Discover all the reasons

to host your reunion in

Kalamazoo

Driving to Kalamazoo:

Kalamazoo is located less than an hour away from Lake Michigan and approximately two hours away from both Chicago and Detroit via Interstate 94. US-131 provides a north/south artery leading north to Grand Rapids and upper Michigan and south to the Indiana toll road.

Once you have arrived in Kalamazoo, efficient public transportation is available from the Metro Transit bus service as well as limousine and taxi services.

I’ll Meet You in Kalamazoo!“Oh, what a gal, a real pipperoo. I’ll make my bid for that freckle-faced kid I’m hurryin’ to. I’m goin’ to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo.”

In 1942, Glenn Miller’s band put Kalamazoo, Michigan on the map with the song, “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.” The lyrics may sound dated and you probably won’t hear any youngsters singing it. But the song’s friendly feel, its nod to our colorful history, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures makes it a perfect salute to our hometown - the perfect place for your reunion!

A Memorable ReunionReunions are more than just individuals meeting in the same place. Reunions are a tight knit group of companions celebrating a reconnection, recognizing obstacles and accomplishments, and reconfirming life-long relationships. We understand how important this event is to you and will work hard to help you plan a memorable reunion.

How Can We Help?Discover Kalamazoo can provide information and guidance for every aspect of your military reunion. Simply put, we’re here to make your life a whole lot easier!

We offer a host of FREE services to make this the BEST REUNION EVER!

Complimentary site visit coordination•

Complimentary visitor information •

Bid preparation from local hotels, restaurants, •attractions, etc.

Program planning assistance•

Registration assistance•

Complimentary step-on tour guide service•

•

141 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 100Kalamazoo, MI 49007

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com

Accessibility

Kalamazoo is a 30 minute flight or 2.5 hour drive from either Chicago or Detroit.

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), is served by major airlines and offers worldwide connections to major hubs throughout the Midwest. Kalamazoo’s historic train station offers transportation to and from major destinations, with Amtrak trains traveling east from Chicago and west from Detroit. Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines are based at the train station.

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com You’ll be back. We promise.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Air Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kellogg Manor House, and Fort Custer Cemetery. 7/09Call us today at 800.888.0509!

Discover Kalamazoo

Military Reunion Planning Guide

Driving to Kalamazoo:

Kalamazoo is located less than an hour away from Lake Michigan and approximately two hours away from both Chicago and Detroit via Interstate 94. US-131 provides a north/south artery leading north to Grand Rapids and upper Michigan and south to the Indiana toll road.

Once you have arrived in Kalamazoo, efficient public transportation is available from the Metro Transit bus service as well as limousine and taxi services.

I’ll Meet You in Kalamazoo!“Oh, what a gal, a real pipperoo. I’ll make my bid for that freckle-faced kid I’m hurryin’ to. I’m goin’ to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo.”

In 1942, Glenn Miller’s band put Kalamazoo, Michigan on the map with the song, “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.” The lyrics may sound dated and you probably won’t hear any youngsters singing it. But the song’s friendly feel, its nod to our colorful history, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures makes it a perfect salute to our hometown - the perfect place for your reunion!

A Memorable ReunionReunions are more than just individuals meeting in the same place. Reunions are a tight knit group of companions celebrating a reconnection, recognizing obstacles and accomplishments, and reconfirming life-long relationships. We understand how important this event is to you and will work hard to help you plan a memorable reunion.

How Can We Help?Discover Kalamazoo can provide information and guidance for every aspect of your military reunion. Simply put, we’re here to make your life a whole lot easier!

We offer a host of FREE services to make this the BEST REUNION EVER!

Complimentary site visit coordination•

Complimentary visitor information •

Bid preparation from local hotels, restaurants, •attractions, etc.

Program planning assistance•

Registration assistance•

Complimentary step-on tour guide service•

•

141 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 100Kalamazoo, MI 49007

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com

Accessibility

Kalamazoo is a 30 minute flight or 2.5 hour drive from either Chicago or Detroit.

