Top 27 Things To Do In Kalamazoo, Michigan

1. Catch spectacular live performances at the Kalamazoo State Theatre

Those looking for some entertainment in Kalamazoo, Michigan, shouldn’t miss out on the spectacular performances at the historic State Theatre. Whether it’s a music artist, a stand-up comedian, a stage play, or even a movie screening, the State Theatre has plenty of fun options lined up. If you need a drink or snack to go with your show, there are concessions that offer local beers and liquors, along with a selection of sodas, candy, and popcorn.

The State Theatre also gets involved with several festivals in Kalamazoo, such as the Black Arts Festival and the Gilmore Piano Festival. So, make sure to swing by here if you’re in town during the celebrations.

Kalamazoo State Theatre

Address: 404 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Kalamazoo State Theatre

Opening hours: Varies per show

Price: Varies per show

2. Sip exquisite spirits at Green Door Distilling Co.

Whether you’re a spirits connoisseur, an aspiring mixologist, or just want a fun grown-up thing to do in Kalamazoo with family, the Green Door Distilling Co. will be open for you, figuratively and literally. Check out their seasonal menu, which includes various ingredients to create fascinating new flavors. Try out their signature cocktails; take a shot of the Morning Ritual for a pick-me-up or the Fabulous Fall Cosmo for something exquisite. For the non-alcoholics and designated drivers, the mixologists can craft a mocktail for them.

For those curious about the process of making their liquors and spirits, you can book a distillery tour online or ask the mixologists if there’s something in store for that day.

Green Door Distilling Co.

Address: 429 E. North ST. Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Website: Green Door Distilling Co.

Opening hours: Wed & Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri & Sat: 3pm - 12am (closed Sun - Tue)

3. Appreciate the marvelous art collection at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

KIA or Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is one of the great art centers in Southwest Michigan. It is a non-profit organization that offers a 4,000-piece collection focusing on American, African-American, and non-Western artworks. It also offers art programs for budding young artists and access to a virtual art exhibit of K-8 students. Pay a small fee and become a member of KIA to avail of its long-list of benefits. Get a year-round free pass to the museum’s exhibits and other programs. You have discounts on items at Gallery Shop and services offered by Kirk Newman Art School as well as access to members-only events.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Address: 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu & Sun)

4. Catch classic plays at Farmers Alley Theatre

Farmers Alley Theatre is the headquarters of a professional non-profit theater group engaged in performing modern and classic cabaret and drama on stage. They also offer educational programs to children who have an inclination for theater and equal opportunity to everyone in learning theater arts. They provide close-quartered training to promote theater arts education in various disciplines. The artists put in a great effort in their every performance so it will have a great and lasting impact on the audience. To make theater art entertainment and education accessible to all, both are offered at very reasonable prices.

Farmers Alley Theatre

Address: 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Farmers Alley Theatre

5. Browse through exhibits at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Kalamazoo Valley Museum features a huge museum and a full-dome planetarium at Arcadia Commons Campus. It aims to attract families and pique their interests in history, technology, and science. There are lectures and discussions available for adults on Sundays and Friday nights. If you are an educator, you will find the PDF guide helpful if you bring your entire class with you on a field trip. Your students get to experience the interactive exhibits, explore the galaxy or the world through planetarium shows, and participate in a variety of workshops. Watch live performances, lectures, films, and attend classes at the high-tech Mary Jane Stryker Theater. The main museum, which opened in the 1880s, has a permanent collection of ancient and cultural artifacts.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Address: 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Wed)

6. Breathe in some fresh air at Markin Glen County Park

Markin Glen County Park was formerly a 160-ac (65 ha) private estate transformed into a county park in 1994. The property is built on one of Kalamazoo’s highest points so you can hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city center. The park also features several lakes for swimming and fishing, paved multi-use trails, a swimming beach, a mountain bike trail, tennis courts, picnic shelters, ultra-modern camping grounds, volleyball courts, and a softball field. Enjoy all these while you are surrounded by lush greenery and a plethora of flowers. Come and spend the whole day in the park and breathe in the fresh air.

Markin Glen County Park

Address: 5300 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49004, United States

Website: Markin Glen County Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

7. Discover a variety of outdoor activities at Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

There’s a lot of outdoorsy things to do at Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The entire trail stretches through Kalamazoo County measuring 35 mi (56 km) of which 22 mi (35 km) are already paved and passable. The current non-motorized trail connects Battle Creek Linear Park and trails of Kal-Haven and Portage Bicentennial Park. Two segments of the trail are joined together passing through Kalamazoo downtown where people have several options for shopping and eating. Since the trail also serves as a county park, people can take nature strolls, jog, rollerblade, skateboarde, and more.

Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Address: 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Website: Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Opening hours: 7am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Witness a wedding at Henderson Castle

Henderson Castle is one of the most romantic accommodations in Kalamazoo. The former 1985 castle converted into a well-kept boutique inn is surrounded by a landscaped garden filled with trees. It’s the perfect venue for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, and honeymoons. It has several bedrooms and cottages, with different names and motifs, furnished with thick cushioned beds and antique furnishings. For dining options, there’s an on-site restaurant and a bar lounge both serving fine wines, local beer, and handcrafted cocktails with a fine-dining menu. The inn also offers cooking classes, high tea service, spa services, breakfast get-togethers, Sunday brunch, wine-tastings, and haunted tours.

Henderson Castle

Address: 100 Monroe St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, United States

Website: Henderson Castle

9. Watch an orchestra concert at Miller Auditorium

Miller Auditorium has maintained a permanent presence in Kalamazoo’s cultural landscape since it opened in 1968. For more than five decades, it ranks among the top ten theaters in the United States. The auditorium was built on the campus of Western Michigan University. James W. Miller, the University President, said on its grand opening that the purpose of the new building is to enrich the lives of the entire community and educate students through the performing arts. Today the theater dominates the entire Southwest Michigan’s performing arts scene. It continues to host plays, concerts, operas, and other performances.

James W. Miller Auditorium

Address: 1341 Theater Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Website: James W. Miller Auditorium

10. Catch a game of football at Waldo Stadium

Together with Hyames Field, Waldo Stadium was constructed in 1939 to be part of Western Michigan University’s new athletic plant. The gigantic football facility, featuring an eight-lane track, was named after WMU President Emeritus and a Bronco Athletics number one fan— Dwight B. Waldo. Over the centuries, the stadium has undergone several makeovers such as the installation of new green turf in 2013 and three new videoboards in 2015. Today, it is home to the Broncos (football team of Western Michigan) and serves as a venue for most football games. With the home-court advantage, the team has won 10 championship seasons from 1939. Catch the exciting football games when you are in Kalamazoo and get good seats at the stadium. In the 1999 season, the recorded average attendance was 26,874.

Waldo Stadium

Address: Bill Brown Alumni Football Center Western Michigan University 1903 West Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo MI 49008-5422

Website: Waldo Stadium

11. Play golf at Milham Park Golf Course

Milham Park has consistently won the best golf course awards from Kalamazoo Gazette Reader’s Choice since 2008. The 18-hole golf course is built on the lovely greens of the 130-ac (53 ha) Milham Park in southern Kalamazoo. It was first opened in 1931 with only nine holes and in 1936, it was completed with another set of holes. Since then it has ranked among the municipal’s best-maintained golf courses where most tournaments are being held. Golf fanatics will be thrilled to know that besides the amazing golf greens, their world-class facilities also include a pro shop, practice facilities, a snack bar, power golf carts, and a full liquor bar.

Milham Park Golf Course

Address: 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, United States

Website: Milham Park Golf Course

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Price: From 12 USD

12. Shop for fresh veggies at Kalamazoo Farmers Market

Though Kalamazoo Farmers Market is currently operating only on Saturdays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it maintains its reputation as the best place to shop for all kinds of fresh and organic ingredients. During normal days, the market is where customers and over 100 farmers meet and the flowing trade between them has kept the market culture alive. Here, you will see an array of fresh meat, fruits, flowers, homegrown coffee, jams, jellies, organic soaps, and jams. To continue their support for the farmer’s market, KFM offers online delivery services.

Kalamazoo Farmers' Market

Address: 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, United States

Website: Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

13. Admire the glass art collections at Glass Art Kalamazoo Gallery

Glass Art Kalamazoo is not only a place where you can admire wonderful displays of one-of-a-kind glass art collections, it is also a non-profit artists’ community that teaches people how glass art is made. They have classes in glass blowing, bead making, glass fusing, bead making, and lampworking to develop your skills and appreciation of glass art. Though most of the classes are held in the studio, they also work with schools, businesses, and nonprofit groups to extend their services to the public. Become a member of their community by paying a fee and enjoy discounts on classes, workshops, purchases, exclusive events, studio rentals, and more.

Glass Art Kalamazoo Gallery

Address: 326 W Kalamazoo Ave #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Glass Art Kalamazoo Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 2pm - 6pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: From 25 USD

14. Honour the dead at Mountain Home Cemetery

It seems creepy but visiting Mountain Home Cemetery is one of the exciting things to do in Kalamazoo. It is located north of West Main in the middle of Hilbert and Ingleside Terrace. It is among the oldest and the most remarkable cemetery as the city’s most prominent citizens are buried there. Imposing structures like a Gothic-style vault was built in 1878 and a Romanesque-style sexton’s lodge was added in 1892. While here, you will also see architecturally stunning structures in this massive gravesite as you stroll along the peaceful green landscape.

