Kalamazoo Throughout the Seasons

Spring

Blooming flowers, returning birds and budding trees are all signs that the excitement and colors of spring are back in Kalamazoo County.

With April showers, come May flowers. Kalamazoo County is the bedding plant capital of the United States. Greenhouses are bursting with bedding plants beginning  to make their way around the world.

There is something for everyone to explore in Kalamazoo County. Nature, education and art are embodied in Kalamazoo’s numerous museums and attractions. You’re invited to experience priceless paintings and sculptures, learn about the evolution of aviation and automobiles, embrace the beauty of lush gardens and observe wildlife in their natural settings. Even a simple Spring stroll through downtown Kalamazoo can be an architectural education. Kalamazoo is also home to a cooperative neighborhood designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the late ‘40s. The entire community is rich in history, culture and beauty.

Summer

Kalamazoo is a water wonderland during the summer. Fish, swim, water-ski, sail or boat in one of Kalamazoo County’s 83 public access lakes or visit the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Around every corner in Kalamazoo there is a park or trail with areas for picnics, biking or horseback riding. Experience a unique dining experience outside alongside a water fountain or on a balcony overlooking a shimmering lake or summer sunset. Explore our many farm markets and sample what is in season.

Outdoor recreation is plentiful in Kalamazoo County. Summer is a haven for golfers with acres of scenic courses. Summer brings baseball games, championship tennis and softball tournaments, plus twelve hours of sunshine allowing for a round of golf after a day of exploring. Also, Kalamazoo offers a full schedule of amateur, collegiate and professional athletics at its numerous stadiums, courts and fields.

Winter

When snow starts falling in late-November, Kalamazoo becomes a winter wonderland. People flock to the local ski resorts and toboggan runs or head to the Kal-Haven trail for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing and the lakes for ice fishing. There are six sheets of hockey-sized ice in Kalamazoo along with several skating ponds. The ski resorts offer beginner hills and challenging slopes for skiers and snowboarders.

There’s nothing quite like the holiday season in Michigan. Besides unique shopping venues and festivals, winter outdoor recreation and chic dining, Kalamazoo County offers a wealth of arts and cultural events guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Make sure to discover the winter delight of taking in the contrasting beauty of quiet snowfalls and warm glowing lights throughout the winter wonderland of Kalamazoo County.

Fall

Fall is when Michigan shows its true colors. As temperatures begin to dip, the leaves of many trees begin to change showing off an incredible palette of warm oranges, fiery reds, and striking golds. Fall is a great time for hiking or biking on the Kal-Haven trail.

The orchards, farm markets and farm stands are ripe with fresh fruits and vegetables in season and the wineries are harvesting and producing award-winning wines and juices.
In the fall, Waldo Stadium roars when the Western Michigan University Broncos take the field for NCAA and Mid-American Conference Football, while the Wings Stadium rink is iced for the beginning of the International Hockey League season.