Kalamazoo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kalamazoo which includes wild flowers and a small town or village
Kalamazoo Valley Museum showing interior views
Battle Creek which includes views, outdoor art and a river or creek
Kalamazoo showing heritage elements
Kalamazoo showing a city

Explore a city with miles of hiking trails, interesting wildlife and a renowned aviation museum featuring flight simulators and vintage planes.

Kalamazoo in southwest Michigan offers some of the best attractions in the Midwestern United States. Visit its museums to discover important American art pieces from the 20th century and exhibits that focus on entertaining and educating children. Go hiking and see the natural treasures of the area. Enjoy a day at the Air Zoo, a fun aviation museum and amusement park.

The city was originally called Bronson, after its founder Titus Bronson. In 1836 the name was changed to Kalamazoo, which comes from the language spoken by the Native American Potawatomi people. Discover some of the original natural beauty of the Potawatomi land at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. It has more than 14 miles (22 kilometers) of hiking trails among the green scenery of Michigan. You can also view birds of prey and see interesting exhibitions in the Glen Vista Gallery.

While you are visiting Kalamazoo, make sure you stop at the Air Zoo, a famous aviation museum and indoor fun park. See classic planes and experience a 4-D simulated World War II mission on board a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Jump into the flight simulators to fly a combat jet and go to Mars on a rocket.

Kalamazoo has numerous interesting museums. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a renowned organization where you can learn about American art and see more than 4,000 works. Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with hands-on exhibits for kids. Another spot that can be fun for the whole family is the Gilmore Car Museum. It’s located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Kalamazoo center and houses one of the largest collections of classic cars in Michigan, the state where America’s auto industry began.

Two major cities in the United States, Chicago and Detroit, are less than 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Kalamazoo. Reach the city by plane using the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport or by train or bus using the Kalamazoo Transportation Center located in the downtown area.

Where to stay in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo showing a park and flowers

Kalamazoo Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Kalamazoo Central Business District, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo State Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Kalamazoo Central Business District
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Milwood

If you're spending some time in Milwood, Wings Event Center and Milham Park Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Milwood
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Western Michigan University - KRPH

While visiting Western Michigan University - KRPH, you might make a stop by sights like James W. Miller Auditorium and Waldo Stadium.

Western Michigan University - KRPH
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Vine

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Vine and surrounding area, you can visit Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Vine
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West Main HIll

While there might not be top attractions in West Main HIll, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waldo Stadium and James W. Miller Auditorium.

West Main HIll
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Oakland/Winchell

When in Oakland/Winchell, you can plan a visit to James W. Miller Auditorium and Oasis Hot Tub Gardens, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Oakland/Winchell
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
2747 S 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,924 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹7,924
₹9,113 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Lovely Spot!
"We had a lovely stay! The room was lovely, the coffee shop was really sweet, I wish they had a vending machine (they have a little shop and the only thing that they had for sodas was regular Mountain Dew), and the whole hotel was REALLY humid. Our swimsuits NEVER dried in 5 days, LOL. But - super ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
Comfort Inn Wings Stadium
Comfort Inn Wings Stadium
2.5 out of 5
1550 E. Kilgore Road, Kalamazoo, MI
The price is ₹7,775 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹7,775
₹8,941 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was very clean didn’t hear anything in my room."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Comfort Inn Wings Stadium
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown
3 out of 5
303 North Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,491 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹10,491
₹12,064 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (503 reviews)
"I liked connected to the Hilton Garden and the connected parking garage"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kalamazoo Vacation Rental Near Golf & Parks!
Kalamazoo Vacation Rental Near Golf & Parks!
3 out of 5
Kalamazoo
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Milham Park Golf Club and Wings Event Center are located ...
Kalamazoo Vacation Rental Near Golf & Parks!
Cozy Lakefront Studio On Long Lake! Home by RedAwning
Cozy Lakefront Studio On Long Lake! Home by RedAwning
3 out of 5
8015 West Long Lake Drive, Kalamazoo, MI
Stay at this 3-star golf holiday home in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Air Zoo and West Lake are ...
Cozy Lakefront Studio On Long Lake! Home by RedAwning
Amazing Lakefront Retreat On Long Lake! 2 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
Amazing Lakefront Retreat On Long Lake! 2 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
3.5 out of 5
8015 West Long Lake Drive, Kalamazoo, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star golf holiday home in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Air Zoo and West Lake are ...
Amazing Lakefront Retreat On Long Lake! 2 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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