The city of Kalamazoo began as a gift to the United States. The land, which today is Kalamazoo, served as a fur trading post in the late 1700s. The area was deeded to the U.S. by the Potawatomi Indians in 1827, and in 1829 permanent settlers began arriving. The name is derived from a Potawatomi Indian expression, "Kikalamazoo," meaning "the rapids at the river crossing," or "boiling water."
The fertile soil on which Kalamazoo is built has led the area to most recently be called the "Bedding Plant Capital of the World," as the county is home to the largest bedding plant cooperative in the U.S.
Air Zoo features indoor amusement rides, flight simulators, a 4D theatre, live character actors and over 80 rare aircraft. Exhibits highlight the history of flight to the inner workings of aircraft. Air Zoo is also home to National Guadalcanal Memorial Museum and the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Kalamazoo Air Zoo, has restored many aircraft that served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the battle over the Persian Gulf. There are more than 50 rare and historic aircrafts, amusement park-style rides, a Full-Motion Flight Simulator, a RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater, as well as historical exhibits and educational activities. The Air Zoo also displays the world's only remaining SR-71B Blackbird and XP-55 Ascender.
In addition there is a collection of original photographs, dioramas scale models and original oil paintings are on display to help illustrate wartime, peacetime, military life and the allure of aviation.
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has provided visual arts experiences to people throughout West Michigan since 1924.
KIA offers temporary exhibitions (most of them free of charge), receptions and special events, educational programs, Art School classes and a fine arts library.
Lower level of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Entrance of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Address: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-5102, United States
Phone: 1 (269) 349-7775, Fax: 1 (269) 349-9313
Interactive exhibits illustrate the area's natural history at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Nature trails, an 11-acre arboretum, hummingbird and butterfly garden and a restored pioneer homestead are all features of the center.
Address: Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 North Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49004-9309, United States
Phone: 1 (269) 381-1574, Fax: 1 (269) 381-2557
Kalamazoo Valley Museum features science and history galleries with interactive exhibits, photographs, and artifacts. The Digistar II Planetarium Theater and the Challenger Learning Center, which provides simulated mini-missions to the moon, are also available.
Address: Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 230 North Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3824, United States
Phone: 1 (269) 373-7990, Fax: 1 (269) 373-7997
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Read More
Read Less
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo
