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Kalamazoo is a city of about 75,000 people in southwest Michigan, halfway between Detroit and Chicago. Founded in the 1830s along the Kalamazoo River, it grew into a manufacturing center known for paper mills, celery farms, Checker taxicabs, the Upjohn pharmaceutical company and the Gibson guitars first built here in the early 1900s.
Today it is a lively college town, home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, with a strong arts and craft beer scene. Downtown centers on Bronson Park and the Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States, opened in 1959. The free Kalamazoo Valley Museum, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the historic State Theatre are all within walking distance.
Bell's Brewery began here, and its Eccentric Cafe remains a pilgrimage stop for beer lovers. Trails along the river, the Kalamazoo Nature Center and marshland preserves add green space, and Lake Michigan beaches are under an hour away.
A free downtown museum with hands-on science exhibits, local history galleries, a planetarium and a Challenger Learning Center for space missions. Its Egyptian mummy is a favorite with visitors. Planetarium shows have a small fee; check show times and plan two hours for a family visit.
A respected regional art museum with a permanent collection of American art, works on paper, photography and ceramics, plus changing exhibitions and an art school. The building is close to Bronson Park. Admission is modest, and some exhibitions are free; check for special events and gallery talks.
The city's historic central park, surrounded by churches and civic buildings, with large shade trees, a fountain and monuments. Abraham Lincoln gave his only Michigan speech here in 1856. It hosts summer festivals, concerts and art fairs; a good place to start a downtown walk.
Opened in 1959 as the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States, this stretch of downtown is lined with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Part of it has since reopened to traffic, but it remains the heart of downtown life. Visit during evening events and festivals.
A historic movie palace that opened in 1927, with a Spanish-style atmospheric auditorium designed to look like an open courtyard under a night sky. Today it hosts concerts, comedy, films and touring shows. Check the schedule and arrive early to look at the ornate interior before the show.
Western Michigan University's large performing arts center, one of the biggest theaters in the state, hosting touring Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and comedy. Seats offer good views throughout. Buy tickets in advance for Broadway runs, and allow time to find parking on campus.
The original pub of Bell's Brewery, which Larry Bell started in Kalamazoo in 1985. It pours the full Bell's lineup plus small-batch beers available only here, with a food menu, a beer garden and live music in the back room. Families are welcome in the cafe; check for show nights.
A large farmers market at Bank Street with local fruit, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and crafts from southwest Michigan growers. Saturdays in summer and fall are the busiest and most colorful. Come early for the best selection, and bring cash and a bag for your purchases.
A large nature center just north of the city with trails through woods, wetlands and prairie, a visitor center with live animals and exhibits, a butterfly area and a historic farm. It is excellent for families and birdwatchers. There is an admission fee; wear good shoes for the hillier trails.
A nature preserve owned by Western Michigan University near the campus, with a marsh, woods and loop trails used for walking, running and research. It is a quiet place to spot birds, turtles and spring wildflowers. Trails can be wet; bring insect repellent in summer.
A paved multi-use trail that runs along the Kalamazoo River and connects downtown with parks and neighboring communities, part of a growing regional network. It is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers. Pick up the trail near downtown and head along the river for an easy ride.
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Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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