Mountain Home Cemetery

Address: 1402 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, United States

Website: Mountain Home Cemetery

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

15. Learn the art of curling at Kalamazoo Curling Club

Curling is one of the national sports and favorite past times of Kalamazooans. What makes it exciting is that it requires accuracy and skill to win the game. Spend some time at Kalamazoo Curling Club and learn how to play this exciting sport. It looks simple and fun to play but it will require you and your friends to form your own team. Stick around the club long enough and you will find someone who will teach you how to play this sport and even compete with other teams. The winner of the first round will have to buy everyone a round of drinks.

Kalamazoo Curling Club

Address: 3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, United States

Website: Kalamazoo Curling Club

Price: From 125 USD

16. Sample a variety of wines at Lawton Ridge Winery

Though the winery is currently closed due to the pandemic, it has been operating since 1974 and producing the finest wines in the entire Michigan state. They are available by appointment for a limited time on certain days of the week and their precious wine is for curbside pickup only. The winery is owned by Dean Bender and Crick Haltom who made it their mission to produce the best commercial wines that match any type of cuisine. When you drop by their tasting room, you get to try six types of wine. When the pandemic is over, book the winery and tasting room for private events that can cater for up to 30 guests.

Lawton Ridge Winery

Address: 456 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, United States

Website: Lawton Ridge Winery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: From 6 USD

17. Relax in nature's lap at Al Sabo Preserve

Al Sabo Preserve is a 741-ac (299 ha) of protected wetlands serving as the headwaters of West Fork Portage Creek. The preserve was named after Albert Sabo, the former City Director of the Utilities Department. The area is home to diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows filled with a lot of trails, making it one of the top points of interest in Kalamazoo, Michigan. For the outdoorsy, bring a map and compass because there are several unmarked trails waiting to be discovered. To preserve the trails, biking is allowed only on trails marked for biking.

Al Sabo Preserve

Address: 6310 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, United States

Website: Al Sabo Preserve

Opening hours: 7:30am - 8pm (daily)

18. Spend time with family at Verhage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

While vacationing with your family, why not have a wholesome retreat at Verhage Fruit Farm and Cider Mill. It’s the best place to go on a weekend, especially if you want to enjoy fun things to with your kids while in Kalamazoo. There are group tours that will take you around the farm and a huge picnic area with attractions such as a hayride and zipline.

This is a working farm with animals so they might discourage you from bringing your pets. You can also explore their bakery where they make delicious home-baked goodies and pies. There is also a small shop where they sell all sorts of country-style home accessories, antiques, and vintage finds.

Verhage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill

Address: 8619 West ML Ave. Kalamazoo Mi 49009

Website: Verhage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm

Price: Free

19. Sip on locally crafted beers at the iconic Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery is the place to be if you want the best-handcrafted beers and food. It’s owned by Larry Bell who opened the business in 1983 as a homebrew supply store. In 1985, he sold his first 15-gallon pot of amber ale and has been brewing newer concoctions ever since. His popularity, production, and beer garden grew as the years passed. The beer and the company have won the biggest and brightest awards while expanding its space and territory over the decades. Drop by and sample the delicious beer paired with heavenly dishes at the Eccentric Café. The lovely restaurant used to be the space where he brewed his beer.

Bell’s Brewery

Address: 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Website: Bell’s Brewery

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 4pm - 8pm; Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: From 4 USD

20. Go on a shopping spree at the historic Kalamazoo Mall

One of the locals past times here is shopping! It can’t be helped especially if you have shopping malls like the historic Kalamazoo Mall where you can play, eat, drink, and shop. It is the country’s premier outdoor pedestrian mall designed in the style of European cities. It contains specialty shops, one-of-a-kind cafes, posh restaurants, and restored Art Deco structures. It hosts seasonal and holiday events to attract customers. You will find Mixer on the Mall, Art on the Mall, and designer labels under one roof.

Kalamazoo Mall

Address: N Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Kalamazoo Mall

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

21. Arrange for a picnic at Bronson Park

Plan a romantic picnic at Bronson Park which is in the center of Bronson Park District. The iconic park, founded in 1831 by its owner Titus Bronson, is a beautifully landscaped area that has witnessed Kalamazoo’s history unfold. The vast park with a fountain at the center is surrounded by statues of significant people in Kalamazoo’s history, ancient churches, the first government buildings, a library, and a civic theater. People flock to the park during summer to have picnics on the lush carpet of grass and watch concerts being held at the bandshell. Families enjoy strolling through the Candy Cane Lane and participate in art fairs and New Year’s Eve festivities.

