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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.

"Mall named one of the 10 Streets that Changed America"
PBS
"Top 10 Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2023 for Medium-Sized Communities"
SMU DataArts
"#4 Best Places to Live in Michigan in 2023-2024"
U.S. News and World Report
Mountain bikers on a trail

Trails & Outdoor Fun

Bee Joyful Shop Tshirt

Shopping

Beats on Bates

Arts & Entertainment

Bell's Eccentric Cafe

Give a Craft® Beer Trail

Cadillac Museum

Museums & Attractions

Kalamazoo Wings Hockey

Sports

Kalamazoo

Discover Kalamazoo

  • North
  • Central North
  • Northeast
  • Downtown
  • East
  • West
  • Central South
  • South
NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH WEST NORTHEAST EAST SOUTH DOWNTOWN

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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Events in Kalamazoo County

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Want to know where to make your own wine or visit an alligator sanctuary? Find a compilation of submissions from residents and visitors as they share their favorite gems in (269)™!