Kalamazoo

by The Linguist

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo is a city located in the southwest region of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Kalamazoo had a population of 75,833 making it the 25th largest city in Michigan. The city is the county seat of Kalamazoo County. Kalamazoo is located halfway between Chicago and Detroit, each less than 150 miles away.

History

The area on which Kalamazoo sits was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell tradition, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown’s Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to decline after the 8th century and was replaced by other groups.

The first known residents of European descent were fur traders who established trading posts in the area in the early 1800s. The first known resident was a British teenager named Hugh Heward who came in 1823. In 1827 pioneer Titus Bronson arrived and founded the village of Bronson, Michigan. Bronson Park downtown is named for him. In 1831 Titus Bronson was replaced as Chief Justice and the village was renamed.

Kalamazoo was incorporated as a village in 1836 and as a city in 1884. The name “Kalamazoo” originates from a Potawatomi word, first found in a British report in 1772. The meaning of the word is disputed but is said to mean “the mirage or reflecting river” or “bubbling or boiling water”.

The city grew quickly in the 19th and early 20th century due to the introduction of papermaking and subsequent paper industry as well as the production of windmills, mandolins, buggies, automobiles, cigars, stoves, furniture and many other manufactured items.

For more history of Kalamazoo, visit the Kalamazoo Wikipedia page.

Attractions and Landmarks

Bronson Park

Bronson Park is a historic public park located in downtown Kalamazoo. The park was established in 1831 and named for the village founder Titus Bronson. The park’s notable features include the Fountain of the Pioneers, the Ladies’ Library Association Fountain, and a sculpture honoring Kalamazoo’s sister city Kalamazoo, Japan.

Bronson Park address: 151 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is an art museum and cultural center located downtown. Founded in 1924, the KIA has a collection of over 4,600 works and hosts various exhibitions, events, classes, and lectures.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts website: https://www.kiarts.org/

Address: 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 349-7775

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is an aviation and science museum located just outside downtown. The Air Zoo has over 100 rare aircraft on display and offers hands-on science exhibits and rides.

Air Zoo website: https://www.airzoo.org/

Address: 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

Phone: (269) 382-6555

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a local history and science museum downtown. Exhibits cover the history and culture of southwest Michigan and feature a planetarium and digital dome theater.

Museum website: https://kalamazoomuseum.org/

Address: 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 373-7990

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe is a brewhouse and restaurant owned by Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery. Opened in 1993, it serves burgers, sandwiches and Bell’s signature craft beers.

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe website: https://www.bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe

Address: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 382-2332

Kalamazoo State Theatre

The Kalamazoo State Theatre is a historic live performance venue downtown. Opened in 1927, it hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other events and performances.

State Theatre website: https://www.kazoostate.com/

Address: 404 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 345-6500

Major Employers

Some of the largest employers in Kalamazoo include:

  • Bronson Healthcare Group
    • Address: 601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
    • Phone: (269) 341-7654
  • Western Michigan University
    • Address: 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
    • Phone: (269) 387-1000
  • Pfizer
    • Address: 1750 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
    • Phone: (269) 329-2000
  • Stryker Corporation
    • Address: 2825 Airview Blvd, Portage, MI 49002
    • Phone: (269) 389-2600
  • Kalamazoo Public Schools
    • Address: 1220 Howard St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
    • Phone: (269) 337-0100

Transportation

Kalamazoo is served by various transportation options:

Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport

Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) offers flights to domestic hubs and destinations. Major airlines include American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

Airport website: https://www.azoairport.com/

Metro Transit

Metro Transit provides public bus transportation throughout Kalamazoo and Portage. The central hub and main station is the Kalamazoo Transportation Center downtown.

Metro Transit website: https://kmetro.com/

Amtrak

Kalamazoo is served by Amtrak national rail service at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center station downtown. Trains operate on the Blue Water route between Chicago and Port Huron.

Amtrak website: https://www.amtrak.com/stations/kzo

Economy

Kalamazoo has a diverse economy encompassing manufacturing, life sciences, and services. Historically the city was known for its production of windmills, mandolins, automobiles, stoves, and other goods. Today, major industries include:

  • Manufacturing – Stryker, Pfizer, Kellogg’s, Perrigo, and other manufacturers operate facilities in Kalamazoo.
  • Healthcare – Bronson Healthcare is the largest employer with its downtown hospital and numerous clinics and facilities.
  • Education – Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College are major employers and economic contributors.
  • Research – The city’s life sciences industry includes WMU’s biosciences research and businesses like MPI Research.
  • Services – Various service businesses and startups located in downtown and business parks.

For more on Kalamazoo’s economy, visit MLive’s West Michigan business news site.

Events

Some of the popular annual events in Kalamazoo include:

  • Kalamazoo Growlersfest – A craft beer festival in July downtown.
  • Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair – A juried art fair each June at the KIA.
  • Kalamazoo Pride – A LGBTQ pride festival held annually in June.
  • Kalamazoo Ribfest – A barbecue competition and food event each August.
  • Kalamazoo Beer Week – A weeklong celebration of Michigan craft beer.

For a full event calendar, visit Discover Kalamazoo’s event listing.

Places of Interest

Bronson Park

  • GPS Coordinates: 42.2925° N, 85.5872° W
  • Address: 151 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

  • GPS Coordinates: 42.2912° N, 85.5841° W
  • Address: 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

  • GPS Coordinates: 42.2891° N, 85.5853° W
  • Address: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Map of Kalamazoo

County and Regional Information

Kalamazoo is located in Kalamazoo County in southwest Michigan. The county government website is:

https://www.kalcounty.com/

Kalamazoo County Administration Building:

  • Address: 201 W Kalamazoo Ave #101, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
  • Phone: (269) 384-8111

The city is part of the broader Southwest Michigan region which also includes nearby cities like Battle Creek and Portage. Tourism information can be found at Southwest Michigan’s visitor website.

School Districts

Public schools in Kalamazoo are managed by Kalamazoo Public Schools district. Their website is:

https://www.kpschools.org/

Some other school districts that serve the Kalamazoo area include:

Local Resources