Trails Open Daily 9am – 7:30pm

Trails Open Daily 9am – 7:30pm

FREE Admission Day: Saturday, September 26

KNC is closed Sunday, September 27 for a private event

Reduced Rate Rental Program Application

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is grateful to be a part of a vibrant and diverse community of nonprofit organizations. We seek to create accessible, affordable and equitable rental opportunities for non-profit organizations in the Greater Kalamazoo area through our Reduced Rate Rental (RRR) Program. Non-religious non-profits, particularly those with a focus on education, environmental conservation, and/or research, are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster relationships with aligned organizations while advancing the strategic objects of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. 

Please complete all questions below to be considered for a Reduced Rate Rental. 

Allow two weeks for your application to be reviewed. If accepted, you will be notified of the approved discount and our standard rental process will follow. 

KNC Reduced Rate Rental Program Application

KNC Reduced Rate Rental Program Application

Is your organization a registered non-profit serving the greater Kalamazoo community?
Are you currently working with a KNC staff member?
i.e.: an in-kind rental for KNC at your organization; sponsorship of a KNC event; partner programming; volunteering at KNC
Is there a fee to attend? (The Reduced Rate Rental Program is not available for those charging a fee to participants)
Will this event be open to the public?

Maximum file size: 3MB

Maximum file size: 3MB

Contact Information

Event Rental Information

All Venue Spaces

Amphitheater

The Arboretum Amphitheater is natural setting for celebrations, gatherings, special performances, and team-building.

Seated on built-in benches | 200

Arboretum Garden

The Garden path winds down into a sheltered area surrounded by hedges and shrubs. 

Bench seating | 24
Standing | 200

The Barn

The expansive, open space of the Timber-Framed Barn provides a stunning location for your special event.

Seated at tables | 150
Seating in rows | 200
Space to add your tent

The Classroom

With skylights that run the length of the room, this is a unique space for showers, birthdays, luncheons, and parties of all kinds. 

Table seating | 60

Cooper's Glen Auditorium

The Auditorium is a multi-functional space to host meetings, showers, parties, receptions and more.

Table seating | 98
Rows or standing | 140

Glen Vista Gallery

This serene space is an ideal setting for luncheons, meetings, and receptions and offers guests a close-to-nature experience all year long.

Table seating | 60
Rows or standing | 60

Members Room

Located inside the KNC office area, this conference room is equipped for hybrid meetings. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the feeling of sitting among the trees.

Table seating | 25

Vista Deck

The deck is cantilevered into the treetops of the Cooper’s Glen Beech-Maple Forest. With over 3,000 square feet of space, the area is perfect for events of all kinds to feel fully immersed in nature while only being a few steps from the Visitor Center. 

Table seating | 24 included
Standing | 80

Tree Top

The Tree Top Lounge and Deck is a light-filled space perfect for meetings, birthday parties, and casual gatherings

Table seating | 25
plus five additional chairs

Barn Classroom

A modern barn-style classroom that features a sleek, polished aesthetic with elements of farmhouse charm, while maintaining a welcoming and functional learning environment.

Table seating | 60

Carver House

This mid-century modern home has been remodeled to host meetings and retreats while retaining its character and charm at this satellite location just off I-94.

Table seating | 25
Standing | 50

Heronwood

A unique and secluded setting for business meetings and retreats, this getaway offers all the comforts of home including A/C, WiFi, and a full kitchen with granite countertops at this satellite location in Alamo.

Table seating | 20

Arboretum Amphitheater

A grassy slope gently rolls down to meet the large wooden stage platform enclosed by the trees of the sugarbush. The Arboretum Amphitheater is natural setting for celebrations, gatherings, special performances, and team-building. Rentals include free admission for all your guests.

A backup indoor location for inclement weather relocation is included with all Arboretum reservations.

Features
  • Large Stage
  • Electrical Receptacles
  • Forested Background
  • Benches Built into Hill
  • Restrooms Nearby
  • Wooded Pathway
Gallery

Arboretum Garden

The Garden path winds down into a sheltered area surrounded by hedges and shrubs. The garden’s beauty is ever-changing through summer and into fall with each new bloom. Rentals include free admission for all your guests.

A backup indoor location for inclement weather relocation is included with all Arboretum reservations.

