Oct 30, 2024 8 min read Destinations

Best Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Kalamazoo

Wheelchair-user exploring accessible trails at W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

What's Ahead?

What is Kalamazoo Known For?
Why Visit Kalamazoo?
Is Kalamazoo Wheelchair-Friendly?
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do
Explore Accessible Parks and Outdoor Trails
Accessible Museums
Accessible Hotels in Kalamazoo
Plan Your Kalamazoo Visit With Guaranteed Accessibility

Kalamazoo offers an impressive mix of accessible attractions. If you love parks and the outdoors, this is a perfect place for you to visit. Kalamazoo has a plethora of nice parks and trails to explore. And despite the city being on the smaller side, they have an impressive lineup of museums. So whether you’re exploring nature or diving into the city’s cultural scene, Kalamazoo has options for every visitor.

It's also worth noting that Kalamazoo has an amazing food and brewery scene, which is one of the best parts about visiting somewhere new, right? This beautiful gem in Michigan is full of surprises, so here is your guide to the best wheelchair-accessible things to do in Kalamazoo.

Arial view of Kalamazoo Mall — Kalamazoo Mall

What is Kalamazoo, MI Known For?

Kalamazoo, located about an hour and a half west of Ann Arbor, is known for its thriving arts scene, historic sites, and rich brewing culture. Once home to the renowned Gibson Guitar factory, the city has a storied history and a creative spirit that attracts visitors from near and far. With Western Michigan University at its center and a variety of cultural attractions, Kalamazoo is a welcoming place with accessible things to see and do.

Why Visit Kalamazoo?

Kalamazoo’s appeal lies in its blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities – the perfect combination. It offers something for everyone: accessible outdoor parks, engaging cultural venues, and a lively dining and brewery scene. The city’s dedication to accessibility means wheelchair users can enjoy a variety of activities without barriers.

Buildings on Michigan Street in Kalamazoo — Downtown Kalamazoo

Is Kalamazoo Wheelchair-Friendly?

Yes it is! Kalamazoo offers a wide range of wheelchair-accessible attractions, ensuring visitors with mobility needs can experience the city comfortably. The local parks have many trails and paths that are suitable for wheelchair-users, and you'll find no shortage of places to eat and drink without much issue.

Downtown Kalamazoo is also very wheelchair-friendly with wide and maintained sidewalks with curb cuts. And one of the local initiatives, "Streets for All", is enhancing safety and walkability by modifying lanes and transitioning one-way streets into two-way streets. It's creating more walk and bike lanes, helping local businesses, and creating a better quality of life. This initiative is improving not just downtown but many neighborhoods and areas.

Man walking his dog in Bronson Park in Kalamazoo — Bronson Park

Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Kalamazoo

Wine Tasting and Live Music at Lawton Ridge Winery

A family-owned and operated business, Lawton Ridge Winery crafts wine and cider in smaller batches to ensure high quality and consistency. Head to their tasting room for a nice afternoon or evening of trying local wines, and be sure to check out their upcoming events for live music and other happenings. The winery is accessible, however, their restroom is not.

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery

A family-friendly outdoor destination, Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery offers accessible walking paths and educational exhibits on fish and wildlife conservation. Visitors can explore accessible trails while learning about Michigan’s fishery programs, making it a unique and inclusive outing.

Kalamazoo County Expo Center

The Kalamazoo County Expo Center is an accessible venue hosting events year-round, from trade shows to community expos. The spacious, step-free facility welcomes visitors of all abilities to explore local events and fairs.

See a Show at Farmers Alley Theatre

With a variety of exciting productions happening throughout the year, Farmers Alley Theatre is a great place to experience high-quality shows. The theatre showcases a diverse range of performances, including classic plays, contemporary works, and musicals. Check out their 2024/25 lineup to see whats upcoming.

Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball

Catch a minor league baseball game with the Kalamazoo Growlers, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Northwoods League. The stadium offers a family-friendly atmosphere with seating close to the action, making it an excellent spot for fans of all ages. In addition to baseball games, the venue often hosts community events, making it a central hub for local sports and entertainment. The stadium has an accessible bathroom, parking, a step-free entrance, and assistance is available for persons with physical disabilities.

Airway Fun Center

Airway Fun Center is an accessible entertainment venue offering a variety of activities for families and friends. It features go-kart racing, mini-golf, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, and more, providing a fun-filled experience for all ages. View photos and accessibility details here.

W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Nature enthusiasts will love the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. With wheelchair-accessible trails that run for miles and bird-watching areas that include resident waterfowl, gamebirds and raptors, visitors can explore diverse habitats and enjoy the beauty of native birds in a beautiful, natural-setting.

