Quirky Kalamazoo: 26 things to do that are off the beaten path
Attend alligator “school,” play with Legos, and rent your own personal Secret Garden hot tub! Discover unque things to do in Kalamazoo.
Did you know that alligators can learn their names? I admit, this was news to me, but if you pay a visit to the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary south of Kalamazoo, Mich., you can attend Alligator “High School” with the gators and observe how these smart creatures can learn their names, colors, and even basic commands.
The town of Kalamazoo is full of quirky and off-the-beaten-path activities to enjoy (even if hanging with alligators isn’t necessarily your thing). You can soak in your own personal hot tub for the day in a secret garden, visit the town’s only video game bar, or get inspired with nature, cooking classes, or a downtown art walk. Here are some ways to enjoy Kalamazoo that may not appear in a visitor’s guide.
Off-the-beaten-path activities in Kalamazoo
Here is just a small sampling of outside-the-box activities you can do and experience near Kalamazoo:
Things to do
- Make your own scent at The Aroma Labs
- Learn how to throw an axe at Revel and Roll Axe Throwing
- Peruse the history of the automobile at Gilmore Car Museum
- Join a community of artists and entrepreneurs at the Clover Room at Jerico
- Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum with free admission
- Stroll the “walking mall” at The Crossroads—this Portage mall opens one hour early for walkers
Eats
- Become a wordsmith (or just enjoy a good pub burger and beer) at Shakespeare’s Pub
- Dine like royalty at European Henderson’s Castle
- Have a drink at the oldest bar in Kalamazoo, Louie’s Tavern
Shopping
- Stop in the Allegan Antique Market for some nostalgic buys
- Pick up some sweet treats at the Rocket Fizz Candy Store
- Try your hand at Bricks & Minifigs, a used LEGO shop
Outdoor activities
- Pop by Asylum Lake and learn about its history
- Smells the roses at the Lovell Street Rose Garden—while not an official destination, locals say you can walk on Lovell Street near the old walking mall and find roses in bloom.
- Visit the birds at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Catch a pick-up game at the LFG Video Game Bar
116 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Instead of stopping to grab a cold one after work, stop and grab a controller at LFG Video Game Bar, Kalamazoo’s only video game bar, located in the downtown district. You can also totally grab a cold one there, as it has a fully stocked beer and cocktail menu plus delicious eats like homemade eggrolls, battered Korean BBQ cauliflower bites, tacos, and wraps. Oh, and cookies—we can’t forget the cookies.
There’s something for every gamer, with a full array of arcade games, retro game cubes, and five video game consoles, as well as board games and cards for an analog experience. Additionally, as a community gathering place, the “bar” hosts a variety of lively events, including trivia nights, karaoke, and gaming tournaments.
Take a cooking class at Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim Cravings Corners, Vineyard Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Pacific Rim is famous in Kalamazoo for its delicious Asian dine-in and carry-out food, from poke bowls to sushi to pho. But anyone wanting a more hands-on experience exploring Asian culture can sign up for one of their ongoing culinary classes taught by award-winning chefs.
Some mouth-watering upcoming classes include Korean fried chicken with pickled radish, Szechuan Noodles with Homemade Chili Oil, Summer Rolls & Seafood Tom Kha Kai Soup, and even a sushi class. Even better, the classes are all very reasonably priced, ranging from $45 to $65.
Fly into the Air Zoo
6151 Portage Road in Portage, MI
The Air Zoo is a Michigan must-do, whether or not you’re visiting the Kalamazoo area. My family has visited several times, and we have enjoyed the experience every single time. There is truly something for everyone at the Air Zoo, even if you’re not an aerospace enthusiast. I admit that I’m not overly passionate about aviation, but the history, hands-on exhibits, and sheer vast variety of things to do, see, and learn have always made the visit worthwhile.
My kids have especially loved all the indoor family-friendly rides (the hot air balloons are always a hit!), as well as the 3D full-motion Flight Simulators, which I may or may not have crashed every attempt. Don’t forget to head across the road to the Restoration and Flight Discovery Center, which lets you get up close and personal with staff and aircraft in the process of being restored.
Sip + chat at ChocolaTea
7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002, USA
What are two of the best things in the entire world? Chocolate and tea, of course. You can stop in for a cuppa and some cocoa at ChocolaTea near Kalamazoo, Mich. A favorite with the locals, this little coffee shop and tea house has loose-leaf teas, tea lattes, and hot chocolates, as well as delicious treats and small eats. Please see: croissants and quiches.
