Located in southern Michigan, the vibrant city of Kalamazoo is a surprising destination for those planning a trip to the Midwest. Whether you’re coming to town for business, pleasure, or something else entirely, you’ll find no shortage of great things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo is a vibrant hub filled with art, culture, museums, theatres, various festivals and events, and all the things that come along with a city this size: great restaurants, breweries, and more.
Many of the best things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, are in the downtown area, so it’s important to note that this city is super walkable. It’s so nice to be able to park the car and head out on foot!. In downtown Kalamazoo, you’ll find a host of great restaurants, lively bars, boutique shops, charming parks, and more. You’ll also find so many wonderful outdoor activities within minutes of the city. With so many great things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, we’re confident you’ll enjoy every minute of your time spent in this exciting city.
That is especially true when you stay with us at our top-rated Boutique Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We offer an unforgettable lodging experience, complete with historic guest rooms, exceptional hospitality, a delicious breakfast, personalized service, and complimentary amenities. With our central location downtown, you’ll love making The Kalamazoo House your home base. You’ll quickly see why our guests keep leaving such fantastic reviews; we have nearly 650 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Book your room at our hotel in Michigan today!
The Best Things to Do in Kalamazoo, Michigan
There’s a lot to love about Kalamazoo, including the fact that it’s truly a four-season destination. Whether you prefer to get outside and play in the snow and stay cozy inside or if you’d rather paddle the waterways, ride the trails, and embrace the fantastic nightlife and dining scene, this is the time to discover the best of this underrated Midwestern town. Be sure to plan a stay for two days or more, and you’ll really get to experience this city and the surrounding areas to the fullest.
Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to add to your itinerary:
- Shopping is one of the most popular pastimes in the area, and the historic Kalamazoo Mall is the nation’s first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall, established in 1959. Today, it remains a lively gathering place filled with independent boutiques, specialty shops, local restaurants, and inviting cafes.
- The Kalamazoo Farmers Market is another local favorite, offering fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, and handcrafted goods while providing a glimpse into the community’s strong local roots.
- Dining out at the best Kalamazoo restaurants will be a highlight of your trip.
- Automotive enthusiasts consistently rank the Gilmore Car Museum among the top things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Home to more than 300 vintage and classic automobiles displayed across a landscaped campus, the museum offers an impressive journey through American automotive history.
- Visit the Air Zoo Air and Space Experience, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that houses more than 50 historic aircraft, along with flight simulators and interactive exhibits. It combines education with excitement, making it one of the most engaging attractions in the region. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is another must-see stop, offering free admission, hands-on exhibits, and a planetarium that explores science, technology, and local history.
- Kalamazoo is a great beer town, too, so one of our favorite things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is to visit what we think are some of the best Michigan breweries. A visit to iconic breweries such as Bell’s Brewery is a must. From taproom tastings to brewery tours, the local craft scene reflects the city’s entrepreneurial energy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Are you craving a little bit of nature during your getaway to Michigan? One of the best things to do in Kalamazoo is to walk the trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. There’s some great birdwatching here too! And Bronson Park also known as Kalamazoo’s “Front Porch” is another great spot to visit, it’s the city’s oldest green space and centrally located.
- Another great place to spend some time immersed in nature is the stunning Lillian Anderson Arboretum, which covers 140 acres of second-growth deciduous forest, pine plantation, swampland, and meadow.
- Art lovers have plenty to love about trips to Kalamazoo, too, including the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. This stunning museum is home to collections of 20th–century American sculpture and painting. Not only that, but its impressive Dale Chihuly sculpture is visible from the window of our Kalamazoo Suite.
- With the river running through downtown, it’s probably no surprise that getting on the water is one of the best things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A great place to do this is Woods Lake Park. This park has a sandy beach, a modern fishing pier, and several access points to the Kalamazoo River, which is great for kayaking, tube floating, or paddleboarding.
Unwind at our Boutique Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan
It’s easy to see why people love our hidden gem city so much. There are so many fantastic things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and there’s only one choice for lodging that offers exceptional, personalized hospitality and an easy-to-access location. Our Boutique Hotel in Kalamazoo has 10 uniquely appointed, spacious suites, each with ample amenities and all the creature comforts you want during vacation. Our goal is to be your go-to home away from home for all your visits to Kalamazoo.
As great as these guest rooms are, what sets us apart from our competition is our exceptional service. This starts each morning of your stay during breakfast, when we’ll treat you to a delicious multi-course feast made with care and seasonal ingredients. From there, we’re more than happy to spend some time with you, making recommendations and helping decide what to do in Kalamazoo during your stay. Book your room today!
