My family absolutely loves the KNC. When the weather is glum, there are lots of things to do for kids inside. When it's nice outside, there are tons of trails and lots of exploring to be done. We typically start inside, and then we hit the trails. Lots of birds to see and streams to play in. The imagination runs free at Kalamazoo Nature Center! With annual passes available (around $80 for a family), the investment in the community is well worth it! read more

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Lovely place, first time my wife and I had been there. We walked several trails and toured the visitors center. The trails were well made and matained. We will be back. We were impressed in the COVID precautions. Temperature checks and contacting info. read more

We love the KZ Nature Center and wish someone with a lot more money than us would show it some love with a big donation! Some areas are looking a little tired. That said, it's a beautiful place to take a few deep breaths, get some exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. There are something like 9 hiking trails, of varying lengths and intensities. The Nature's Playground and indoor play area (a Montessori-type space in the visitor's center) are both wonderful spots for kids. The gift shop has some awesome eco friendly kids' toys, too. Staff at the gate and visitor's center were very kind and helpful. If it was closer to my house, I would definitely become a member and go several times a week. Still might become a member and Im going to look into their classes for kids. Anyway, it's a gem in our community. Go check it out! read more

Awesome place we went late april and weather is just perfect not to hot or cold 7 dollar per adult entrance fee get a little excersize walking around some great trails and seeing a few animals in the indoor center, cant think of a better way to spend a spring afternoon. Pro tip: when we went, The maple trail was by far the best I saw beautiful stream running through ....the trail that says there is a pond on it, near delane (sp) parking was disappointing haha it was a dirty little puddle when we saw it not quite worth the walk. read more

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Nature in Kalamazoo plus an arts and crafts showcase right before Christmas means that I buy myself something and gawk over everything else. There was plenty to see and buy plus the nature portion was very informational! The best thing for me was the gentleman selling fresh toffee and the other gentleman selling hand pies. I'm still thinking about that feta and spinach pie, warming up my cold and snowy hands. I love Kalamazoo. This place was friendly, informative, CLEAN, and just a great place for kiddos and adults. read more

Kalamazoo Nature Center - Museums Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

One of my absolute favorite places in Kalamazoo. I'd come here every day if I could. I especially love the Beech Maple trail. How can you go wrong with 4000 acres of nature all in one spot? Not to mention near-daily educational activities such as nature hikes, yoga, and even cooking demonstrations. read more

Not only is the Kalamazoo Nature Center a great place to be when it's open, It's a great spot to be when everything is closed. The Nature Center has announced it will be closed through March 20th because of the public health crisis, and all public programs there will be canceled during this time, but the trails remain open and free of charge from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day because "outdoor time is one of the best things to do for our well-being during times such as this." They've also stated that portable restrooms will be available. We had the best time at their hugely popular maple syrup festival a couple weeks ago -- they had such an awesome array of activities to engage people of all ages from toddlers to seniors. I also consider their December artists and artisan sale an absolute must attend event for people who love local. My husband and I have enjoyed so many wonderful hikes here and are so immensely grateful that nature is not canceled in this challenging time. read more

I just love this place! If you like to hike, the trails are simply gorgeous. My favorite time of the year to visit is in the early summer in June and July, although each season has its own special beauty. They just opened up several new trails on the north end in 2014. On the south end, I recommend the Bluebird Trail. If you like to photograph wildflowers, birds, and butterflies, you will not be disappointed! If you plan on hiking, do be sure to bring along a backpack with water, snacks, and mosquito repellent. It can get rather warm out on the trails on a sunny day. They do have drinks and snacks for sale in the visitor center, but the selection is limited. The center has many interesting exhibits, and is well worth seeing. Check their web site for open hours. I was told that you could see bald eagles down by the river, but they weren't there during the times I visited. I understand that the best time to see them is in the early morning. Check with staff for sightings and recommendations. Membership is very inexpensive and well worth it if you live in the area. If you buy a membership, you also receive reciprocal admittance to the Fernwood Botanic Gardens in Niles. This is a great place to bring your kids to get them interested and exposed to the outdoors. They also have summer camp programs. Check with staff for details. read more

Kalamazoo Nature Center - Wildflowers on the Prairie Pathway at the north end taken in July 2014 - Museums Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

