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Welcome to Kalamazoo County

Here you’ll find a unique and exciting city vibe, but with the comfort of warm people, an easy-going pace of life, and truly beautiful countryside. With abundant lakes, trails, and parks and a walkable downtown that boasts the nation’s first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall, there’s a tailored experience for every interest. When you visit Kalamazoo, you can go for a hike in the morning, grab lunch and a beer at Bell’s Brewery and catch a show at the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre at night, all without spending more than thirty minutes in your car.

Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find breathtaking nature, with endless opportunities to bike, hike, camp, kayak, golf and ski. The area is known for craft beer, notably Bell’s Brewery, a pioneer in the craft beer industry since 1985. Kalamazoo County is also home to world-class museums and attractions including the Smithsonian affiliated Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum and the Gilmore Car Museum, North America’s largest automobile museum.

In Kalamazoo, you get to enjoy big city excitement, with a twist of easy-going comfort.

Trails & Outdoor Fun

Shopping

Arts & Entertainment

Give a Craft® Beer Trail

Museums & Attractions

Sports

Discover Kalamazoo

North
Central North
Northeast
Downtown
East
West
Central South
South

north

Much of Kalamazoo’s small-town charm can be found in its hidden gems, from the historic landmarks to the four-season outdoor recreation experiences! Head north in Kalamazoo County and you'll be greeted by an abundance of gorgeous dense forests, winding back roads that lead to North America's largest auto museum, and hands-down the clearest, bluest fresh water in West Michigan.

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Check out South Kitchen

Go Boating on Gull Lake

Visit the Gilmore Car Museum

Visit the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

central-north

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts - this is your haven! Enjoy miles and miles of trails, challenge yourself on an intense mountain bike course, or discover the beauty and wonder of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The fall season brings vibrant and gorgeous foliage to indulge in, while the winter offers events like the Maple Sugar Festival.

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Exterior view of the nature center in fall

Visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center

Discover Markin Glen County Park

Stop for breakfast at Nena's Cooper Cafe

A bike leaning against a signpost, next to a path

Bike the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

northeast

There's a little bit of everything here in this part of Kalamazoo! If exploring the outdoors is up your alley, you'll love Fort Custer Recreation area for camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and more! Interested in the arts? The Barn Theatre is a historic landmark and is one of the oldest summer stock theatres in Michigan.

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Tour Bell's Brewery's Production Facility

Discover Fort Custer Recreation Area

See a show at the Historic Barn Theatre

A green beverage sitting on a wooden cask

Stop for drinks at Gull Lake Distilling

downtown

There’s nothing typical about Kalamazoo. We’re multicultural and urban, yet down-to-earth and homegrown. A city rich with creative energy, where our sense of adventure extends from the outdoors onto your plate. You can rock climb in the heart of downtown or rock out at a live show, admire art or make it yourself. So, what’s first?

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Discover unique date ideas

Go on a brewery walking tour

Visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

People shopping at a sidewalk sale on a sunny day

Shop along the historic Kalamazoo Mall

east

On the outskirts of both Climax and Scotts, you’ll find two of Kalamazoo’s most unique and sprawling county parks for outdoor adventure, quintessential main streets lined with charming cafés, comfort food, and mom-and-pop shops. Wander the trails surrounding a historic mill, camp near remote and quiet lakeshores, and wake up your senses with comforting flavors like cinnamon toffee lattes and Michigan cherry coffee.

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Stop for breakfast at Scotts Corner Cafe

Explore Scotts Mill County Park

Visit Scooters Malt Shoppe

Camp, hike, fish or play disc golf at Cold Brook County Park

west

Take in the beauty of it all – scenic bikeways, abundant UPick farmlands, pumpkin patches, and cider mills. Here you'll be able to get your hands on fresh fruits and vegetables, pick pumpkins, and sample homemade donuts and pie. If adventure is more your thing, head out to bike the Kal-Haven Trail or explore the fish hatchery, then end the day with a cold beer!

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Visit a UPick Farm

Aerial view of a bicyclist riding down a road next to a green field

Bike the Kal-Haven Trail

Visit a pumpkin patch

Grab a dinner and a beer at Texas Corners Brewing Co

central-south

From laid-back breweries and a lake life mantra to carefully curated shops and fine dining, Portage is an outdoor enthusiast's haven and home to the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, one of the area's most popular and treasured attractions!

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Discover the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center

Play a round of mini golf while you sip beers at Presidential Brewing

Bike the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail

Enjoy a sunset dinner on West Lake at Cove Lakeside Bistro

south

From the historic restoration of an entire village and the preservation of a landmark of the Underground Railroad, to honest-to-goodness local grub and good company, the quaint villages of Vicksburg and Schoolcraft are both popular destinations for local history buffs, antique shopping, small town charm, and those looking to blend both old and new living in perfect harmony.

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