ZooPlex guidebook
Food🍽️ & brew🍻 scene 🤤
All listed spots are uniquely Kalamazoo and just a short distance from the ZooPlex.
No trip to Kalamazoo is complete without visiting here. Even if you don't drink beer, the entire food menu is amazing, with an indescribable vibe at the attached Eccentric Cafe
62 locals recommend
Bell's Brewery
355 E Kalamazoo AveNo trip to Kalamazoo is complete without visiting here. Even if you don't drink beer, the entire food menu is amazing, with an indescribable vibe at the attached Eccentric Cafe
Founded in 1983 this place has remained family-owned and managed and has gained national recognition as one of the "Best Donuts in America," by MSN City Guide and AOL. All three Sweetwater's locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mmmmm, so good! https://sweetwatersdonuts.com/donuts/
7 locals recommend
Sweetwater's Donut Mill
3333 Stadium DrFounded in 1983 this place has remained family-owned and managed and has gained national recognition as one of the "Best Donuts in America," by MSN City Guide and AOL. All three Sweetwater's locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mmmmm, so good! https://sweetwatersdonuts.com/donuts/
Kazoopy's Pizza & Grinders Westwood
1908 West Main StreetGastro pub quality food. Clean inside and out. Very kid friendly
25 locals recommend
Latitude 42 Brewing Company
6101 W Main StGastro pub quality food. Clean inside and out. Very kid friendly
Craft food, craft beer, designated kid-friendly play area, board games, pinball machines, friendly employees... they are all great! A must see while in town!
***Family Friendly Sunday-Thursday, 21+ Friday-Saturday***
https://www.onewellbrewing.com/about
15 locals recommend
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage StreetCraft food, craft beer, designated kid-friendly play area, board games, pinball machines, friendly employees... they are all great! A must see while in town!
***Family Friendly Sunday-Thursday, 21+ Friday-Saturday***
https://www.onewellbrewing.com/about
Niskers Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar
5051 West Main StreetSave room for Tempura Ice Cream dessert… It’s BIG and delicious!
(Deep fried tempura battered ice cream topped with choco syrup and whipping cream)
Toba Sushi and Grill
Save room for Tempura Ice Cream dessert… It’s BIG and delicious!
(Deep fried tempura battered ice cream topped with choco syrup and whipping cream)
Coffee☕️ & Tea 🍵
Water Street Coffee Joint (Downtown)
315 E Water StCoffee, light food, and located in “Bookbug” an AMAZING locally owned book store with a focus on kids lit but a more than healthy
Table of Contents
3019 Oakland DrCoffee, light food, and located in “Bookbug” an AMAZING locally owned book store with a focus on kids lit but a more than healthy
Sightseeing
Great OFF-LEASH Dog park fully fenced with separate areas for both large and small dogs. Each side has the three tiered water fountains great for keeping your pooch hydrated. Both sides also have poop bag dispensers and trash cans, as well as benches and paved walking path for humans.
Fairmount Dog Park
1108 North Prairie StreetGreat OFF-LEASH Dog park fully fenced with separate areas for both large and small dogs. Each side has the three tiered water fountains great for keeping your pooch hydrated. Both sides also have poop bag dispensers and trash cans, as well as benches and paved walking path for humans.
Upbeat shop with an outdoor patio selling ice cream & coffee along with Michigan-themed merchandise. Situated along the Kalamazoo Mall which was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. Take a leisurely stroll downtown and stop for a coffee, dine outdoors for lunch, or shop the many locally-owned boutiques.
The Kalamazoo Mall hosts Art on the Mall each summer, where pottery, painting, sculptures, and other media are on display from local and regional artists.
The Spirit of Kalamazoo
154 S Kalamazoo MallUpbeat shop with an outdoor patio selling ice cream & coffee along with Michigan-themed merchandise. Situated along the Kalamazoo Mall which was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. Take a leisurely stroll downtown and stop for a coffee, dine outdoors for lunch, or shop the many locally-owned boutiques.
The Kalamazoo Mall hosts Art on the Mall each summer, where pottery, painting, sculptures, and other media are on display from local and regional artists.
The KVM is a local favorite for so many reasons: free admission, children’s area, regularly rotating exhibits, and a planetarium all in one, multi-level, magnificent museum. Families will move from one hands-on station to the next, learning geography, mathematics, history and other disciplines.
39 locals recommend
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose StThe KVM is a local favorite for so many reasons: free admission, children’s area, regularly rotating exhibits, and a planetarium all in one, multi-level, magnificent museum. Families will move from one hands-on station to the next, learning geography, mathematics, history and other disciplines.
State-of-the-art museum pairs rare aircraft with flight simulators & 4D theaters plus amusements.
73 locals recommend
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
6151 Portage RdState-of-the-art museum pairs rare aircraft with flight simulators & 4D theaters plus amusements.
In the late 1800s, Orville Gibson arrived in Kalamazoo and began designing his own range of mandolins. Over time, his company grew and became known as one of the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturers. Some of the finest guitars were built at 225 Parsons Street from 1917 to 1984.
Heritage Guitar
225 Parsons StIn the late 1800s, Orville Gibson arrived in Kalamazoo and began designing his own range of mandolins. Over time, his company grew and became known as one of the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturers. Some of the finest guitars were built at 225 Parsons Street from 1917 to 1984.
City advice
Travelling with kids
We're parents too, ask us for bulky stuff
We've saved clean car seats, pack'n'play, walkers, high chairs, books and a few other things that may lighten your load if visiting from far away. We'd be happy to lend them to you during your stay!
Don't miss
Iconic Kalamazoo stops
The Old Gibson Guitar Factory: Has 100 years of instrument-making experience. Free public tours operate most Wed & Fridays at 1:30PM. Reservations are required. Register at https://heritageguitars.com
Tour the Historic Henderson Castle: Visits can be followed by a wine tasting, or their Prime Chophouse restaurant, and a trip to a gift shop! Scheduling is easy at https://www.hendersoncastle.com/tours
Bells Brewery and Eccentric Cafe: With 20+ draught options, a full-service restaurant, a luscious Beer Garden, and comfortable patio, Bell’s is the premiere craft beer destination in Michigan