See Something New in Kalamazoo
Whether you are experiencing history through the automobile at the Gilmore Car Museum or letting your imagination soar through the clouds at the Air Zoo, Kalamazoo County is home to an assortment of unique and exciting attractions. First-time visitors are constantly wowed by the variety of attractions located within Kalamazoo County while returning visitors enjoy visiting their favorite spots with family and friends. Be sure to add the following attractions to your Kalamazoo County Bucket List!
Air Zoo
Upon hearing the name “Air Zoo,” most visitors begin to think, “What is an Air Zoo?” Combining history, science, and fun, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum brings a unique experience to the world of aerospace engineering. The museum became popularly known as the "Air Zoo" because of the distinctly named aircrafts in the original collection - which included a Wildcat, Hellcat, Bearcat, and Flying Tiger. With these animal-named aircrafts, the name of "Air Zoo" stuck. When you enter the Air Zoo, you find yourself soaring through the clouds to enter the first exhibit room. Filled with airplanes, spacecrafts, historical displays, and amusement park rides, the Air Zoo is an educational wonderland where children and adults alike can learn more about the history of the aerospace industry. Between admiring the historic aircrafts and experiencing hands-on activities, like the flight simulators, visitors leave with a newfound knowledge of the history of aviation.
Not only does the Air Zoo display historic planes, but they also restore them. When you visit the Flight Discovery Center, located in the back campus, you will find a team of dedicated volunteers who are working on restoring historic aircrafts. From Golden Age planes to World War II Dive Bombers, the Flight Discovery Center is dedicated to restoring aircrafts from all eras. All in all, the Air Zoo is an exciting attraction perfect for family and friend outings alike!
Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum gives you a look into the automotive industry through time. From the first horseless carriages to modern-day muscle cars, the Gilmore Car Museum walks you through the decades of automotive expansion. When you visit, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes! With multiple buildings housing different car clubs, rotating exhibits, and the Gilmore’s permanent collection, you can spend an entire day enjoying the multitude of exhibits featuring over 400 specialty cars.
Additionally, don’t worry about bringing food! You can experience “The Blue Moon Diner” on-site, where you can eat cuisine in an authentic 1941 diner. Enjoy Coney-stye hot dogs, sandwiches, soups, and diner fare from a bygone era. You'll want to finish off your meal with a freshly baked, homemade pie or a cone of rich. creamy old-fashioned custard! Between the Blue moon Diner and the extensive collection, The Gilmore Car Museum offers something for every car enthusiast as well as families looking for a day of fun.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Located in the Downtown Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a refined artistic sanctuary. Combining local pieces with international works, the KIA brings culture and curiosity into one exquisite space. The expansive collection at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts includes a permanent collection which boasts a variety of artists both local and nationally known. Additionally, the KIA’s collection rotates exhibits about eight to ten times during the year. This ensures visitors can see their favorite permanent pieces while also enjoying new collections during their visits. With a kids exhibit and a kids room, the whole family can enjoy an outing at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Within minutes of Downtown Kalamazoo, visitors can experience an escape from the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is home to over 15 miles of hiking trails, varying in terrain and difficulty, while also featuring an educational learning center. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to connect with nature, the Kalamazoo Nature Center blends education and activities to provide a fantastic experience for all visitors.
You will want to keep an eye on the events calendar for the Kalamazoo Nature Center! From the Maple Sugar Festival in the winter to the Trick or Trails Halloween event, there is always a family-friendly event, activity, or program happening at the Nature Center. So, bring the family out for a fun day of experiencing all that the Kalamazoo Nature Center has to offer.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and free admission: what more could you ask for from a museum in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo? The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is perfect for adults looking to experience history through stories and children looking for a creative space to learn. At this museum, you will learn more about Kalamazoo's beginnings, community, and foundation - including Checker Cabs and Gibson Guitars! Visitors are able to be hands-on in the Innovation Gallery, see the stars up close at the Planetarium, and discuss the mystery of the mummy, all in one building. So, bring the family out to experience history in the best way possible!
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Open during all four seasons, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary features three miles of trails that wrap around the various habitats surrounding Wintergreen Lake, the heart of the Sanctuary grounds. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the tranquil and serene atmosphere of the Sanctuary. No matter what time of year, visitors will enjoy the gorgeous environment located within the Sanctuary. In addition to the lovely trails and amazing views, visitors will also see a variety of resident birds, including waterfowl, gamebirds, and raptors. On select days, you can even feed the birds! With all these features, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is perfect for anyone looking to go birding, take nature photography, or simply enjoy a walk outside.
Founded in 1927 as a refuge for the Canada Goose and other migratory birds, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary still remains an important stopover location for migrating birds and waterfowl. With over 180-acres of diverse wildlife habitats, the Sanctuary continues to maintain its commitment to conservation to this day. Today, the Sanctuary features a Storybook Walk on its trails to entertain and educate visiting youth. Between educational programs, citizen science projects, research, and hosting schools and organized groups. the Sanctuary not only provides an exceptional visitor experience, but also continues to teach about the impact of migrating birds and waterfowl to visitors.
