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Rent a Space at the Nature Center

Plan your unforgettable experience with the Kalamazoo Nature Center! In addition to supporting our mission of research, conservation, and education, all rentals also include dedicated support staff on site and free admission to the entire nature center for all guests on the day of the event. To check availability, pricing, or schedule a private tour call us at 269-978-6858, send an email to , or fill out the form below!
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All Venue Spaces

We’re currently updating the website with all the venues. Please check back soon, or visit the Lookbook for details.

Arboretum Garden

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

Bench seating | 24
Standing | 200

Details

Camp Barn & Campus

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

Details

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

Details
art space with wooden floors and open, lighted area

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

Details
Outdoor wedding in wooded area

Vista Deck

Adjoining both the Cooper’s Glen Auditorium and Glen Vista Gallery, the Vista Deck adds an outdoor space to your rental.

Included seating | 24
Standing | 80

Details

Amphitheater

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

Seated on built-in benches | 200

Details
Helpful Resources

When you book with KNC, you’re welcome to choose from our list of recommended vendors or bring in a favorite of your own — the decision is entirely yours. We encourage you to do your own research, read reviews, ask questions, and choose vendors who are the right fit for you. We don’t accept kickbacks or incentives for any recommendations. Our list is based purely on experience and trust. Have questions? Reach out to the Events & Rentals team at 269.978.6858 or .

Recommended Vendors List >

Any information regarding our Rentals program can be found right here on our website. But if you would like a consolidated document to send work colleagues for your upcoming retreat or your future-mother-in-law so she can look over the wedding venues under consideration, feel free to download our Venue Lookbook! Please note prices and availability are subject to change.

Venue Lookbook >

For particularly large events or any rental event serving alcohol, the Kalamazoo Nature Center must receive a certificate of insurance listing KNC as "Additional Insured" on a General Liability and Host Liquor Liability Insurance Policy (min. $1,000,000). The insurance protects you as the host of the event first and foremost. We have partnered with two event insurance providers to make the process as stress-free as possible. Feel free to go with Event Helper, BriteCo., or another provider you trust. Any policy that meets our requirements from any insurer is acceptable! These are just convenient options you may want to try. The choice is yours!  

  • Event Helper
    We have collaborated with Event Helper to simplify obtaining event insurance, allowing you to focus on what matters - your event! The Event Helper, Inc. has been covering assets since 2009. They pride themselves on a personal approach to a web product. They are there for you if you need the help but behind the scenes if you do not. The Event Helper offers an insurance experience with big league security but mom-and-pop service.

  • BriteCo.
    We also have a venue partner account with BriteCo., a comprehensive provider that offers the general liability policies we require, along with options for additional coverage including: cancellation/postponement, gifts & jewelry, photos & attire, and more. Plus you get a 5% discount off your quote utilizing our link.

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions
wedding couple walking into the sunset
Rebecca L Photography
Glen Vista Gallery
Email the Rentals Team

Our pricing is venue and time specific. See our complete Venues page for individual pricing and our Weddings & Receptions page for package pricing.  

Sometimes! For rentals scheduled more than 3 months in advance we require a non-refundable reservation deposit of 25% of the venue's base rate. This deposit will go toward your final balance. 

30 days prior to your rental. 

Cash, check, or credit card. 

For particularly large events or any rental event serving alcohol, the Kalamazoo Nature Center must receive a certificate of insurance listing KNC as "Additional Insured" on a General Liability and Host Liquor Liability Insurance Policy (min. $1,000,000). We recommend Event Helper or BriteCo. 

Yes. $250 for most rentals; $350 for wedding packages. This deposit is due 30 days prior to the rental

The Barn is not weatherized. Dress accordingly! All of our other rental venues are temperature-controlled. 

Yes! You are free to choose your own professional catering service or bring your own food and beverages.  The client or caterer assumes full responsibility for safe food handling. Check out our list of recommended vendors. 

Yes! Any rental serving alcohol must have a fully licensed and insured bartender. Check out our list of recommended vendors. 

We provide tables and chairs for your rental. We set them up and tear them down for you, too! We do not provide table linens, place settings, or decor. Feel free to bring your own or rent from an outside vendor. We recommend Rentalex. 

Yes. If that is the safe and responsible thing to do, we highly encourage leaving vehicles overnight. Our gates are locked at the conclusion of the event and will open the following morning by 7:30, usually. 

Yes, a venue coordinator from the Events & Rentals team will be present throughout the duration of your rental. 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a smoke- and vape-free facility. 

Yes. The Kalamazoo Nature Center received an Excellent Accessibility Verification rating of 4.68 after a visit from Wheel the World, a travel site specializing in accessible tourism for people with disabilities and older adults.

Absolutely! The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a space for everyone. 

The Events & Rentals team is here to answer any questions you may have. Email us at  or give us a call at 269.978.6858. 

Weddings & Receptions

Click Here

Meetings, Conferences, & Retreats

Click Here

Birthday Parties

Click Here

Contact the Rentals Team

Contact the Events Manager

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

Camp Barn & Camp Campus

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
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
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

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