All about Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI has a long history, as the area was originally home to the Hopewell Indians. The modern city got its start in the late 18th century, and was originally home to fur traders. A prison camp was established here during the War of 1812, as well. After the British presence was removed, the city truly began to grow. In 1829, Titus Bronson moved to the area and subsequently platted the town in 1831, naming it Bronson. Titus was run out of town a few years later, in 1836, and the city took on its modern moniker of Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo, Michigan lies on the southwest bank of the Kalamazoo River, which has helped the city gain prominence over its long lifespan. The presence of the river proved highly beneficial, as it furthered trade, travel and even agriculture. In fact, the city is home to several other tributaries of the greater Kalamazoo River, including Arcadia Creek and Portage Creek. Geographically speaking, the city enjoys quite a few water-related venues, with the numerous rivers and several creeks within the city, itself. The nearby Kleinstuck Marsh is a watershed, but also a popular spot for hikers and birdwatchers.

The city of Kalamazoo, MI, has a population somewhat in excess of 77,000 people. The majority of the city’s suburban population actually lives in Portage Township, to the south of the main city. Female residents slightly outnumber the male residents, as of the most recent census information, though not by an extreme amount. The median income for the city’s residents is just over $30,000 per year for single residents, while families in the area have a median income of $42,000 per year. The city’s nicknames include The Paper City and The Celery City. Kalamazoo is also home to several colleges, including Michigan College.

Kalamazoo County is also home to a number of major Interstates. I-94 serves the area, as does the I-94 Business Loop. Major US highways within the county include US Route 131 and Business US 131, which serves downtown Kalamazoo. Both M-43 and M-96 are also major arteries within the city. Red Arrow Highway (Old US 12) also runs through the area and is based on the old Territorial Road that ran from Detroit to Lake Michigan.

Visitors to the area will also find that Kalamazoo County is home to numerous other transportation options, such as Amtrak, Greyhound, the Metro Transit authority and an international airport (the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport). Hiking and biking trails are also widely available in the area for those who wish to enjoy the scenic countryside.