Explore Accessible Parks and Outdoor Trails

Kalamazoo is filled with outdoor parks and trails, many of which are accessible. Here is a list of some of the beautiful parks you can enjoy.

Merrill Park: Merrill Park provides an accessible community space with playgrounds, shaded picnic tables, and smooth paths. It’s a peaceful, wheelchair-friendly place for a day in the park.
Ramona Park: Ramona Park is a lakeside area that offers playgrounds, trails, fishing, picnic areas, and more, making it an ideal spot for a day by the water The paved paths and step-free facilities ensure a welcoming environment for all.
Robert Morris Park: This lakeside park is perfect for fishing and picnicking, with accessible trails and pathways throughout. Wheelchair users will find smooth, step-free areas for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Lakeview Park: Lakeview Park features scenic trails, an accessible fishing area, and picnic spots, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. The accessible pathways and shaded seating areas ensure a comfortable visit.
South Westnedge Park: South Westnedge Park offers accessible walking paths, picnic spots, and sports facilities, making it a great place for a relaxed day outdoors. Wheelchair users can navigate the park’s open spaces and paved trails with ease.
Markin Glen Park: Known for its scenic lake and walking trails, which are accessible, Markin Glen Park offers fishing spots, picnic areas, and views of the surrounding natural landscape. The park’s accessibility features include smooth pathways, accessible bathrooms, and handicap parking.
River Oaks County Park: A favorite local spot for outdoor recreation, River Oaks County Park features a splash pad, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, making it ideal for family outings. It also includes a picturesque lake, perfect for fishing and kayaking. An accessible bathroom is available along with parking, paved surfaces and pathways.
Mayor’s Riverfront Park: Situated along the Kalamazoo River, this park offers accessible trails, picnic areas, and river views. Mayor’s Riverfront Park is a peaceful location for a leisurely walk, and it often hosts accessible community events.

Accessible park and beach at Ramona Park in Kalamazoo — Ramona Park and Beach | Kalamazoo

Accessible Museums in Kalamazoo

For a smaller city, Kalamazoo has some amazing museums to check out. They are all accessible as well.

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is an interactive museum that celebrates aviation and space exploration. Known for its impressive collection of vintage aircraft, space artifacts, and immersive exhibits, the Air Zoo offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Visitors can explore historic planes, take part in hands-on science exhibits, and experience flight simulators. The museum also features amusement park-style rides and educational programs, making it a popular destination for families, students, and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The museum entrance is step-free and inside there is an accessible bathroom, an elevator, and smooth flooring.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

A free-admission museum with accessible exhibits on local history, science, and culture, Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a must-visit. The museum is designed to be fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all abilities.

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, an accessible museum in Kalamazoo — Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

U-M Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

The U-M Museum of Natural History provides accessible exhibits on natural history, science, and exploration. The planetarium, also wheelchair-friendly, offers an engaging, educational experience for all visitors.

Gilmore Car Museum

Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Gilmore Car Museum, featuring a vast collection of over 400 classic and vintage automobiles and motorcycles. Housed on a 90-acre campus, its one of the largest automobile museums in North America. With wheelchair-accessible pathways, ramps, and accessible viewing areas, it’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in automotive history.

Where to Stay: Accessible Hotels in Kalamazoo

Wheelchair accessible room at Best Western Plus in Kalamazoo — Accessible room at Best Western Plus

Best Western Plus Kalamazoo Suites

Located conveniently close to downtown attractions, Best Western Plus Kalamazoo Suites offers an accessible room featuring a roll-in shower, grab bars, and 60+ inches of turning space in both the bathroom and bedroom. The hotel also has a pool with a lift and a jacuzzi. If you're looking for an affordable stay in a good location, this is one to consider.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kalamazoo West

Holiday Inn Express has spacious, wheelchair-accessible rooms with options for either an accessible bathtub or a roll-in shower. A shower seat and grab bars are also available, while the bed has roughly 7 inches of space underneath if you use a Hoyer lift. They have complimentary breakfast each morning and a pool with a lift.

Roll-in shower, shower sear and grab bars at Holiday Inn Express in Kalamazoo — Roll-in shower at Holiday Inn Express | Kalamazoo

Plan Your Kalamazoo Visit With Guaranteed Accessibility

Kalamazoo’s variety of wheelchair-accessible attractions, parks, and hotels make it a destination that caters to all. From nature parks and interactive museums to live music and community events, the city ensures that every visitor can enjoy a memorable experience.