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This is by far the coolest nature center I have ever visited. First of all, the building is awesome. Clearly built in the sixties and lovingly maintained, it has an awesome domed tropical forest as the center with exhibits all around. It has acres of walking trails that are well maintained and interesting. The exhibits were really cool and locally tailored. They had one on bugs, one where you saw the world from the perspective of a rabbit, lots of different animal exhibits and a super cool room called the "Expedition Room" where you could check out materials to take on a hike with you. It was $7 to get in an as an adult and that included access to everything from the exhibits to the trails. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. They had a great gift shop as well. We got a few christmas gifts here (I know, already?!?!) including an awesome calendar of lunar phases that was more like artwork. Everything is really cheap for a museum gift shop too! read more

My first memory of the Kalamazoo Nature Center is when my mom took me there to drop off a baby bird that fell from its nest. The staff was very helpful and were happy to take the bird in. They help save and rehabilitate wild animals. Animals that are too injured to be released back into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. They also conduct research and provide tours to the public. If you don't feel like a tour then spend your afternoon hiking the trails. While growing up I have rescued and delivered to the Nature Center everything from injured birds, rabbits, turtles, ducks, and mice. I feel so fortunate to have been able to grow up with such a wonderful institution! read more

Kalamazoo Nature Center - trail at the Nature Center - Museums Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Not impressed with prices to get in. Charged for each person to get in through gate and charged again to see nature center. Not a fan of a bunch of charges to see a place. They have some neat trails. read more

Great place to Cross Country ski. There are numerous trails, mostly self made vs groomed but they meander through the woods and the views and outdoor life are great. They have maps and advice so get out and ski while the weather is good! read more

This place was better than I expected! The dome and Nature center are really awesome, especially if you have kids! It was a blast. A lot of educational things there and many activities to chose from. They also have the Delano Farm with a CSA and a "petting zoo" area for kids that has chickens, a pony, donkeys, rabbits, a pig, goats and a couple of other things. We will be back. read more

Kalamazoo Nature Center - Museums Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

A wonderful place to have a membership right near home! They have great programs every week and weekend, as well as the camps. I go with my kids regularly all through the summer to hike and play. They've gone to summer camp for the last two years (1/2 day camp b/c they are young... will be old enough for full day camp next summer). The Maple Sugar Festival and Earth Day events are so much fun! It really is enjoyable all year long... we've even taken to the trails with our snowshoes! read more

What a beautiful center to observe and learn about the area's wildlife. +10 trails offering unique views through the forest of the river, bluff, and surrounding greenery. Definitely a calm, quiet, and serene place to ease your mind, take a walk, or make a picnic. read more

This place is only 5 miles from downtown Kalamazoo. And there's a bike trail that goes right to it!

Worth the $7 bucks to get in. Yeah some may think that is pricey, but there are so many trails to explore that you could stay for 6 hours and not walk them all. I like that they use a heat pump to heat & cool the building and that there is some local art on display. The facility is always clean and quiet. Staff is always friendly. The trail system is well maintained. Great place to go with your grandparents or grandchildren. Wishlist: I would like to have a more secure place to lock up my bicycle as the bike rack is not bolted down. Drinking fountain could be titch colder but that's just me. read more

Very nice inside facilities and trails. Minerals in the gift shop very reasonably priced. Bass fish inside in tanks. Bought a bird call in gift shop too and brought in a few birds to chirp with us. Best to go in warm weather of course and was great in August. Will go again this summer. Had to go back to buy some more minerals in the meantime. read more

There aren't enough words to write that describes my love of the KNC! We purchased a family membership and have loved every minute of it. By going as a family 5-6times it has more than paid for itself. The grounds are well kept, the staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and we will certainly be returning for years to come! Thank you for being here for us to visit-- often! read more

One of the finest Nature Centers in the country. 1100 acres of land with huge bio-diversity, from Old Growth forest to native prairie. Miles of hiking trails, exhibits, kids programing. Amazing. Oh, Mike W. is wrong. I see scads of deer every time I go there. You need to stop talking and move quietly and they'll practically eat out of your hand! Bring your camera! read more

Not Mutch of a Nature center. Since thay decided to kill the deer off because thay we're eating the veggies thay sell at there market I guess their profits are of more value than the nature to them read more

Great place to take the kids on hikes like nothing else in the area. We also met some incredibly knowledgable staff and met a few awesome birds at one of their programs. I thought the rainforest was really great, too! read more