Kalamazoo is a large city situated on the southern bank of the Kalamazoo River in southwest Michigan. It is home to several tributaries, lakes, hills, and other interesting geographical features. According to the latest census, Kalamazoo has a population of over 73,500 people. Kalamazoo is one of Michigan's most beloved cities. Its proximity to Chicago, Detroit, and Lake Michigan has crafted it into a desirable suburb. Thanks to the presence of Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, it has a youthful, academic vibe.
Kalamazoo was once home to a thriving Potawatomi settlement. The Potawatomi people remained in the area until the first European settlers arrived. During the late 1700s, French fur traders established a trading post in the area that is now considered Kalamazoo. However, the city was only officially founded in 1831. It was originally called the Village of Bronson. It was named for its founding father, Titus Bronson. However, the city took on its current name because of a tiff between Bronson and his fellow settlers.
Kalamazoo has experienced multiple periods of economic prosperity. Windmills, buggies, and automobiles were just a few of the area's most lucrative exports. Kalamazoo was also the original home of the Gibson Guitar Corporation and the Checkers Cab Company. A once-thriving mill city, Kalamazoo is sometimes referred to as Paper City. The area is also home to one of the state's oldest newspapers, The Kalamazoo Gazette. Today, the area is home to several leading biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, colleges, and universities.
Kalamazoo is also the site of many unique cultural and natural attractions. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum, the Kalamazoo Nature Center, and the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum are just a few local spots you won't want to miss during your visit. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail brings hikers through a scenic stretch of untamed woodland. The Kalamazoo Mall is an excellent place for walking and shopping.
Campgrounds Near Kalamazoo, Michigan
Markin Glen County Park is a publicly owned campground located just north of downtown Kalamazoo. The 160-acre parcel once belonged to the founder of the Checker Motors Corporation. It's now home to 38 immaculately maintained campsites and a large freshwater lake. The park boasts a sand beach, a picnic shelter, a paved walking trail, and modern restrooms. Electricity, water, and sewer hookups are available at all sites. A dump station and firewood are also available.
Spring Lake Resort is a family-friendly campground situated just north of downtown Kalamazoo. The park boasts 73 full sites, 100 partial sites, and 10 pull-through sites. The facility can accommodate everything from tents to big rigs. The park employs a full-time children's activity director. There are three spring-fed lakes, an in-ground pool, a public lodge, a large playground, and an 18-hole mini golf course on the campus. Moreover, water, sewer, and electric hookups are available at most sites.
Cold Brook County Park is yet another campground that is owned and operated by Kalamazoo County. The 276-acre facility encompasses three large waterways, including Lakes Blue, Long, and Portage. The facility is home to 43 campsites, including 29 with electric and water hookups. The park's day-use area boasts a volleyball court, a softball court, hiking trails, a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a disc golf course, and much more. The onsite dump station is free for guests to use.
State Parks Near Kalamazoo, Michigan
Holland State Park is a 142-acre space located in Holland, Michigan. This park encompasses parts of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. The park's long list of amenities includes a concession stand, public restrooms, a children's playground, a campground, and a boat launch.
Van Buren State Park sits on the shore of Lake Michigan about an hour west of Kalamazoo in South Haven, Michigan. The park is home to a large stretch of high dunes and a one-mile-long beach. It's also the site of an extensive day-use area and a campground. Enjoy exploring the trails on a hike during your visit or try your hand at a game of disc golf in the park.
Potato Creek State Park is a stunning outdoor space in the heart of northern Indiana. The park is home to a paved bicycle path, a mountain bike trail, a hiking trail network, and a nature center. The park encompasses the 327-are Worster Lake. The park also features a horse campground, a day-use area, and over seven miles of bridle trails.
National Sites Near Kalamazoo, Michigan
Pullman National Monument is located in the Pullman District of Chicago, Illinois. This well-known historic district was the site of the most important strikes in U.S. history. Spend a day exploring the Administration-Clock Tower Building, the Pullman Exhibit Hall, and the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. Check out the historic artifacts on display at the Pullman Exhibit Hall. Be sure to take time to walk the Victorian verandah of Hotel Florence during your visit.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers visitors a one-of-a-kind view of Lake Michigan. White sand dunes sit over 450 feet above the sparkling blue waterway. The park's high cliffs serve up splendid views of the nearby island lighthouse and multiple U.S. Life-Saving Service stations. The Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that boasts a long section of boardwalk. Sleeping Bear Point is another of the park's most popular hikes. This 2.8-mile loop brings visitors to Lake Michigan Beach.
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial honors the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. The Memorial is a 352-foot Doric column situated just a few miles from the shore of Lake Erie on South Bass Island in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The Memorial's open-air observation deck offers visitors a panoramic view of Lake Eerie and the surrounding countryside. The park's Black Powder Demonstrations are popular weekend events.
National Forests NearKalamazoo, Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forest encompasses nearly a million acres across the lower peninsula of Michigan. The park is home to multiple recreation areas. The Corsair Area is a popular spot for hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and camping. The park's Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is home to a popular trailhead and a large parking lot. The Lake Michigan Recreation Area is a large campground. The park's extensive trail network connects it to the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area.
Ottawa National Forest encompasses close to a million acres between Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the Wisconsin border. This incredible wilderness is home to over 500 lakes, 2,000 miles of rivers and streams, and dozens of waterfalls. Popular area activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping. The park boasts a visitor center, fishing piers, boat launches, and trailheads. Popular area attractions include the Sylvania Wilderness, the Black River Harbor Pavilion, and the Agate Falls Scenic Site. There are also numerous opportunities for wildlife observation. The park's long list of wild specimens includes several rare birds, including bald eagles, loons, and ospreys.
Hiawatha National Forest is another extensive wildlife preserve in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This impressive park encompasses parts of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the view from the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway, a 27-mile road that runs from the Whitefish Township to the Bay Mills Township. Check out some of the Upper Peninsula's most impressive islands, lighthouses, and beaches. The park offers cabin rentals, campground camping, and dispersed camping. It's also the site of several archaeological sites and the source of several unique Native American artifacts.
