Distance: 8 Miles
Driving Time: 21 Minutes
This regional tour is a blend of driving and walking, as the first stop begins a few miles north of the city of Kalamazoo, while the rest can be walked once you get into town. Kalamazoo is home to Kalamazoo College, a vibrant art scene, several museums, and craft beer. It’s an area where you can find hiking trails to explore, waterways to navigate, and gardens in which to promenade.
Stop #1: Begin north of town at the Kalamazoo Nature Center (https://naturecenter.org/). With a plethora of seasonal events, programs, and activities and 14 miles of hiking trails, there is always something to see and do. Admission rates are modest, under $10 a person. In the early spring is the Maple Sugar Festival; in the summer, the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society hosts Public Viewing Sessions. The Visitor Center has an exhibits hall, which sees new exhibits occasionally. GRIT all-terrain wheelchairs are available here and reservable through the website for hitting the trails. Former visitors recommend the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail via Avenue D, an easy 7-mile walk through gorgeous wildlife habitats and countryside. For a shorter trail, take the 4.7-mile Kalamazoo Valley River Trail Loop.
Stop #2: After stretching your legs and exploring nature a bit, get in the vehicle and head south to Henderson Castle on Monroe Street (www.hendersoncastle.com). “Henderson Castle is ranked the top historic inns in Michigan by AAA, the grandeur of this 11,000-square foot Queen-Ann style mansion,” according to the website. You don’t need to reserve a room here to explore this gorgeous historic structure. You can purchase tickets for a self-guided tour ($18.95), which can take place anywhere from noon to 4:00 pm seven days a week. Tack on a self-guided wine tasting flight during your visit (additional ticket cost). For the next few destinations on this tour, you can choose to drive or simply walk. The route is approximately 2.3 miles.
Stop #3: A visit to Kalamazoo cannot be made without stopping in at the Kalamazoo Institute for the Arts on Park Street (https://kiarts.org/). Admission prices are $10 an under, with children under six years old and active duty military service members able to visit for free. On Thursdays, however, there is free general admission and extended hours until 8:00 p.m. There’s a permanent collection (featuring 5,000 pieces) as well as touring collections and exhibitions. It’s an inspiring place to spend some time.
Stop #4: Take a right out of the art institute and walk five minutes to Bronson Park on Rose Street. The town’s oldest park and common gathering space for people since the 1950s, the 3.5-acre park features many benches and tables, paved walkways, sculptures and memorials (including a fountain and a reflecting pool), and even outdoor table tennis (pick up paddles from the nearby public library). The park, not surprisingly, is the center of many events throughout the year including the annual tree lighting ceremony. This might be just the spot to sit quietly for a while or savor a locally made snack.
Stop #5: A half-mile down Rose Street is the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (https://kalamazoomuseum.org), voted the top small museum in Michigan (Michigan Living Magazine). If you have young children or just an innate curiosity, then this is the place for you because you are encouraged to interact and touch items related to history, science, and technology in the “Adventure You Can Touch” section. There are exhibits related to artifacts, mummies, and more as well as a planetarium. A true local gem, the museum is free to explore any day of the week.
Stop #6: The final stop on this tour is none other than Bell’s Brewery (https://bellsbeer.com)on Kalamazoo Avenue. A staple beverage for every Michigander’s summer afternoon is Oberon (there’s also Oberon Day in late March), but there are several other brews that have a heavy following. Although the main brewing facility is up in Comstock, Kalamazoo is where it all began. Free brewery tours are available on the weekends at the Kalamazoo facility and last about 45 minutes. In addition to libations, there is an on-site café with a full menu.
Nearby…
Kal Haven Trail State Park: The trailhead leading to 33 miles of a heritage rail trail ending in South Haven. A recreation passport is not required.
Gilmore Car Museum (https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/): Corners, Michigan, north and east of Kalamazoo, is home to the Gilmore Car Museum, with the special mission of “preserving the history and heritage of the American Automobile.”
Bow in the Clouds Preserve: “A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Bow in the Clouds Preserve will completely engage your senses and put you in the moment.” Take a car or truck rather than an RV as parking isn’t extensive and the drive is a bit tricky for larger vehicles.