A name like Kalamazoo gets noticed, but luckily, this city doesn’t have to rely only on its name to get attention – Kalamazoo offers a little bit of everything, from arts and culture to sports and outdoor activities. Kalamazoo is your one-stop for fun and adventure.

First, a quick history lesson. The area of southwestern Michigan where the city is located was once home to the Hopewell civilization, a group of Native Americans who migrated to the area before the first millennium. The first Europeans to reside in the area were fur traders; during the War of 1812, the British established a prison camp there. Originally named “Bronson” by Titus Bronson in 1831, the town was eventually renamed Kalamazoo in 1836 after a Native American word for “boiling water” (the sound the town’s river makes). 

The Kalamazoo Air Zoo gives you the best of everything: amusement park rides, the Missions 4-D theater, full-motion flight simulators and a zero gravity experience. So, if you ever wanted to navigate a fighter jet or participate in a balloon race, this museum will make all your dreams of flying come true! The Air Zoo features more than 50 aircrafts on display, as well as murals, exhibits and art all relating to flight. The museum was voted the “Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners,” so it’s definitely a must-visit. For more information, visit www.airzoo.org.

Music lovers should take in a performance by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. On Friday, November 20, don’t miss the concert, Sacred Seasons, which includes the works of Prokofiev, Bloch and Vivaldi. Get into the holiday season with The Nutcracker, which is offered in collaboration with the Ballet Arts Ensemble. This holiday classic will be presented on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13. For more information, visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com.

Nature lovers can explore the 1,100-acres at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which offers outdoor and indoor activities for everyone. Walk through a three-story tropical rainforest or a hummingbird garden. Lace up your hiking boots for the more than 11 miles of hiking trails that take you to some of the most special habitats in the state. For more information, visit www.naturecenter.org.

When it’s time for winter chills, get your thrills at Echo Valley Winter Sports Park. This park is open during the winter months, giving you the opportunity to ice skate, tube and toboggan. There’s no reason to stay indoors when it’s cold – who doesn’t love ice skating on a pond or speeding down a hill on a tube? If you want even more thrills, try tobogganing: you’ll reach speeds up to 60 mph! With all that fun, you’ll be hungry; the park’s lounge offers some delicious treats, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and relax by the fireplace. For more information, visit www.echovalleyfun.com.

Kalamazoo: A place that’s as unique as its name.