If you’ve only got a day in Kalamazoo, Michigan you can still pack in a ton of fun! From hands-on museums and outdoor adventures to downtown exploring and sweet treats, we made the most of our 24 hours in this underrated Michigan gem. Here’s exactly how we spent a day in Kalamazoo (and why you’ll want to copy it).
Disclosure: A huge thank you to Discover Kalamazoo and their partners for partnering with us. As always, all opinions are my own. Read full disclosure policy here.
Morning: Donuts + Coffee + Hike
Grab donuts at Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
Start your morning the best way possible… donuts. We’ve all heard about Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, so of course we had to stop. Located on Sprinkle Road (how cute is that?), it was just minutes from our stay at Home2 Suites, making it an easy and very tempting detour.
The hardest part? Choosing. There are so many options, and everything is pretty affordable too, which makes it even more dangerous in the best way.
Pro tip: If you already know what you want, hit the drive-thru. It’ll save you some time.
Fuel up with coffee at Fiddle Leaf Cafe
We grabbed our donuts to go and headed straight for coffee (because vacation = coffee ALWAYS). Fiddle Leaf Cafe had the cozy vibe we’re always looking for with cozy seating and bright natural light. Service may have been a little too slow for us, but once we had our drinks in hand, it was the perfect way to ease into the day and fuel us for our next adventure.
Late Morning: Kalamazoo Nature Center
Next up, time to get outside and let the kids burn off some energy.
Located just 30 minutes from Downtown Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Nature Center feels like a total escape from it all. With over 15 miles of trails, you can easily find one that fits your pace. We were looking for something easy and, with help from the desk staff, chose the Beech Maple Trail with its wooded paths, boardwalk sections, a fun tunnel, that lead right along the river.
But it’s more than just the trails here. There’s an indoor atrium (so cool), animals like birds, turtles, and a rabbit, plus a nature playscape the kids loved. You can even borrow backpacks to make the hike a little more interactive. Such a Kalamazoo gem!
Afternoon: Gilmore Car Museum
Car lovers, rejoice! A stop at the Gilmore Car Museum is a must! If you can’t get enough of vintage cars and trucks, the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan is the place to be. No doubt about it, this was a favorite for my son and husband, certified car aficionados.
For starters, the Gilmore is the largest auto museum in North America, with beginnings dating back to July 1966 when it opened with just 35 cars. Today, it spans a huge campus with vehicles from every era. One of our favorite areas was the Muscle Car Gallery, and I loved that they even had car-themed video driving games to keep the kids entertained while my husband explored every detail of the collection. So smart!
Make sure to check out the rest of the campus too. There are six independent museums spread across the barns and they’re all included with admission. On our visit, not all barns were open, but we still enjoyed exploring. This recreated Shell gas station was a favorite!
Tip: Give yourself time to wander about. There’s a lot more here than you expect.
READ MORE: Looking for more car museums? You can’t go wrong with the Volo Museum in Illinois. Or the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Evening: Downtown Kalamazoo + Dinner + Treats
We wrapped up our day in downtown Kalamazoo, where everything is easy to walk and there’s a fun mix of shops, food, and treats.
Learn and have fun at Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Start at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, a free (yes, free!) stop that ended up being one of our favorites. There are three floors of exhibits, and what really stood out were all the hands-on activities for kids. The kids were kept busy racing LEGO cars, building wind turbines, making music, and more. The rotating exhibits are worth checking out too (we saw a mummy display and a guitar exhibit).
From the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, we took a quick walk to the Kalamazoo Mall, an outdoor pedestrian mall. While walking around, we noticed a great mix of shops along the mall. We made a few must-stop shops along the way. Uncle Buddy’s Toy Stash was a hit. My kids even found a NeeDoh dupe and could’ve stayed forever browsing all the toys and games. For souvenirs, The Spirit of Kalamazoo was the spot for our obligatory postcards and stickers, plus they had tons of fun Kalamazoo-themed merch. If you’re in the mood for a treat (and when are we not?), you’ll find Plainwell ice cream served here.
Fun fact: it’s the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the U.S.
Grab a Sweet Treat
For a sweet treat, we couldn’t pass up Cherri’s Chocol’art. The smell of all those handcrafted chocolates alone was tempting, but we had our eyes set on one thing – their famous Monster Milkshakes.
The kids went straight for the Samoas milkshake topped with Samoas Girl Scout cookies. Poor thing didn’t stand a chance and was completely devoured in minutes. It’s over-the-top in the best way and definitely a fun treat when you’re in Kalamazoo.
Grab food to go at Paris Banh Mi
After a full day of exploring, we were more than ready to head back and relax at the hotel, so takeout was mandatory. Craving something flavorful, we stopped by Paris Banh Mi, and it totally hit the spot.
Everyone was a fan of the banh mi sandwiches – they were so good. I went with the grilled pork on a croissant (highly recommend), and it was absolutely delicious. The Korean corn dog covered in Hot Cheetos was a hit with the kids, too. Our to-go order ended up being the perfect, easy way to wind down back at the hotel after a full day. Next time, I’m definitely coming back to try their Vietnamese coffee and boba.
Where to Stay in Kalamazoo Michigan
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Southeast
After a full day of exploring, we were more than ready to slow things down and this hotel more than delivered. We stayed at the newly built Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Southeast, conveniently located near the airport and an easy home base for our adventures. 
The vibe was perfect for families: plenty of seating in the lobby (even those egg chairs and fun nooks) and games you can borrow. Our favorite by far was winding down and playing billiards table. Breakfast was hot, easy, and a solid way to start the day. The only downside was that the pool wasn’t working during our stay, but honestly, the kids didn’t seem to miss it much with billiards as an alternative. Overall, it was still a comfortable, convenient place to recharge between all the Kalamazoo fun.
Final Thoughts of Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo surprised us in the best way. It’s easy to explore, packed with family-friendly stops, and perfect for a quick getaway. If you’ve only got 24 hours, this itinerary is a fun, doable way to experience a little bit of everything.