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), is served by major airlines and offers worldwide connections to major hubs throughout the Midwest. Kalamazoo’s historic train station offers transportation to and from major destinations, with Amtrak trains traveling east from Chicago and west from Detroit. Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines are based at the train station.

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com You’ll be back. We promise.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Air Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kellogg Manor House, and Fort Custer Cemetery. 7/09Call us today at 800.888.0509!

Kellogg Manor HouseThe Manor House was used by W. K. Kellogg and his family as a summer home until 1942, when it wasofferedtotheCoastGuardforaninductionandtraining center. As the war drew to a close, the Percy Jones Hospital in nearby Battle Creek used it as a rehabilitation center for wounded servicemen. This lovely lakeside attraction is perfect for a catered dining experience your group won’t soon forget.

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Kalamazoo Nature Center

Voted the number one nature center in the nation by other nature centers, the Kalamazoo Nature Center features interactive exhibits, a three-story tropical rainforest,andaseasonalbutterflyandhummingbirdgarden. With more than 1,100 acres of nature, golf cart trail tours are available for people with limited mobility.

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Air ZooShare past memories and create new ones at the Air Zoo. Discover rare historical aircraft and artifacts, including the only SR-71B Blackbird in existence. Experience the 4-D theater that takes you on a WW II mission andthefull-motionflightsimulators.Guidedtours allow visitors and volunteers to swap stories to truly bring aircraft displays to life.

Gilmore Car MuseumDiscover nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles at the GilmoreCarMuseum,consideredoneofthetopfivecar museums in the nation. Exhibits range from the classic Duesenberg, the elusive Tucker, and the Model T, to the 60s muscle cars. Dollhouse fanciers can also visit the Miniature’s Museum. Be sure to make time to share a fountain soda with your sweetie at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner.

Fort Custer National Cemetery

Fort Custer was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a native of the state of Michigan. It was built in 1917 as part of the WW I mobilization, when some 90,000 troops passed through it. During WW II, the fort was used as a training ground and also held German prisoners of war. It is the only United States National Cemetery where another nation’s armed forces are interred.

The Avenue of Flags (below) marks the impressive entrance to this historic location, providing a stunning backdrop for memorial services.

Rose Park Veteran’s MemorialA visible and meaningful memorial honoring all area veterans and those who died in the service of our country. The Veteran’s Memorial serves as a beautiful landmark and focal point.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts continues to bringarttoSouthwestMichiganwithfirst-ratetraveling exhibitions, a stunning variety of permanent collection works in rotating shows, an interactive gallery, a new community cultural center auditorium, and a truly unique gallery shop.

Area Attractions

Besides a hometown feel, accessibility, and friendly folks to help you plan, what else does Kalamazoohavetooffer?

A wide variety of unique shopping •venues, accommodations and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets

Entertainment opportunities galore - •from traveling Broadway shows and classical music, to food festivals and flowertours

Some of the most delicious wines and •beautiful wineries in America - and Kalamazoo is home to a number of specialty microbreweries

Don’tseeithere?Askus!•

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Michigan Living Magazine readers voted the Kalamazoo Valley Museum the top small museum in Michigan. It celebrates history and science in a highly interactive way. Your group will marvel at the Digistar Theatre and planetarium, 2,300 year-old mummy, Science in Motion gallery, and much more.

Kellogg Manor HouseThe Manor House was used by W. K. Kellogg and his family as a summer home until 1942, when it wasofferedtotheCoastGuardforaninductionandtraining center. As the war drew to a close, the Percy Jones Hospital in nearby Battle Creek used it as a rehabilitation center for wounded servicemen. This lovely lakeside attraction is perfect for a catered dining experience your group won’t soon forget.

ww

w.D

isco

verK

alam

azoo

.com

• 8

00.8

88.0

509

Kalamazoo Nature Center

Voted the number one nature center in the nation by other nature centers, the Kalamazoo Nature Center features interactive exhibits, a three-story tropical rainforest,andaseasonalbutterflyandhummingbirdgarden. With more than 1,100 acres of nature, golf cart trail tours are available for people with limited mobility.

ww

w.D

isco

verK

alam

azoo

.com

• 8

00.8

88.0

509

Air ZooShare past memories and create new ones at the Air Zoo. Discover rare historical aircraft and artifacts, including the only SR-71B Blackbird in existence. Experience the 4-D theater that takes you on a WW II mission andthefull-motionflightsimulators.Guidedtours allow visitors and volunteers to swap stories to truly bring aircraft displays to life.