Features
  • Timber Framed Barn
  • Guest WiFi
  • ADA Accessible
  • Indoor Restrooms
  • Two Dedicated Parking Lots
  • Outdoor Amphitheater
Gallery
table set for elegant event in rustic barn

The Barn

A winding drive through the prairie and woods transports you this special setting where memories are made. The entire campus including Timber Framed Barn, huge lawn, amphitheater, 3 pavilions, and classroom spaces are all yours.

Features
  • Timber Framed Barn
  • Guest WiFi
  • ADA Accessible
  • Indoor Restrooms
  • Two Dedicated Parking Lots
  • Outdoor Amphitheater
Gallery
classroom

The Classroom

With skylights that run the length of the room, this is a unique space for showers, birthdays, luncheons, and parties of all kinds. We recommend the Classroom as it offers ample space and has a private entrance from the Lower-Level Parking Lot to make loading in and out straight forward.

Features
  • Skylights
  • Sink in Room
  • Direct Access from Parking
  • 10 tables (8 feet each)
  • A/C in Visitor Center
Gallery
wedding venue with greenery and dinner

Cooper's Glen Auditorium

The Auditorium is a multi-functional space to host meetings, showers, parties, receptions and more. Media equipment is included. Large windows overlook the forest and Vista Deck.

Seated at tables: 98  |  Rows or standing: 140

Features
  • Projector and Screen
  • Guest WiFi
  • Sound System
  • Acoustic Design
  • ADA Accessible
  • Located in Visitor Center
Gallery
wood artwork in gallery

Glen Vista Gallery

This serene space is an ideal setting for luncheons, meetings, and receptions and offers guests a close-to-nature experience all year long.

Seated at tables: 60  |  Rows or standing: 60

Features
  • Art installations
  • Guest WiFi
  • ADA Accessible
  • Skylights
  • Opens onto Vista Deck
  • A/C in Visitor Center
Gallery

Members Room

Located inside the KNC office area, this conference room is equipped for hybrid meetings. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the feeling of sitting among the trees.
Features
  • Large Screen TV
  • Conference Microphone
  • Wall of Windows
  • Web Camera
  • Modular Tables & 24 Chairs
  • A/C in Visitor Center
Gallery
Deck in nature with chairs

Vista Deck

Adjoining both the Cooper’s Glen Auditorium and Glen Vista Gallery, the Vista Deck adds an outdoor space to your rental. The deck is cantilevered into the treetops of the Cooper’s Glen Beech-Maple forest. With over 3,000 square feet of space, the area is perfect for expanding your gathering.

Seating for 24 included  |  Standing: 80

Features
  • 3 Polywood Tables
  • Overlooks Trout Run Stream
  • Mix of Sun & Shade
  • Polywood Seating for 24
  • Electrical Receptacles
  • Fully Accessible
Gallery

Tree Top Lounge & Deck

The Tree Top Lounge and Deck is a light-filled space perfect for meetings, birthday parties, and casual gatherings with one side open to the hallway for easy access to the elevator, Visitor Center exhibits, the Sun-Rain Room and our beautiful trails. 

Features
  • Private Deck
  • 3-basin Sink
  • Countertop
  • Refrigerator
  • 5 Round Tables
  • A/C in Visitor Center
Gallery

Barn Classroom

A modern barn-style classroom that features a sleek, polished aesthetic with elements of farmhouse charm, while maintaining a welcoming and functional learning environment.

Table seating 60

Features
  • Timber framed Barn
  • Guest WiFi
  • ADA Accessible
  • Indoor Restrooms
  • Two Dedicated Parking Lots
Gallery
mid century modern home with seating area

Carver House

This mid-century modern home has been remodeled to host meetings and retreats while retaining its character and charm. It is a serene getaway surrounded by trees just a stone’s throw from the Oakland exit of I-94.

Table seating 25  |  Standing 50

Features
  • Large Screen TVs
  • Guest WiFi
  • Breakout Rooms
  • Walls of Windows
  • Full Kitchen
  • Temperature Controlled
Gallery
large cabin

Heronwood

A unique and secluded setting for business meetings and retreats, this getaway offers all the comforts of home including A/C, WiFi, and a full kitchen with granite countertops. The great room features huge windows overlooking a pond.

Table seating 20

Features
  • Large Screen TVs
  • Guest WiFi
  • Log Cabin Home
  • Breakout Rooms
  • Full Kitchen
  • Temperature Controlled
Gallery