, the Kalamazoo Pedestrian Mall features retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Stop by The Gilmore’s box office at the Epic Center...

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