Gilmore Car MuseumDiscover nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles at the GilmoreCarMuseum,consideredoneofthetopfivecar museums in the nation. Exhibits range from the classic Duesenberg, the elusive Tucker, and the Model T, to the 60s muscle cars. Dollhouse fanciers can also visit the Miniature’s Museum. Be sure to make time to share a fountain soda with your sweetie at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner.

Fort Custer National Cemetery

Fort Custer was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a native of the state of Michigan. It was built in 1917 as part of the WW I mobilization, when some 90,000 troops passed through it. During WW II, the fort was used as a training ground and also held German prisoners of war. It is the only United States National Cemetery where another nation’s armed forces are interred.

The Avenue of Flags (below) marks the impressive entrance to this historic location, providing a stunning backdrop for memorial services.

Rose Park Veteran’s MemorialA visible and meaningful memorial honoring all area veterans and those who died in the service of our country. The Veteran’s Memorial serves as a beautiful landmark and focal point.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts continues to bringarttoSouthwestMichiganwithfirst-ratetraveling exhibitions, a stunning variety of permanent collection works in rotating shows, an interactive gallery, a new community cultural center auditorium, and a truly unique gallery shop.

Area Attractions

Besides a hometown feel, accessibility, and friendly folks to help you plan, what else does Kalamazoohavetooffer?

A wide variety of unique shopping •venues, accommodations and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets

Entertainment opportunities galore - •from traveling Broadway shows and classical music, to food festivals and flowertours

Some of the most delicious wines and •beautiful wineries in America - and Kalamazoo is home to a number of specialty microbreweries

Don’tseeithere?Askus!•

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Michigan Living Magazine readers voted the Kalamazoo Valley Museum the top small museum in Michigan. It celebrates history and science in a highly interactive way. Your group will marvel at the Digistar Theatre and planetarium, 2,300 year-old mummy, Science in Motion gallery, and much more.

Kellogg Manor HouseThe Manor House was used by W. K. Kellogg and his family as a summer home until 1942, when it wasofferedtotheCoastGuardforaninductionandtraining center. As the war drew to a close, the Percy Jones Hospital in nearby Battle Creek used it as a rehabilitation center for wounded servicemen. This lovely lakeside attraction is perfect for a catered dining experience your group won’t soon forget.

ww

w.D

isco

verK

alam

azoo

.com

• 8

00.8

88.0

509

Kalamazoo Nature Center

Voted the number one nature center in the nation by other nature centers, the Kalamazoo Nature Center features interactive exhibits, a three-story tropical rainforest,andaseasonalbutterflyandhummingbirdgarden. With more than 1,100 acres of nature, golf cart trail tours are available for people with limited mobility.

ww

w.D

isco

verK

alam

azoo

.com

• 8

00.8

88.0

509

Air ZooShare past memories and create new ones at the Air Zoo. Discover rare historical aircraft and artifacts, including the only SR-71B Blackbird in existence. Experience the 4-D theater that takes you on a WW II mission andthefull-motionflightsimulators.Guidedtours allow visitors and volunteers to swap stories to truly bring aircraft displays to life.

Gilmore Car MuseumDiscover nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles at the GilmoreCarMuseum,consideredoneofthetopfivecar museums in the nation. Exhibits range from the classic Duesenberg, the elusive Tucker, and the Model T, to the 60s muscle cars. Dollhouse fanciers can also visit the Miniature’s Museum. Be sure to make time to share a fountain soda with your sweetie at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner.

