Summertime fun awaits you in Kalamazoo!  Whether you are traveling solo or with a family, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, is home to an array of events, attractions, entertainment, and more that are bound to pique your interest.

With so much to do in Kalamazoo, we have narrowed down your summer vacation plans to five Kalamazoo essentials. This combination of things to do and relaxing events makes for the perfect summer bucket list in Kzoo.

 

1. Visit a Stunning Attraction

Three individuals sit at the base of a sculpture outside the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

First things first – you have to go and explore something that you won’t forget! Kalamazoo County, MI, is home to several world-class museums that are fun for a variety of ages.

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is perfect for kids and adults. With carnival-like rides, interactive exhibits, one of the last Lockheed SR-71B Blackbirds, airplane simulators, and so much more, the Air Zoo is bound to entertain all ages.

Another exceptional museum is the Gilmore Car Museum. Car enthusiasts will enjoy walking through the 90 acres of land that are home to over 400 automobiles from all eras, displayed across 190,000 square feet of exhibit space. With a gorgeous campus, a great way to make a day out of visiting the Gilmore Car Museum is to pack a picnic lunch or dine in the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner on site.

For those history buffs, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum shares the rich history and heritage of Kalamazoo County. The best part is that this museum is entirely free to explore and is in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo! Plus, the interactive exhibits make it fun for both children and adults.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is an elegant attraction showcasing a variety of rotating collections and local artists' works. Visitors will enjoy the many different art styles on display while still being in Downtown Kalamazoo.

 

2. Take a Hike

A group of individuals hikes through a prairie at the Kalamazoo Nature Center in search of butterflies.

The summer season brings with it the full bloom of the land. Green grass, colorful flowers, and gorgeous trees offer scenic views on trails throughout Kalamazoo County, MI.

If you are looking for an exciting hiking experience just minutes from Downtown Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is your place to be. With almost 15 miles of hiking trails, an educational visitor center, and weekly events, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is perfect for dedicated hikers or those who are looking for a relaxing stroll.

For those who are seeking a quiet, serene escape, the Lillian Anderson Arboretum is located on the west side of Kalamazoo. Magnificent pines line portions of the trails, boasting a gorgeous view in the heart of the woods. Plus, this is an entirely free park to visit! The Lillian Anderson Arboretum is a true hidden gem of Kalamazoo County, so be sure to check it out during your summer vacation.

There are numerous beautiful, scenic trails to explore across Kalamazoo County, MI. You are bound to find hiking and biking trails perfect for you wherever you are in the county!

 

3. Soak in the Sun on a Beach or Go Kayaking

An orange kayak sits in the middle of the Kalamazoo River, with trees surrounding the banks.

Kalamazoo County may not be located on a Great Lake, but that’s not a problem for us. With 83 lakes in the county, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and even waterfront dining.

There are several beaches located within the county. These beaches offer serene landscapes, some only minutes from Downtown Kalamazoo. This gives visitors the best of both worlds – enjoying a beach day while being close to the charming towns and cities of Kalamazoo County, MI.

 

4. Attend a Local Event

An orchestra performs at the amphitheatre in Bronson Park during the Concerts in the Park summer series.

Kalamazoo County has so much going on at all points in time. To feel the vibes and energy of the community, the best thing to do is to attend a local event. From festivals to live music, there is always an event happening that is just waiting for you to discover.

The best way to stay in the know about what is happening in the community is to visit our events calendar. If you are looking to truly be updated, you can sign up for our e-newsletter to receive the weekly events email as well as the consumer newsletter, so that you will always know what amazing events are happening in Kalamazoo.

 

5. We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Monarca's banana split sundae features three different flavors of ice cream between a split banana, topped with caramel and chocolate syrup, with whipped cream and sprinkles.

What better way to cool off than to enjoy some delicious ice cream? Kalamazoo County is home to a multitude of unique ice cream shops serving up a variety of flavors. From handcrafted ice cream to serving Plainwell ice cream, all the way to the creation of monster milkshakes, the ice cream scene in Kalamazoo is just waiting to feed your sweet tooth craving.

No matter where you are in the county, you won’t be far from a cool, sweet treat.  It can be hard to decide where to go to satisfy your sweet tooth, so check out our full list of ice cream shops in the area. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

 

Red roses surround a grass sculpture of a horse while two people walk on a sidewalk behind the structure. There are tents along the sidewalk selling local artist works.

There’s nothing better than walking along the Kalamazoo Mall, attending a festival, or just relaxing at a local park while soaking in the summer sunshine. At the intersection of I-94 and US 131, Kalamazoo County is a prime place to stop, visit, and explore during your summer travel plans. Situated midway between Chicago and Detroit, Kalamazoo is an ideal location for your next getaway. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and we can’t wait to see you in Kalamazoo!