Written by:
Jackie Kanyolo | FromMichiganWithLoveBlog | Instagram
If you're anything like me, the word "winter" might evoke a mix of cozy excitement and a touch of… trepidation. I used to think winter getaways were just about hibernating indoors or doing something that requires learning a new skill - like skiing, but let me tell you, Kalamazoo completely changed my perspective. This vibrant city proved me wrong with its incredible array of winter activities!
Whether you’re a die-hard winter fan or prefer to stay warm and dry, Kalamazoo has something special for you. In fact, my family and I discovered everything from exhilarating snow tubing and ice skating adventures to peaceful nature walks and delightful, cozy dining experiences. Trust me, regardless of your age or ability, you'll find plenty of ways to embrace—or escape!—the season on a winter getaway to this charming Midwestern destination. Let me share with you some of my favorite finds for making the most of your own Kalamazoo winter adventure.
Where to Ski and Snow Tube: Embracing the Thrill
When it comes to winter sports, Kalamazoo delivers. Timber Ridge and Echo Valley offer fantastic options for people who know how to ski and those who don’t - but still are up for a thrill!
Timber Ridge: Family Fun and Starry Nights
Timber Ridge is a fantastic winter destination nestled in southwestern Michigan, boasting nearly 400 acres of snowy fun! Offering 15 ski runs, a tubing hill, and all the necessary rentals and shops, this place has it all.
What I found particularly interesting is the story behind it. Built as a family business that’s now in its third generation, it's clear the family here really created a place where visitors can make lasting memories—and it shows! It's not just a ski resort; it’s a place with history and a real sense of community, drawing over 50,000 visitors each winter!
My family and I had an absolute blast snow tubing at Timber Ridge. Since they're open late, we enjoyed tubing under the stars! What sets Timber Ridge apart are the separated tubing lanes, the handy moving sidewalk that takes you and your tube to the top of the hill (no trudging uphill!), and the cozy warming hut and fire pits where you can warm up between runs.
It's all well-organized and designed for maximum fun. Snow tubing here is open to anyone age 5 and up who is taller than 42 inches, and for $25 per person, you get two hours of tubing. It was the perfect way to end our day!
Echo Valley: A Historic Winter Park
Echo Valley is another charming, historic winter park in Kalamazoo, offering a mix of tobogganing and snow tubing. Built in the 1920s and mostly preserved since that time, it’s a fantastic spot for families and groups, with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Inside the warming lodge, you'll find a cozy circular fireplace, a snack bar, and a viewing area to watch all the action. There are no age or height restrictions, making it perfect for everyone.
Echo Valley operates on a cash-only basis and is open on weekends from mid-December through mid-March, weather permitting. A $20 combo ticket grants you all-day access to both the toboggan runs and the tubing hill. The toboggan runs at Echo Valley are a thrill, featuring an all-season sledding surface called Everslide, which ensures a fast ride even without much natural snow. You can reach speeds of up to 60 mph on the quarter-mile runs. Getting back up the hill is made easy with a tow rope and a heated walking surface.
Outdoor Ice Skating at Millennium Park: A Winter Wonderland
Another fun spot to visit during a winter weekend getaway to Kalamazoo is Millennium Park. This park is located just a short drive from Kalamazoo in Portage.
This isn't just any old pond; it's a large, outdoor, refrigerated rink, which means you can count on excellent skating conditions even when Mother Nature isn't fully cooperating. They've got everything you need right there: skate rentals and sharpening, a snack bar for those essential hot cocoa breaks, and restrooms. At just $5 for admission and $3 for skate rentals, it’s an incredibly affordable way to spend a few hours. Plus, the rink is open Friday to Sunday from mid-December through March 2nd, making it easy to plan into your weekend getaway.
My family and I had a delightful time ice skating at Millennium Park. The atmosphere is charming, with twinkle lights, picnic tables, and a fire pit to warm up by—it’s picture-perfect for a winter evening.
I also appreciated that they have skating trainers available for kids (and adults!) who might be a little unsteady on their feet. After a few laps around the rink, we grabbed some snacks and enjoyed them by the fire before heading back out for another go. It's a great place for both experienced skaters and beginners, and it definitely added a special touch to our winter adventure in Kalamazoo.
Ways to Embrace Nature During Winter: Serene Escapes
Beyond the thrills, Kalamazoo offers peaceful ways to enjoy the winter landscape. The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and the Kalamazoo Nature Center provide beautiful settings for nature lovers.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary: A Haven for Wildlife
While I absolutely adore the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary any time of year, in the winter it is a true sanctuary for both the birds and human visitors since many other animal attractions are closed throughout Michigan.
What I really appreciate is that it's not just about seeing birds; it's about understanding their importance and the sanctuary's role in conservation. Founded in 1927 by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg, the sanctuary became a crucial site for waterfowl conservation and research. The story of how they helped re-establish populations of Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans is inspiring.
Today, the sanctuary is part of Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station and continues to innovate in wildlife conservation. It's a place where you can see a variety of captive and migratory birds, including Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, and even rescued birds of prey like Bald Eagles.
