Population261,670 (2020 Census)
Aviation Adventures, Museum Stories and Creative City Stops
Kalamazoo County, MichiganKalamazoo County gives visitors plenty of ways to combine learning, outdoor time and local shopping. See aviation exhibits at the Air Zoo, explore the Kalamazoo Valley Museum or follow a section of the River Valley Trail. Downtown restaurants and independent shops add choices for a longer day out. This guide also brings together county offices, schools, libraries, hospitals and transportation contacts, making it useful for everyday questions as well as weekend plans.
Kalamazoo County at a Glance
Population261,670 (2020 Census)
County SeatKalamazoo
Largest MunicipalityKalamazoo (73,598; 2020 population within county)
Established1830 (organized)
ZIP Codes29 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area580.3 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-94, US-131, M-43, M-89 and M-96
Area Codes269
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County was organized in 1830, and its museums and public spaces provide several perspectives on the area’s past and present. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum connects visitors with regional stories and science, while the Air Zoo explores aviation and technological achievement. The Kal-Haven Trail follows a former railroad corridor, offering a different way to encounter the surrounding landscape. Independent bookstores, public libraries and downtown shops continue the county’s tradition of creating places where people learn, exchange ideas and spend time together.
Kalamazoo, Portage, Galesburg, Parchment, Vicksburg and neighboring townships have their own services and community destinations. Confirm school assignment and utility coverage with your address rather than a mailing-city name. Metro provides local transit options, while the airport connects the region with longer-distance travel. Libraries, museums and trails offer varied leisure choices, but parking, reservations and admission differ by venue. Check current service notices and operating hours when planning a visit or arranging an appointment.
What Shapes Us
Aviation and Science
The Air Zoo in Portage combines aircraft exhibits and interactive experiences, giving families a destination to explore after checking admission, operating hours and activity requirements.
Trails and Nature
The River Valley Trail, Kal-Haven Trail and Kalamazoo Nature Center offer different outdoor experiences, with maps, access conditions and admission arrangements to review separately.
Independent Shopping
The Kalamazoo Mall and Oakland Drive provide stops for local apparel, running gear and books, alongside restaurants that can round out an afternoon visit.
Connect curious minds with trails, stories and neighborhood discoveries.
Around Kalamazoo County
Around Kalamazoo County
Places, landscapes and community stories
Around Kalamazoo County
Stories from every corner of Kalamazoo County.
2027-2028 Key Dates
Oct 1, 2026 • 2 min read
Get Your VCS Sporting Event Tickets Here
Aug 18, 2026 • 2 min read
Back to School Hub
Find information on back to school events and more in the VCS Back to School Hub
Jul 10, 2026 • 2 min read
Upload your 2026-2027 Sports Physicals
VCS is using a new system this year. Make sure your student athlete is ready to play!
Jun 1, 2026 • 2 min read
Class of 2026 Summa Cum Laude
Apr 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Kalamazoo County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
Clerk / Register of Deeds — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Treasurer — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Equalization — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Find My Commissioner — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Health & Community Services — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment with the district serving your street address.
Kalamazoo RESA — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Kalamazoo Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Portage Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Comstock Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Vicksburg Community Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Hospitals and Regional Care
Call 911 for an emergency. Regional facilities are labeled separately.
Bronson Methodist Hospital — Hospital and emergency care in downtown Kalamazoo.
Beacon Kalamazoo — Hospital on Gull Road, formerly Borgess Hospital; use the current Beacon service contacts.
Public Safety
Kalamazoo County Sheriff — County law enforcement and public safety contacts.
Kalamazoo County Emergency Management — Local emergency coordination and preparedness resources.
Michigan State Police — State law enforcement contacts and resources.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor regulations.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Official county emergency management contacts.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance response.
Kalamazoo County Emergency Management — Local emergency coordination and preparedness resources.
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services — Local public health and environmental health information.
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo — Mental health access, crisis support and community-service information.
National Weather Service Grand Rapids — Official weather forecasts, watches and warnings.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Fort Custer Recreation Area — State recreation area near Augusta with trails and lake access; check entry passes and current notices.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park — Regional rail trail between Kalamazoo and South Haven; select the intended trailhead and review use rules.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail — Free nonmotorized trail; check current maps, access points and detours.
Fort Custer Recreation Area — State recreation area near Augusta with trails and lake access; check entry passes and current notices.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park — Regional rail trail between Kalamazoo and South Haven; select the intended trailhead and review use rules.