Fort Custer National Cemetery

Fort Custer was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a native of the state of Michigan. It was built in 1917 as part of the WW I mobilization, when some 90,000 troops passed through it. During WW II, the fort was used as a training ground and also held German prisoners of war. It is the only United States National Cemetery where another nation’s armed forces are interred.

The Avenue of Flags (below) marks the impressive entrance to this historic location, providing a stunning backdrop for memorial services.

Rose Park Veteran’s MemorialA visible and meaningful memorial honoring all area veterans and those who died in the service of our country. The Veteran’s Memorial serves as a beautiful landmark and focal point.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts continues to bringarttoSouthwestMichiganwithfirst-ratetraveling exhibitions, a stunning variety of permanent collection works in rotating shows, an interactive gallery, a new community cultural center auditorium, and a truly unique gallery shop.

Area Attractions

Besides a hometown feel, accessibility, and friendly folks to help you plan, what else does Kalamazoohavetooffer?

A wide variety of unique shopping •venues, accommodations and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets

Entertainment opportunities galore - •from traveling Broadway shows and classical music, to food festivals and flowertours

Some of the most delicious wines and •beautiful wineries in America - and Kalamazoo is home to a number of specialty microbreweries

Don’tseeithere?Askus!•

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Michigan Living Magazine readers voted the Kalamazoo Valley Museum the top small museum in Michigan. It celebrates history and science in a highly interactive way. Your group will marvel at the Digistar Theatre and planetarium, 2,300 year-old mummy, Science in Motion gallery, and much more.

Discover Kalamazoo

Military Reunion Planning Guide

Driving to Kalamazoo:

Kalamazoo is located less than an hour away from Lake Michigan and approximately two hours away from both Chicago and Detroit via Interstate 94. US-131 provides a north/south artery leading north to Grand Rapids and upper Michigan and south to the Indiana toll road.

Once you have arrived in Kalamazoo, efficient public transportation is available from the Metro Transit bus service as well as limousine and taxi services.

I’ll Meet You in Kalamazoo!“Oh, what a gal, a real pipperoo. I’ll make my bid for that freckle-faced kid I’m hurryin’ to. I’m goin’ to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo.”

In 1942, Glenn Miller’s band put Kalamazoo, Michigan on the map with the song, “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.” The lyrics may sound dated and you probably won’t hear any youngsters singing it. But the song’s friendly feel, its nod to our colorful history, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures makes it a perfect salute to our hometown - the perfect place for your reunion!

A Memorable ReunionReunions are more than just individuals meeting in the same place. Reunions are a tight knit group of companions celebrating a reconnection, recognizing obstacles and accomplishments, and reconfirming life-long relationships. We understand how important this event is to you and will work hard to help you plan a memorable reunion.

How Can We Help?Discover Kalamazoo can provide information and guidance for every aspect of your military reunion. Simply put, we’re here to make your life a whole lot easier!

We offer a host of FREE services to make this the BEST REUNION EVER!

Complimentary site visit coordination•

Complimentary visitor information •

Bid preparation from local hotels, restaurants, •attractions, etc.

Program planning assistance•

Registration assistance•

Complimentary step-on tour guide service•

•

141 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 100Kalamazoo, MI 49007

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com

Accessibility

Kalamazoo is a 30 minute flight or 2.5 hour drive from either Chicago or Detroit.

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), is served by major airlines and offers worldwide connections to major hubs throughout the Midwest. Kalamazoo’s historic train station offers transportation to and from major destinations, with Amtrak trains traveling east from Chicago and west from Detroit. Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines are based at the train station.

800.888.0509www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com You’ll be back. We promise.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Air Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kellogg Manor House, and Fort Custer Cemetery. 7/09Call us today at 800.888.0509!

Military Alliance document - cover pageMilitary Reunion Planner Guide.pdfMiltary Reunion Planner Guide.pdfMilitary Reunion Planner 20101.pdfMilitary Reunion Planner 20102Military Reunion Planner 20103

Military Reunion Planner 20104