My family and I visited the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary during our winter getaway, and it was a delightful experience. Even though some of the trails aren’t plowed in winter, the main paved path was perfect for a leisurely stroll. Seeing the waterfowl, especially the Trumpeter Swans, up close was incredible. The Birds of Prey enclosure was also a highlight, and it's clear the sanctuary staff really care about these animals. Plus, the admission fees are very reasonable ($6 for adults, $4 for kids), and it's open Wednesdays through Sundays, making it easy to fit into your schedule. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you're looking for a unique and educational winter activity.
Snowshoe at the Kalamazoo Nature Center: Exploring the Trails
Another peaceful place to visit is the Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) with over 14 miles of trails that are open year-round. In winter, those trails transform into a haven for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
What I really admire about KNC is its commitment to inclusivity. They even have GRIT Freedom Chairs available for check out, which are all-terrain wheelchairs that allow people with mobility challenges to enjoy the trails—how fantastic is that?
The center's mission to connect people with nature is evident in everything they do. With 1,100 acres of beautiful wooded countryside, it's easy to see why KNC is recognized as one of the top nature centers in the country. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids ages 4-17.
During our winter getaway to Kalamazoo, my family and I tried out snowshoeing at KNC. There are trails for all levels, which is great because we were all beginners trying out our snowshoes! We chose the Arboretum Trail, which was perfect—it's a half-mile loop near the parking lot, mostly flat, and features cool sculptures along the way. It was a good workout, and the winter scenery was beautiful. We also saw some of the rescued birds and owls they have on display, which was an added bonus.
The trails are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm in the winter, so it's easy to fit a visit into your day. I highly recommend giving snowshoeing (or even just a winter hike) at KNC a try—it's a great way to enjoy the season and get some fresh air.
Where to Eat: Cozy Culinary Delights
All that winter activity works up an appetite! Luckily, Kalamazoo boasts a diverse dining scene with something for everyone. Here are three recommendations of some of our favorites.
The Backyard of Kalamazoo: Family-Friendly Fun
The Backyard of Kalamazoo is a gem for families seeking year-round entertainment and quality dining. This family-owned establishment spans 7 acres and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a heated tent for cozy winter evenings. You’ll find locally inspired, high-end pub fare alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. While the Backyard is buzzing with outdoor games in the warmer months, it truly shines as a winter destination, too.
During our winter visit, we particularly loved how family-friendly it is. The indoor playroom kept our son entertained while we enjoyed "bougie brunch" offerings and a mimosa flight. It's a place where parents don't have to compromise on enjoying great food and drinks just because they have kids in tow. The Backyard of Kalamazoo makes it easy to create lasting memories with the whole family in a fun, inclusive, and welcoming setting.
Dave’s BAR
Dave's Bar is a fantastic, inclusive spot that truly aims to be "everyone's bar." Tucked away behind the former Club Car Grille, it might be easy to miss, but it's definitely worth seeking out. The bar boasts a great sports bar vibe, complete with arcade games, a pool table, and TVs, making it the perfect place for entertainment and relaxation. You'll find all your favorite pub foods here, and the ordering process is simple and efficient—just order at the counter, and you'll be buzzed when your food is ready for pickup.
Dave's Bar is an ideal spot for après-ski after a day at Timber Ridge, as it's conveniently located on the way to the highway. The owners have created a welcoming atmosphere where both visitors and locals can feel at home. With a variety of drink options, Dave's Bar ensures that everyone feels welcome and can enjoy their time. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and laid-back experience in the Kalamazoo area.
Tavern 32
Tavern 32 in Richland is a fantastic dining option that truly offers something for everyone in the family. With a diverse menu featuring classic American cuisine, a full-service bar, and a contemporary, upscale design, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined meal. We visited after an afternoon at Echo Valley and were delighted to find a menu with a variety of choices, from delicious wings and satisfying handhelds to fresh fish entrees.
Opened just last year, Tavern 32 fills a much-needed niche in the Richland dining scene, offering a quality option that rivals the abundance of choices in nearby Kalamazoo.
Where to Stay During a Winter Getaway to Kalamazoo: Radisson Plaza Hotel
During our winter getaway to Kalamazoo, we stayed at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in the heart of downtown. It's truly Kalamazoo’s most luxurious hotel, and the location couldn't be better—just steps away from the Kalamazoo Mall and Bronson Park. The hotel boasts a fantastic range of amenities, including three on-site dining venues, a Starbucks, a full-service salon and spa, an 11,000-square-foot athletic club, and a heated indoor pool. There's also a variety of rooms available, from regular hotel rooms to suites with kitchenettes.
The Radisson Plaza recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its 340 guest rooms, and the updates are impressive. The hotel is nine stories high and exceptionally clean, having earned the AAA Inspector’s Best Of Inspected Clean Award in 2024. We stayed in a two-queen suite, and the beds were incredibly plush and comfortable, ensuring we woke up feeling rested and ready for each day's winter adventure. Our 8th-floor corner view was a highlight, offering a lovely overlook of Bronson Park and its twinkling winter lights each evening. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kalamazoo—it's a top-notch choice for a comfortable and convenient stay.
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Our winter getaway to Kalamazoo was more than just a trip; it was an adventure experiencing the best of winter! From the laughter-filled snow tubing runs at Timber Ridge under a starlit sky to the serene moments spent observing Swans and Ducks at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, each experience added a unique layer to our memories. Kalamazoo isn't just a city with winter activities; it's a place where you can rediscover the magic of the season, connect with nature, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
