Do as the Locals Do: What to Do in Kalamazoo, Michigan

The future expansion of Heritage Community, Ridge Creek, will be giving its residents a fun and exciting taste of Kalamazoo attractions. With numerous amenities on campus that will keep your mind curious and your heart full—this Michigan senior living community is one that people look at and see value and convenience in because of its great setting. The local appeal doesn’t stop there. The surrounding area of the Heritage Community provides museums, parks and festivals, events and food to delight any culture pallet.

Heritage Community is committed to providing complete senior enrichment to provide a happy, fulfilling, life in Michigan. And with the endless possibilities in Kalamazoo, senior living can be an exciting adventure.

The community at Ridge Creek, opening in 2022, will prioritize your comfort and value your interests. The campus will feature an attractive modern wellness center, a welcoming outdoor terrace and an indoor gathering space featuring bistro dining, panoramic views and a fieldstone fireplace. There are many opportunities available to express yourself and participate in activities and events that are good for your soul.

What to Do at Ridge Creek

Outings and Events

There are monthly calendars created by the Life Enrichment Coordinators full of events within the community, in Kalamazoo, and throughout the surrounding area. While on campus, you can create lasting friendships by bonding over an art class, card-playing, ballroom dancing lessons, poetry readings, continuing education opportunities and many more.

Fitness is also a major part of the community, ensuring a healthy mind and body. Heritage Community offers a variety of physical wellness classes including Cardio Drumming, Enhance®Fitness and Tai Chi.

What to Do in Kalamazoo

Of course, Kalamazoo is an amazing city, open for you to explore on your own if you wish. Kalamazoo’s various downtown areas are filled with their own unique flair and plenty of attractions. Each spot is bursting at the seams with vibrant life, and many offerings to satisfy your adventurous side. It has so much to offer, but below are a few ideas.

Higher Education

One of the most defining factors of Kalamazoo is its higher education institutes. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are the three higher education institutions that add a multitude of cultural and educational opportunities within the area.

Kalamazoo Parks and Expo Center

Kalamazoo has many parks, trails and lake beaches so outdoor adventures are awaiting! Take a walk through the many walking trails and enjoy the foliage, like the new Portage Creek Bicentennial trail being developed in Ridge Creek’s back yard. This trail runs a little over seven miles long and is fit for all skill levels where you’ll see wildflowers, wildlife – and you can even bring your pup along. Or for the more active, take a bike ride through Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.

The Expo Center constantly has exhibits and entertainment going on – over 100 annually to be specific. This 90,000 square foot space hosts events and groups from 25 people to 250,000 people. Check out the rest of this year’s events in the event calendar, which include Fall Flea Markets, Bingo, Craft Fairs and various food festivals.

Gilmore Car Museum

The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s Largest Auto Museum. This 90-acre historic campus located outside of Kalamazoo features classic vehicles and provides an exciting experience for all. Check out all types of vehicles from early model cars, to 50’s classics, to cars from movie sets. And there’s something for everyone with the many events hosted each month. Take a look at the Special Exhibit page to see if there are any events you’d like to participate in.

The Kellogg Manor House 

This beautiful recreational site will immerse you into nature with lush greenery and a sweeping river. Take a look at the trail guide for a relaxing walk, or take the botanical garden tour to view a shoreline demonstration, award-winning trees and foliage areas. Then head inside to the recreation and game room for entertainment and fun. Tours of the grounds are offered year-round.

W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary 

The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is a unique wildlife center offering tours of captive and wild birds. Trails are also accessible for a self-guided walk around the sanctuary. The trail to Wintergreen Lake provides a look at hundreds of waterfowl in their natural habitats, such as swans, geese and duck species. Watch hummingbirds and butterflies feed off flowers located in the Pollinator Garden. And end the day with lunch in the available picnic area. Check out their events calendar to find a course, program or workshop that interests you.

Ridge Creek can serve as a relaxing setting for your senior lifestyle. Residents have the freedom to live the life they choose, with opportunities at their fingertips. They also have the peace of mind that they’ll be taken care of, should they need Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and rehabilitation services.

Now that you know all about the many activities and programs offered at Ridge Creek and in Kalamazoo contact us to schedule an appointment to come visit or call us at 269-247-5999.