Kalamazoo Michigan: Top 10 Things To Do | Traveling Michigan (2024)

Kalamazoo Michigan: Top 11 Things to Do in Kzoo! |By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com| Last updated: September 18, 2022

There are so many GREAT Things To Do in Kalamazoo Michigan! Oh, and we have ideas of fun free things to do too!

I adore this Kzoo! I graduated from Western Michigan University (Go Bronco’s!) and lived there for around 18 years. This vibrant college town has fantastic restaurants, parks, shopping, walking trails and art centers.

Just recently, an influx in Kalamazoo Michigan breweries have sprouted up all over the city as beer connoisseurs heartily support new local businesses.

In my opinion, Kzoo Michigan has two distinct areas that are connected by Westnedge Ave. The south side features block after block of stores, chain restaurants and the popular Crossroads Mall.

To the north is the bustling artistic downtown area with boutiques, galleries, parks, art centers and great non-chain restaurants.

Our Top 11 Fun Things to Do in Kalamazoo Michigan

1. Shop Till Your Drop in Downtown Kalamazoo MI

Downtown KalamazooMichigan-One of my favorite things to do is wander around downtown Kalamazoo. West Michigan Avenue is the main downtown Kalamazoo street. Popping into the wide variety of shops and boutique shops can easily fill an afternoon or evening so be sure to walk down S. Kalamazoo Mall.

Be sure to grab dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants and bistro's. Many offer outside seating which is great for people watching!

Our favorite downtown Kalamazoo restaurants are Rustica (awesome pasta and steaks) and Epic Bistro, both on S. Kalamazoo Mall. Their wood fired pizza's are divine and the restaurant offers unusual and healthy pizza toppings.

2. Go for a Walk or Jog at These Scenic Kalamazoo Hiking Trails!

If you love getting out in nature, stretching your legs and exercising, check out these 4 Scenic Kalamazoo/Portage Michigan Hiking Trails! Perfect for walking, hiking, jogging and walking with your dog!

Includes:

• Eliason Nature Reserve
• Bishop's Bog Preserve
• West Lake Nature Preserve
• Celery Flats

3. Tour the Park Trades Center in Downtown Kzoo Michigan

Park Trades Center-Previously the Saniwax Building, the Park Trades Center is in downtown Kalamazoo near McDonalds. This amazing four-story building is an artist mecca. It houses a variety of artists in residence and numerous businesses.

The first Friday of every month is the city's famous Art Hop in which artists open their studios to the public to sell their art, perform demonstrations and mingle with the community. The Park Trades Center is bustling with people enjoying art while munching on tasty snacks and wine provided by the artists.

While living in Kalamazoo Michigan, I worked at West Michigan Glass Art Center (Renamed as Glass Art Kalamazoo) located in the Park Trades Center downtown. As such, I ate lunches at the Co-Op, shopped in the fabulous downtown shops and dined almost exclusively downtown.

4. First Friday of Every Month is Art Hop!

Kalamazoo Art Hop-I soooo look forward to the first Friday of every month for the Art Hop from 5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Kalamazoo Michigan!

What's so cool about the Art Hop?

WELL....Numerous businesses in the downtown walking mall area enthusiastically host local artists to display their artwork (and there's free snacks and wine....I know, I probably should have lead with that).

It's a win-win as businesses AND artists gain exposure to the community.

My tips on the best way to enjoy it: Park downtown early (beat the crowds) and have dinner...May I suggest The Union, Zazio's or Epic Bistro since they are located in the heart of the Art Hop.

• Want more freakin' awesome Kalamazoo restaurant suggestions? We've got 'em.

But eat lightly and skip dessert so you have room for free snacks and wine. Be sure to gohereand obtain the current month's art hop map.

5. Go Hiking! Kalamazoo Nature Center: Enjoy Time Outside in Nature!

Kalamazoo Nature Center-located at 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo Michigan. The Nature Center features 14 miles of great trails for walking or cross-country skiing. Chris and I love their Maple Syrup festival in March where you can see how trees are tapped and you get to taste fresh maple syrup in the woods!

We also seized the opportunity to check out unbelievably cool birds of prey during one of their nature presentations. Please note, bikes and dogs are not allowed on the trails.

6. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Take an Art Class!

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts-located at 314 S Park Street, Kalamazoo Michigan. The KIA boasts an art gallery with rotating special exhibits, lectures and events. Numerous classes are offered year round for adults in painting (watercolor and oil), pottery (wheel and hand built), sculpture (clay and cast), glass, fiber, jewelry, metals, photography and more.

