Kalamazoo has a long and intriguing history. And while you might not gather that, from visiting, a few hours spent exploring the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will rectify that. Best of all, admission is free!
Did you know that Kalamazoo, the Celery City, is famous for many things? There is, of course, Gibson Guitars, and that very well-known song, "I've got a gal in Kalamazoo (zoo zoo)." But did you know that Kalamazoo was a hotbed of medical innovation? Yes, indeed! Dr. Stryker, a local orthopedic surgeon, was quite the inventor, creating a rotating bed frame, a cast-cutting saw, and other things that helped his work and the lives of his patients.
There's also a slew of interesting items from the A.M. Todd Collection, which shows many items that the wealthy "Peppermint King" collected, as well as a Mummy Room, including a mummy, her sarcophagus, and many items found in the burial chamber. I remember seeing her when I was growing up...and that because of this, I had an interest in ancient Egypt.
Our extended family has donated several items to the Museum, including this enormous, historic bike. You can see all this and more wandering the galleries, playing in the science and weather areas, and learning much about the history of Kalamazoo and the people who live and work here.
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
230 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo Michigan 49007
This article was originally written for and published over at Midwest Guest.