Markin Glen Park — County park with trails, camping and seasonal recreation; check entry fees and reservations.
Kalamazoo Nature Center — Nature trails, exhibits and learning programs; regular admission applies except designated free days or benefits.
Utilities
Providers and public water or sewer service vary by address; confirm your service territory.
Consumers Energy — Utility account services within its coverage territory.
Kalamazoo water and sewer — Municipal utility information; confirm whether the city serves your property.
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services — Local public health and environmental health information.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric utility serving an address.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
Libraries
Central Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Alma Powell Branch — Branch operating at a temporary North Street location; check current location and hours.
Eastwood Branch — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Oshtemo Branch — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Washington Square Branch — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Courts
Courts directory — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
8th District Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Probate Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Civil/Probate Division — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Friend of the Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Metro — Local bus routes and schedules; review service notices and connections before traveling.
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport — Airport access, airline and passenger information; confirm current schedules with the airline.
MDOT Mi Drive — Road conditions and construction information.
Michigan public transit providers — Official transit agency contacts across Michigan.
Michigan transportation guide — Airports, bus connections and other travel resources.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Kalamazoo County.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers free general admission. Check individual program descriptions for additional charges or booking requirements.
Air Zoo is in Portage. Review current admission, exhibit access and activity requirements before visiting.
Kalamazoo Nature Center normally charges admission. Designated free days and eligibility-based benefits are separate from regular admission.
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is free to use. Check the county map, trail rules, parking arrangements and any closures affecting your chosen section.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park connects the Kalamazoo area with South Haven along a former railroad corridor. Review the state map to choose an access point and suitable distance.
Rustica and Principle Food & Drink are on the Kalamazoo Mall. Crow’s Nest provides a breakfast and lunch option on South Westnedge Avenue.
this is a bookstore | Bookbug offers books for adults and children, along with art supplies. Check current store hours and event arrangements.
The Spirit of Kalamazoo carries local-themed apparel and gifts, while Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo specializes in running footwear and active clothing. Lana’s Boutique Kalamazoo offers another clothing option.
Kalamazoo Public Library hours lists branch schedules and addresses. Check the temporary Alma Powell location before traveling.
Metro publishes routes, schedules and service alerts. Check connections, holiday service and the last return trip.
Bronson Methodist Hospital and Beacon Kalamazoo provide hospital services in Kalamazoo. Beacon Kalamazoo was formerly Borgess Hospital. Call 911 for emergencies.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum — Free general admission to museum exhibits; special programs and group bookings may have separate fees.
- Air Zoo — Aerospace and science museum in Portage with interactive experiences; admission and activity rules apply.
- Kalamazoo Nature Center — Nature trails, exhibits and learning programs; regular admission applies except designated free days or benefits.
Restaurants
- Crow’s Nest — Breakfast and lunch dining on South Westnedge Avenue; check current dine-in and takeout arrangements.
- Rustica — European-inspired restaurant on the Kalamazoo Mall; check current menus and reservations.
- Principle Food & Drink — Downtown restaurant on the Kalamazoo Mall with seasonal food and drink menus.
Shopping & Retail
- this is a bookstore | Bookbug — Independent books and art supplies on Oakland Drive, including a children’s book selection.
- The Spirit of Kalamazoo — Local gifts, Michigan apparel and ice cream on the Kalamazoo Mall.
- Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo — Running footwear, active clothing and fitting assistance at the Kalamazoo store.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Lana’s Boutique Kalamazoo — Clothing and accessories at 124 South Kalamazoo Mall; select Kalamazoo rather than the St. Joseph store.
- Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo — Running footwear, active clothing and fitting assistance at the Kalamazoo store.
- The Spirit of Kalamazoo — Local gifts, Michigan apparel and ice cream on the Kalamazoo Mall.
Outdoor Fun
- Kalamazoo River Valley Trail — Free nonmotorized trail; check current maps, access points and detours.
- Fort Custer Recreation Area — State recreation area near Augusta with trails and lake access; check entry passes and current notices.
- Kal-Haven Trail State Park — Regional rail trail between Kalamazoo and South Haven; select the intended trailhead and review use rules.
Free Things To Do
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum — Free general admission to museum exhibits; special programs and group bookings may have separate fees.
- Kalamazoo River Valley Trail — Free nonmotorized trail; check current maps, access points and detours.
- Kalamazoo Central Library — Public reading spaces and programs; borrowing, special services and parking have separate requirements.
Your next local discovery starts here.Explore the listings