Summer camp and a variety of classes are also offered for children. Be sure to check out the immense and stunningly colorful blown glass Dale Chihuly piece suspended in the glass entry way. It’s also a wow factor at night!

I have taken numerous classes at the Institute of Arts including pottery, welding, silk painting, photography and floral arranging so I can attest for their high quality of instruction and dedication to student learning.

I particularly enjoy the artistic comradery and willingness to share ideas. Chris and I had a fabulous time at their “Date Night” class which was one evening of clay instruction on the wheel and raku firing. We look pretty professional, don't we? ;)

Be sure to mark your calendars for the KIA annual Christmas art fair where local artists set up booths throughout the building selling their handmade art. Choose from paintings, pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, metals, photography and more. I sold my handmade kiln fused art at this sale for several years and I miss it!

7. Buy Some Art at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Summer Art Fair

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Summer Art Fair-Every June in the Downtown area. I make every possible effort to attend this art fair every year, not just because I adore art fairs, but because it is located in beautiful Bronson Park. The art fair expands every year so now vendors line the downtown mall area.

This art fair rocks because there is such amazing diversity of art: pottery, jewelry, paintings, fiber art, photography, children’s art, wood furniture and clothing (I love the handmade dresses!).

Food trucks also make an appearance so you can indulge in fresh shaken lemonade (my weakness), funnel cakes, chicken on a stick and other awesome treats. Bands perform in the band shell and trees provide shade as you shop.

8. Spend the Day at Gilmore Car Museum

Gilmore Car Museum-Located at 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060.

The immaculate museum grounds with it's iconic bright red barns is a photographers dream. Gilmore houses one of Michigan's largest collections of classic and vintage automobiles. The museum offers a Model T Driving School Experience and numerous events throughout the year.

Gilmore Car Museum is also a fantastic backdrop for weddings. We shot the wedding shown in the photo above.

Beginning in May is Gilmore's free Wednesday night Cruise-In's. Chris and his friends love to meet there to walk the grounds and discuss cars...at least that's what I am led to believe... ;)

So many fun things to do in Kalamazoo Michigan!

9.Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum: Spend the Day in Simulators and Rides plus Learning All About Airplanes!

KalamazooAir Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum-6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002. WOW, what a place!

My family and nephew (when he visits) loves spending an afternoon at the Kzoo Air Zoo. We love the simulators, movie memorabilia, 3D movies and of course, the stunning array of aircraft. You will love all the interactive exhibits.

There are also a variety of rides for adults and kids including an inside hot air balloon ride! How cool is that! If you are lucky, you can snag a docent to give you a guided tour with detailed information about the airplanes.

Definitely worth the visit for the whole family while in Kalamazoo Michigan!

10. Tour Kalamazoo College

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, K College was founded in 1833, placing it among the 100 oldest colleges and universities in the nation.

Click here for a Printable PDF of K College campus. There are 32 buildings on this map-use it to develop a walking tour around your interests.

Visitor Parking for Kalamazoo College

General visitorparking is available on Campus Drive and in the lot east of the Fitness and Wellness Center (blue areas on the campus map above).

Free street parkingis available on a first-come first-served basis on Academy and neighborhood streets.

Enjoy Lillian Anderson Arboretum Owned By Kalamazoo College

The Lillian Anderson Arboretum is comprised of 140 acres of marsh, meadow, pine plantation and second-growth deciduous forest. It's a lovely way to spend a couple hours!

Here is a trail map of Lillian Anderson Arboretum.

11. See a K-Wings Hockey Game!

3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Mid-level professional ice hockey team

Watching a Kalamazoo Wings game is great fun. Grab some snacks and drink and head to your seat as Slappy is about to start some antics to fire up the crowd!! Check the K-Wings schedule for special events.

My co-workers and I enjoy the special green ice nights for St. Patrick's day and the pink ice nights for Valentine's day.

Visit Nearby Marshall Michigan!

Visit nearby Marshall Michigan! So many fun things to do including an incredible boardwalk, dam, outstanding ice cream, city-wide walking trails, great shopping, historic home tours and one-of-a-kind museums!

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Keep Reading! ;)

• Discover Battle Creek Michigan: 7 Top-Rated Things to Do, Best Restaurants, Events and Hotels
• Visit Binder Park Zoo!(You will love it!)

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