Michigan Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path Michigan:
A Guide to Unique Places
by Jim DuFresne
2005

In this book, the author of many outdoor guides turns to other attractions-- museums, restaurants, & festivals-- throughout the state. The book includes plenty of local history and fun facts, along with the descriptions and directions. Like his other books, this travel guide is organized by region. Kalamazoo is in the "Heartland" region and close to the "Lake Michigan" region. Here are some of the author's top picks near Kalamazoo.

Heartland Top Ten

1. Antiquing in Allen
Allen

2. Capitol Tours
Lansing

3. Gerald R Ford Museum
Grand Rapids

4. Gilmore Car Museum
Hickory Corners

5. Hidden Lake Gardens
Tipton

6. Rosie's Diner [closed]
Rockford

7. Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum [Air Zoo]
Kalamazoo

8. Kellogg's Cereal City USA [closed]
Battle Creek

9. Michigan Library and Historical Center
Lansing

10. Van Andel Museum Center
Grand Rapids

Other Heartland Attractions

1. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids

2. Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Grand Rapids

3. Honolulu House
Marshall

4. John Ball Zoological Gardens
Grand Rapids

5. Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Kalamazoo

6. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Augusta

7. Kingman Museum of Natural History
Battle Creek

8. Kresge Art Museum
E. Lansing

9. Leila Arboretum
Battle Creek

10. MSU Museum
E. Lansing

11. Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame
Lansing

12. Potter Park Zoo
Lansing

Lake Michigan Top Ten

1. Gillette Nature Center
Hoffmaster State Park
Muskegon

2. Hackley and Hume Historic Site
Muskegon

3. Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary
White Cloud

4. Ludington State Park
Ludington

5. Mac Wood's Dune Rides
Silver Lake State Park
Mears

6. Picking apples at Tree-Mendus Fruit
Eau Claire

7. Saugatuck Chain Ferry and Mount Baldhead Park
Saugatuck

8. Shrine of the Pines
Baldwin

9. Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Museum [museum closed, Three Oaks Bicycle Club contines.]
Three Oaks

10. Windmill Island
Holland

Other Lake Michigan Attractions

1. Curious Kids Museum
St Joseph
2. Fernwood Botanic Gardens
Buchanan

3. Pear's Mill Museum
Buchanan

4. Manistee Fire Hall
Manistee

5. Southwestern Michigan College Museum
Dowagiac

6. SS Keewatin Museum
Saugatuck

7. Trillium Ravine
Niles

My library has the 8th edition; Amazon and other booksellers have the current edition. Jim DuFresne's other books include 50 Hikes in Michigan (reviewed here and here.) Michigan Sand Dunes, Michigan's Best Campgrounds, and Outdoor Adventures with Children.