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
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    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
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    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
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    3

    Run the Kalamazoo Marathon

    26.2 miles takes you all over the city

  • Photo: Bobby Guy
    Photo: Bobby Guy
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    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
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    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
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    6

    Spend a night at Henderson Castle

    There are rumors it is haunted. Sleep well.

  • Google Maps Street View
    Google Maps Street View
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    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
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    8

    Cheer on the Broncos at Waldo Stadium

    Even ESPN came to town for a game in 2016.

  • Photo: Dana Marshall
    Photo: Dana Marshall
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    9

    Kayak the Kalamazoo River

    Lots of places to see on the water.

  • Photo: John Mason, TSM
    Photo: John Mason, TSM
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    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
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    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
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    12

    Ride in the banana car

    There's only one.

  • John Mason/TSM
    John Mason/TSM
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    13

    Visit the Gilmore Car Museum

    Hickory Corners is home to automotive history.

  • Google Maps Street View
    Google Maps Street View
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    14

    See the Air Zoo

    Truly a unique attraction, the Air Zoo draws aviation fans from afar.

  • Getty Images
    Getty Images
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    15

    Sit behind home plate at a Growlers baseball game.

    Mayors Riverfront Park is home to Growlers baseball.

  • Photo: Bobby Guy
    Photo: Bobby Guy
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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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