Oakland/Winchell Travel Guide

Kalamazoo

Parkwyn Village is a neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan that was founded in the 1940s by a group of young scientists, employed at the Upjohn Company, who had a vision for a "congenial housing community." They purchased a 47-acre tract of land in 1946. By the fall of that year, they prevailed upon world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, to layout the community and design affordable houses they could build themselves. The homeowners pooled their resources so that they could buy materials in bulk, make their own concrete blocks, and do some of the work of building the homes. Wright's site plan would accommodate 40 lots of approximately 1-acre in size. Wright's Usonian style homes were designed to be modular with a large living room and fireplace, a convenient kitchen, indirect lighting, heated concrete floors and built-in furniture and closets. The walls would be constructed of inexpensive concrete blocks accented with mahogany trim and an extensive wall of windows overlooking a naturally landscaped yard. Designed to control costs, they would have no attic, basement, visible roof, garage, gutters or downspouts. While only four of Parkwyn's homes are pure Wright designs, his concepts influenced the majority of homes in the neighborhood.
Parkwyn Village is a neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan that was founded in the 1940s by a group of young scientists, employed at the Upjohn Company, who had a vision for a "congenial housing community." They purchased a 47-acre tract of land in 1946. By the fall of that year, they prevailed upon world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, to layout the community and design affordable houses they could build themselves. The homeowners pooled their resources so that they could buy materials in bulk, make their own concrete blocks, and do some of the work of building the homes. Wright's site plan would accommodate 40 lots of approximately 1-acre in size. Wright's Usonian style homes were designed to be modular with a large living room and fireplace, a convenient kitchen, indirect lighting, heated concrete floors and built-in furniture and closets. The walls would be constructed of inexpensive concrete blocks accented with mahogany trim and an extensive wall of windows overlooking a naturally landscaped yard. Designed to control costs, they would have no attic, basement, visible roof, garage, gutters or downspouts. While only four of Parkwyn's homes are pure Wright designs, his concepts influenced the majority of homes in the neighborhood.
One of the Lake in MI
The home was the first of the four built in Parkwyn Village and is constructed of concrete blocks, with interior trim of red Tidewater cypress. The plan had several irregular protrusions that give it a pinwheel effect. A playroom with basement was added in 1960 by John Howe of Taliesin Associated Architects. The homes are all individually owned and not open to the public. Driving around the neighborhood to check them out was pretty interesting.
"Once in a blue moon" refers to those rare times when there are two full moons in one month. August 2012's second full moon was on the 31st. The rare Blue Moon shined bright for the first time since 2009. The next Blue Moon won't happen until July 2015. Also the moon isn't actually blue in color... #puremichigan #kalamazoo #moon #bluemoon

Popular places to visit

Kalamazoo Valley Museum showing a river or creek

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Visit a famous museum in Kalamazoo with free general admission. Learn and have fun with stimulating hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
This stream follows one of the trails.

Kalamazoo Nature Center

You can take time to visit Kalamazoo Nature Center during your travels to Kalamazoo. Attend a sporting event or visit the casinos in this family-friendly area.

Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts which includes interior views and art

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

In this highly regarded museum and art school you can find a great permanent collection, events, lectures and art classes.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Markin Glen County Park featuring a river or creek, a garden and a playground

Markin Glen County Park

With a lake, hiking paths, lush vegetation, scenic views and a beautiful campground, this pleasant outdoor area in Kalamazoo is a great place to relax or exercise.

Markin Glen County Park

Western Michigan University

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Western Michigan University during your travels in Kalamazoo. Take some time to visit the spas in this romantic area.

Western Michigan University

Wings Event Center

Catch an event at Wings Event Center during your trip to Kalamazoo.

Wings Event Center

Things to do

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Kalamazoo Fun

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Kalamazoo Fun

฿387
per adult
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Kalamazoo Fun
See all activities in Kalamazoo

Top hotels in Oakland/Winchell

Staywell Inn

Staywell Inn

2 out of 5
3800 East Cork Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ฿1,553 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
฿1,553
฿1,787 total
24 Jan - 25 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wings Event Center and Milham Park Golf Club are located ...
4.6/10 (109 reviews)
Checkibg in was easy and convenient

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Staywell Inn
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

3.5 out of 5
100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI
The price is ฿6,761 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿6,761
฿7,775 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
The room was great, the staff was friendly, attentive and helpful. Top notch customer service

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage

Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage

3 out of 5
400 Trade Centre Way Portage MI
The price is ฿3,407 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿3,407
฿3,919 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portage. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (743 reviews)
Professional staff and clean

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown

Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown

3 out of 5
303 North Rose Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ฿4,052 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
฿4,052
฿4,659 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (639 reviews)
Clean spacious, More info on parking would have been helpful

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
2747 S 11th Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ฿2,581 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿2,581
฿2,968 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
A great stay overall

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U

Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U

2 out of 5
5425 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿1,762 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿1,762
฿2,026 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
5.8/10 (1,002 reviews)
Clean. Nice staff

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U
See all 286 properties in Oakland/Winchell
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Oakland/Winchell

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Western Michigan University - KRPH

While visiting Western Michigan University - KRPH, you might make a stop by sights like James W. Miller Auditorium and Waldo Stadium.

Western Michigan University - KRPH
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West Main HIll

While there might not be top attractions in West Main HIll, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waldo Stadium and James W. Miller Auditorium.

West Main HIll
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Vine

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Vine and surrounding area, you can visit Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Vine
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Stuart

While Stuart may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Stuart
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West Douglas

West Douglas might not have many top sights, but Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Douglas
Veterans memorial outside the government offices.

Kalamazoo Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Kalamazoo Central Business District, Farmers Alley Theatre and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Kalamazoo Central Business District

Oakland/Winchell Travel Guide