The Kalamazoo Bucket List

Many bucket lists include things like travelling the world, swimming with sharks and skydiving. There are plenty of great things to do right here in Southwest Michigan; these are the 21 things you have to do if you live in Kalamazoo.

Dana Marshall
Dana Marshall
1
Attend an event at Arcadia Creek Festival Place
The downtown site of many outdoor festivals and events. It's not officially Summer unless you visit at least once.
Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images
2
Do a Beer Tour
With so many incredible breweries, it's impossible to pick out a favorite. Make up your own Kalamazoo pub crawl.
Photo: SEarl
Photo: SEarl
3
Run the Kalamazoo Marathon
26.2 miles takes you all over the city
Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
4
See a show at the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre
Rock, pop, blues, jazz, comedy or country- whatever your pleasure, there's probably a live show on the calendar at Kalamazoo State Theatre.
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
5
Take a boat ride on Gull Lake
Ski, tube, fish or just float, you'll enjoy the beautiful water and spectacular houses on Gull Lake in Richland.
Google Street View
Google Street View
6
Spend a night at Henderson Castle
There are rumors it is haunted. Sleep well.
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
7
Catch a show at the Civic Theater
So many great productions take the stage here and there is so much talent in our town.
Photo: David Borzkowski
Photo: David Borzkowski
8
Cheer on the Broncos at Waldo Stadium
Even ESPN came to town for a game in 2016.
Photo: Dana Marshall
Photo: Dana Marshall
9
Kayak the Kalamazoo River
Lots of places to see on the water.
Photo: John Mason, TSM
Photo: John Mason, TSM
10
Hidden Kalamazoo Tour
Once a year you can get into places that are usually closed to the public.
Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
11
Take the Kal-Haven Trail to South Haven
Travel 33.5 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven on a trail that used to be railroad tracks.
Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images
Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images
12
Ride in the banana car
There's only one.
John Mason/TSM
John Mason/TSM
13
Visit the Gilmore Car Museum
Hickory Corners is home to automotive history.
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
14
See the Air Zoo
Truly a unique attraction, the Air Zoo draws aviation fans from afar.
Getty Images
Getty Images
15
Sit behind home plate at a Growlers baseball game.
Mayors Riverfront Park is home to Growlers baseball.
Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
16
Attend an Art Hop
The first Friday of every month is the time to get to downtown Kalamazoo for Art Hop.
Photo courtesy Dave Benson
Photo courtesy Dave Benson
17
Attend the DooDah Parade
This silly, unique event kicks off the Summer festival season in downtown Kalamazoo.
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
18
Hang out in the beer garden at Bell's
One of the first microbreweries, Bell's continues to invest and grow in Kalamazoo.
Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View
19
Enjoy one of the unique Kalamazoo Coffee Joints
Water Street and Black Owl are favorite java shop stops.
Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
20
Participate in a charity 5k run/walk
It seems like there is at least one event and cause to choose from every single weekend from early Spring to late Fall. Kalamazoo is a runner's town.
Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
21
Take in "Fast Friday" at Kalamazoo Speedway
Kalamazoo Speedway is the fastest 5/8 mile paved track in the world.

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The Kalamazoo Bucket List: 21 Things You Have To Do If You Live in Kalamazoo