ChocolaTea encourages lingering, savoring, and sipping a good hot chocolate or tea with your friends, so come and stay awhile. The cafe is also conveniently located right across from the Portage District Library, making it the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Liberty Park is also nearby, so you can take your hot chocolate or tea out for a stroll.
Shop ’til you drop at the Night Market
1204 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Sure, you’ve heard of Farmers’ Markets, but how about a Night Market? Running every third Thursday of the month through the summer until 10 p.m., the Night Market is a lively community gathering with music, food trucks, and a festival feel.
And don’t worry—there’s also a winter Farmer’s Market that runs from December through April if you miss the nightcap events over the summer. You’ll get a chance to meet and interact with over 100 local farmers for that truly local shopping experience.
Soak in your own personal hot tub garden
4600 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
I have to say, Oasis Hot Tubs is truly a unique business idea. You can think of the company as a day-use secret garden with a hot tub. The Oasis features private chambers with indoor and outdoor gardens that feature calm, clean, and restorative hot tubs designed for one person or a small group.
You can book a private hot tub for yourself for as little as one hour or go all out with a special package to add on amenities like sparkling champagne and roses for a romance package. All hot tub reservations include a private dressing room and a separate entrance, ensuring privacy is always paramount. The hot tubs are strictly cleaned and sanitized. They also offer family packages, and three kids are free with two paid adults (each child after that is only $10/hour).
Stoke your creativity at the Kalamazoo Art Hop
Various locations
Whether you’re a passionate art aficionado or just looking for an off-the-beaten-path activity, the Kalamazoo Art Hop is a worthwhile use of your time. The dedicated monthly showcase highlights local artists and businesses that patrons can visit for free at participating shops, artists, and restaurants.
Download a map or search by specific neighborhoods, artists, or venues before you go. You can participate in the Kalamazoo Art Hop every first Friday of the month, March-December. Be inspired, purchase a new piece of artwork for your home, or get to know more about local artists in and around Kalamazoo.
Cast a line at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
34270 County Road 652, Mattawan, Michigan, 49071
Fishing enthusiasts will want to cast over to the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery just outside of Kalamazoo, because the visitor’s center is a treasure trove of fishing information, history, and education about the Great Lakes fisheries and hatcheries. The visitor center even has a live underwater camera of the show pond, giving an up-close, personal look at seasonal activity. (Winter is such a cool time to visit, because you can see the frozen ice on top and active fish life underneath!)
The grounds of the hatchery are also wonderful for hiking, wildflower walking, and bird watching. On your way out, stop in the Fish Market Gift Shop for all things fish-themed, including books, postcards, pens, magnets, and more!
Embrace the eclectic at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo welcomes everyone to enjoy its full-service restaurant, beer garden, and platform as a lively music venue. You’ll find seasonal events like a Vampire Glow Rave for Halloween, as well as niche events like holiday wreath-making and “Emo Nite,” a night of emo music artists. Truly, you’ll find it all at Bell’s, along with 20+ draught options, and made-from-scratch, locally sourced, sustainable food and food items.
Indulge in the most luxurious dessert ever at Amorino Gelato
2965 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
I’m having a hard time explaining what kind of delicious indulgences await you at Amorini Gelata in Kalamazoo. The brand is known for its large portions of gelato and features authentic Italian artisanal ice cream, sorbet, and treats, all made free from artificial flavors or colors. I mean, have you ever heard of a gelato cake? With an exterior “shell,” each flavor reveals layers of exquisite flavors—the cakes, available in slices or mini bites, are something beautiful to behold and even more beautiful to enjoy.
While the brand has locations all throughout the world, you’ll find Kalamazoo’s shop inside Sawall Health Foods. Because nothing says health like gelato, am I right?
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
1698 M-66, Athens, MI, 49011
While not exactly in Kalamazoo, the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary is located around 40 minutes away and provides a unique experience to get up close and personal with—you guessed it—alligators. Visitors can feed the gators, visit the gift shop, and of course, learn all about these majestic creatures and their habits.
A popular feature at the sanctuary is the Alligator “School.” Believe it or not, the trainers teach alligators their names and how to respond to basic commands, colors, and objects. On a good day, the sanctuary promises you can even hear some of the gators talk.
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