The Seven Wonders of Southwest Michigan

What are the Seven Wonders of Southwest Michigan? They are a combination of places and experiences that make the Kalamazoo area wonderful. But it's not just Kalamazoo.

From gorgeous and historical places like Kalamazoo State Theatre to incredible programs that are changing the lives of many like the Kalamazoo Promise. Southwest Michigan has a lot to offer. Not to mention the magic capital of the world.

The Seven Wonders of Southwest Michigan

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Colon: The Magic Capital of the World

Magicians from all over the world travel to Colon, Michigan. This small Michigan town has fewer than 1,200 residents. However, it is loved by millions.

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Gene the Pumpkin Man

Fall in Southwest Michigan is synonymous with Gene the Pumpkin Man. Gene has been slinging pumpkins since 1957. That farm has been in his family since 1885 according to MLive.

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Kalamazoo Mall

The first outdoor mall in the United States of America, Kalamazoo Mall, opened in Kalamazoo way back in 1959. Over the decades many shops have occupied our historic mall.

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Kalamazoo Promise

This is one of the most life-changing programs in America. Go to high school 9th-12 grade in Kalamazoo and you are likely eligible for the Kalamazoo Promise according to KalamazooPromise.com,

"The Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees at over 60 eligible Michigan institutions, from colleges and universities, to trade schools and vocational programs."

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Kalamazoo State Theatre

This is one of the more gorgeous and historical places in Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo State Theatre has been a fixture of downtown Kzoo since 1927. The original Barton Theatre Pipe Organ is still right up front underneath the stage.

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Kal Haven Trail

The Kal Haven Trail is a 33-and-a-half-mile trail for hiking, jogging..you name it. This trail runs from South Haven to Kalamazoo. The picture shows an adorable covered bridge on the South Haven end of the trail.

Did we get the Seven Wonders of Southwest Michigan right? If you think we missed something that makes Southwest Michigan amazing, let us know in the social media comments. We should probably throw in honorable mentions for both craft breweries and cannabis dispensaries. You can't move without bumping into a dispensary or brewery in Southwest Michigan. Some would say that either Kalamazoo or Battle Creek areas should be considered Michigan's capital of cannabis.

Oh yeah, Fall colors. We do have some of the best Fall colors in America. Check out the drone footage taken in October of 2023 on M-51 near I-94 just outside of Decatur.