Our Wheelchair Accessible Experience of Kalamazoo, Michigan

We spent a few days exploring Kalamazoo, and it turned out to be one of those trips that’s just easy — easy to get around, easy to enjoy, and although we did quite a bit, it was also relaxing. The weather was warm and sunny the whole time, and downtown had a calm, welcoming feel.

"Kalamazoo made me feel so relaxed and with all the time in the world. Everyone was so friendly and leisurely that time just felt slowed down in the best way." - Erika

Accessibility Around Town

One thing that stood out the most about Kalamazoo was how well the city is built for access. The sidewalks downtown are wide and smooth, and even though some streets are brick, they’re easy to roll over. Most entrances are step-free, doors aren’t too heavy, and there’s plenty of room to move in stores and public spaces. It’s clear the city has put thought into making things welcoming for everyone, and it made exploring stress-free from start to finish.

Our Accessible Hotel

We stayed at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites right in the center of the city. The location couldn’t have been better — everything we wanted to do was within rolling distance, from museums to restaurants. The room itself was one of the most accessible we’ve stayed in. There was plenty of space to move around, a roll-in shower with a bench, and even an automatic door that opened when you scanned your key. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference when you travel.

The hotel had a restaurant and sports bar attached, so grabbing a bite or watching a game was super convenient. It made the whole trip feel a little easier — no need to go far if we wanted to relax.

What We Did

We started the morning grabbing coffee downtown at Factory Coffee. If you love coffee, this is a great spot. The drinks were excellent, the space was accessible, and it had that nice local vibe that makes you want to stay for another cup.

Most of our time was spent exploring Kalamazoo’s museums, which turned out to be some of the most accessible and interesting we’ve seen. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum was full of interactive exhibits about the city’s history and science. Everything had wide paths, ramps, and automatic doors, so it was easy to roll through.

Next, we visited the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which was one of the highlights of the trip. The artwork was beautiful, and the layout made it simple to enjoy without worrying about barriers or tight spaces.

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum was a completely different experience — colorful, interactive, and full of planes and exhibits about flight and space. Even if you’re not a museum person, this one’s worth it.

We also spent some time outdoors at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The accessible trail winds through the woods and gives you a chance to see some local wildlife. It’s manageable for most wheelchairs, though it’s best to avoid visiting after heavy rain when the trail can get muddy.

Downtown Kalamazoo itself was easy to explore. The sidewalks were wide and smooth, and most storefronts had step-free entrances. There’s also a great outdoor mall area with shops, treats, and small restaurants — perfect for a slow afternoon.

Food & Drinks

Food in Kalamazoo is casual, local, and really good. We had dinner at Roca, which had great flavors and a relaxed atmosphere. One night we went to Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, attached to the hotel, and it was the perfect place to unwind and watch a game.

We also stopped by One Well Brewing Company and Bell’s Brewery — both known for their craft beer and fun, friendly vibe. The patios were spacious and easy to navigate, though a little sunny in the afternoon, so shade seekers might want to visit later in the day.

"The food in Kalamazoo was always really good, and the atmosphere at all of the restaurants that we went to was always really friendly and welcoming and just had a great atmosphere to be in." - Stefanie

Getting Around

We used an accessible rental van for the trip, which made things simple. We could stay in our chairs and roll right up the ramp. Parking was easy at every stop — plenty of space and good access.

Downtown is compact, so we barely needed the van most of the time. Everything from the hotel to the coffee shop to the museums was within a few blocks, which made the trip feel even more relaxed.

Visit Kalamazoo With Accessibility

Kalamazoo felt like a city that just works for everyone. The pace is slow, people are friendly, and accessibility seems built into the experience rather than added on. From smooth sidewalks to step-free entrances, nothing felt out of reach.

It’s a place that has something for everyone — museums, nature, great food, and that welcoming Midwest charm. We left feeling recharged, comfortable, and already talking about when we might come back.

Travel That Suits Your Accessibility Needs

Find hotels, things to do, and more with verified information

Start Planning