Bronson Park

Address: 200 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Bronson Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

22. Get your caffeine fix at Black Owl Cafe

Black Owl Café is owned by Kalamazoo Coffee Co and a popular destination for coffee and tea aficionados in downtown Kalamazoo. In the same building where they serve their delicious comfort food and hand-blended brews and teas is where they roast the coffee beans. They serve an extensive list of drinks and breakfast Menu. You will find the perfect brunch dish with your choice of coffee or tea drink. Though the business has expanded with so many branches all over America, the original branch in Kalamazoo is still the best place to go if you want a romantic coffee date with a rustic vintage vibe.

Black Owl Cafe

Address: 414 Walbridge St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Black Owl Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 2pm

23. Relish European delights at Rustica

Foodies will agree that Rustica is more than just a gastronomical treat. It is a delightful, little restaurant in the downtown mall of Kalamazoo. The old-fashioned European bistro-type exteriors have big glass windows that give you a peek into its simple but elegant interiors. They have an outdoor seating area if you prefer dining al fresco. Taste their extensive menu of European delights while inside a restaurant that oozes a vintage vibe. The restaurant is currently closed due to the pandemic but they continue to serve their loyal customers through take-outs.

Rustica

Address: 236 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, United States

Website: Rustica

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10pm

24. Soak up the nightlife at Sky Deck

Enjoy a magical night in Kalamazoo by spending it at Sky Deck. This luxurious rooftop bar and restaurant is located on the seventh floor of Loft 310, the famous entertainment district in downtown Kalamazoo. Activities and special events are perfect for this place, including occasions such as a bachelorette or bachelor’s party, birthdays, weddings, St. Patrick’s day, and more.

Enjoy great food, free-flowing drinks, dance music, and a chic party ambiance on a huge terrace under a white tent with a view of Kalamazoo cityscape. Access to the roof deck is by climbing a flight of private stairs near Penthouse Suites.

Sky Deck

Address: 310 E. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo Michigan 49007

Website: Sky Deck

Price: From 5 USD

25. Discover beautiful guitars at Heritage Guitar Inc.

In Kalamazoo, Heritage Guitar Inc. is where you can buy world-class handcrafted guitars. The company started by making mandolins in the 1800s then ventured into making guitars from 1917 to 1984. The business was continued by former employees naming the company Heritage Guitars to carry on the tradition of producing the best handcrafted electric guitars. They gained a reputation for being one of the best musical instrument manufacturers. Let your first guitar come from Heritage Guitar. They also custom-make guitars so that it fits right in your hands and matches your personality.

Heritage Guitar Inc.

Address: Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

Website: Heritage Guitar Inc.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Sun)

26. Learn ballet dancing at Ballet Arts School of Dance

In Kalamazoo, dance is more than just an expression. It’s a form of art, a learning process, and an exercise. It helps develop your intellect, physique, and feelings. Ballet Arts School of Dance has been providing the community of Kalamazoo with the opportunity to learn classical ballet since 1975. You can enroll your kids and start them early. They will be under the tutelage of professional ballet dancers. The studio is currently closed, but it is worth checking out if you want to learn a new dance skill once the lockdown has been lifted.

Ballet Arts School of Dance

Address: 2018 Rambling Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008

Website: Ballet Arts School of Dance

27. Explore the scenic trails of Kalamazoo Nature Center

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Kalamazoo Nature Center is among the country’s best nature centers that span 1100 ac (1770 ha) of natural habitats that can be explored by traversing 16 hiking trails. It was created by an organization with the purpose of inspiring people to care for the environment by providing activities to connect them with nature. The Visitor Center showcases various plants and animals in their natural habitats that you will only see in KNC. The Tropical Sun or Rain Room, which is the focal point of the visitor center, is a three-story atrium filled with tropical plants and wildlife. Other highlights that you must see here include Glen Vista Gallery and Monica A. Evans Arboretum.

Skip the Line: Kalamazoo Nature Center Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 to 5 hours

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There's so much to do and see in Kalamazoo

The Paper City will be your next favorite travel destination simply because there’s so much going on there. Whether you are in the city center or in the countryside, there are tons of interesting activities or sites that will make your vacation in Kalamazoo more memorable. On your next visit to Michigan, don’t forget to include our list of things to do in Kalamazoo in your travel agenda.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of Verhage Fruit Farm & Cider Mill, Black Owl Cafe, and Rustica may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from their websites..