Kalamazoo is a city of energetic and buzzed-about neighborhoods, each with its’ own personality. Walk their storied streets, appreciate the independent shops, indulge in locally-owned restaurants and cozy up in their coffee shops and craft beer bars.
We know that you care about leaving places better than you found them, that’s why you’re here! At Discover Kalamazoo, we care about eco-friendly travel and we want to make sustainable tourism a no-brainer for visitors coming from out of town to enjoy our community.
Whether you want to cruise the waters sitting, standing, rowing, or paddling – the Kalamazoo River is the place to do it! The Kalamazoo River is the perfect place to bring your paddle board, kayak, or canoes to explore the waters.
Today, Louie’s is the oldest bar in Kalamazoo. The bar acts as an escape from the the busy city. When patrons walk in, the first thing they notice is the taxidermy lined walls. It features a cabin on the lake feel.
You can sip on spirits extremely close to the source at Green Door Distilling’s bar and tasting room (limited indoor seating currently due to COVID-19), or head outside to the Green Door Garden area. Both spaces offer the perfect setting for discovering their spirits. You can order cocktails such as Old Fashions, Blueberry Lavender Gimlets, Bloody Marys and more!
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail features local history from the Kalamazoo Nature Center and in to. The Nature Center has a historical working farm and contains the scenic Cooper’s Glen, the site of a Native American encampment prior to European settlement.
You'll love Latitude 42’s award-winning beers such as the Powerline Porter (World Beer Expo, New York International Beer Competition) and the Beach Cruiser (Australian International Beer Awards, North America Beer Association). Their beer garden is welcoming with stringed lights, a firepit, beautiful landscaping, and best of all…shuffleboard!
Main St. Pub is one of the most well-known bars and restaurants in Kalamazoo! Not only do they have an extensive menu and phenomenal food, but the atmosphere is laid back and welcoming!
This downtown Kalamazoo restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, as it was one of the pioneers in the “Farm to Table” culinary movement – and the menu at Food Dance is still as fresh, locally sourced, and delicious as ever! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if we’d had more time we would’ve tried all three!
As the cultural hub for southwest Michigan, the Kalamazoo Institute of Art is one of many gems that makes the “269” shine. Here are some reasons that we think will draw you in for a visit.
The Stamped Robin wine and cocktail lounge is located downtown Kalamazoo and serves 20 different wines on tap! It’s the perfect place to stop in for a drink, listen to music and catch up with friends.
Aside from academic uses of the Arboretum, this lovely outdoor space can be used for recreational purposes by students and members of the community. Take a walk or run along the trails, bring your dog (on leash!) and your friends and family!
Husted Farm Market specializes in local homegrown fruits and vegetables in Southwest Michigan. We also have local honey and maple syrup!
The VerHage family has been growing quality fruits in Kalamazoo since the 60's. They continue to provide quality fruits, the famous cider, along with donuts, caramel apples, fudge and homemade pies.
Established in 1927, the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery currently produces steelhead, Chinook salmon, walleye and Great Lakes muskellunge for both inland and Great Lakes waters. This hatchery also has a visitor center that provides programs telling the tale of the Great Lakes fisheries and the vital role played by hatcheries.
Shawarma King is a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant that is beloved by so many in Kalamazoo and beyond! Their fresh food, delicious flavor, generous portions and top-notch hospitality are what keep people coming back.
With the historic Drake House at its heart, this park features a new timber frame carriage barn for programs and events, walking trails, interpretive signs on nature and history, a picnic shelter, and parking lot.
All items are freshly made by hand each night. Renzema's still has the best doughnuts in town, and we offer hamburger buns, sub buns, and breads that "make" the sandwich!
At Markin Glen Park, you’ll find a pictorial sandy beach that’s perfect for kids with plenty of shallow areas. While you’re there, check out the biking trails through mature beech maple forest as well as a walking trail lined with spring flowers and leads to a picturesque view of Kalamazoo from the top of a hill.
Bangkok Flavor is an authentic Thai restaurant with a very cozy atmosphere, the perfect ending to a busy day on the trails. Some of the most raved about menu items include the peanut noodle, the curry Pad Thai and curry fried rice!
