cover image from The Lucky Wolf
What to do in Paw Paw, Lawton, Texas Township and Mattawan
While historically agricultural towns, the western suburbs of Kalamazoo have grown to so much more.
With restaurants, splash pads, shops, parks and annual events, it’s easy to see why the SWMI neighborhoods of Mattawan, Lawton, Texas Township and Paw Paw continue to attract more residents each year.
Whether your local resident or a visitor, read on for the insider scoop on things to do in these cities:
📷: The Lucky Wolf in Paw Paw MI
In this article
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Paw Paw MI Area Snapshot
HISTORY: Paw Paw is the home of African American cookbook author Malinda Russell. She self-published the first known cookbook by a black woman in the United States.
Russell’s A Domestic Cook Book now resides in the University of Michigan Library’s Special Collections Research Center.
FUN: Two splash pads reside in this area in Texas Township (Maple Hill Splash Pad) and Lawton.
FOOD: U-pick farms are popular here, with apples, blueberries, strawberries and lavender among the local offerings.
OUTDOORS: The western suburbs boast an abundance of green space, featuring parks and nature preserves to explore. Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery in Mattawan hosts free events, including kids’ fishing lessons.
Life in Paw Paw
Why people love to live here:
Paw Paw’s small village community offers convenient commuting to both Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan, meaning a beach day or trip to a larger city is only a short drive away.
You should know:
Paw Paw is named after the pawpaw trees, which once grew along the Paw Paw River.
St. Julian Winery and Warner Vineyards both started in Paw Paw. Locals and visitors visit the town annually for the Wine and Harvest Festival in September.
Population: 3,500
Life in Texas Township
Why people love to live here:
Texas Township offers smaller-town living with the educational providers of surrounding cities.
Among its 36 square miles, its resident attend four different school districts: Portage Public Schools, Mattawan Consoidated Schools, Schoolcraft Community Schools, and Kalamazoo Public Schools.
You should know:
Texas Township’s population surged in 1957 when the I-94/9th Street interchange opened.
The interstate access turned a small, agricultural town into a growing suburb, full of neighborhoods and multi-family units.
Population: 18,665
Life in Mattawan
Why people love to live here:
Residents love the small town charm of Mattawan, including a downtown shopping area and shaded village park.
You should know:
Mattawan’s school district (Mattawan Consolidated Schools) serves residents with four buildings on the same campus.
The new Early Elementary opened in Fall 2018 with 40 classrooms.
Population: 2,891
Life in Lawton
Why people love to live here:
Lawton’s community events and services make all feel welcome: Summerfest, Farmers Market, Tree lighting and Santa parade and Memorial Day parade all bring residents together.
You should know:
Grapes hold great importance to Lawton, with the first commercial grape harvest around 1900. Welch’s set up shop in 1919 and continues to operate in Lawton today.
Population: 1,776
Things to Do in Paw Paw MI & Surrounding Cities
Save this list for Paw Paw, Texas Township, Mattawan and Lawton for fun adventures including shopping, dining, and exploring:
1 – Cool off at the Maple Hill Splash Pad
Texas Drive Park – MAP IT
6603 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
This 2,000 square foot splash pad opened in August 2023, inviting families to beat the heat at Texas Drive Park with 17 spray features and three different zones for play.
Looking for post-water fun? Try the playground, soccer fields or 0.75 miles of paved walking trails.
2 – Catch an Outdoor Concert at Warner Vineyards
| Warner Vineyards – MAP IT 706 S Kalamazoo St Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
While known for its wine (a fourth-generation, family-owned business), Warner is also a popular concert venue, home to over 100 concerts annually.
📷: Warner Vineyards
3 – Have Brunch at Bird Dog
Chef Matt Bush and his wife, Allison Maxwell, serve up one of Southwest Michigan’s best brunch spots at Bird Dog in Mattawan.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM – 3 PM, you can dine on sandwiches or more traditional breakfast items. Our top picks: Dutch Baby Pancake and Lobster Roll.
4 – Hit the Trails at Al Sabo
| Al Sabo Nature Preserve – MAP IT 6310 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
Al Sabo Nature Preserve includes over 700 acres of protected land, providing some extensive green space for discovery on foot or by bike. Admission is free.
5 – Pick Your Fruit at a Local Farm
Hard frosts in Southwest Michigan don’t stop farmers from producing delicious, seasonal produce.
If you’ve ever wanted to pick your apples, strawberries, blueberries and more, be sure to visit local farms during their u-pick seasons.
Tip: Follow the farms on Facebook; they regularly update availability and U-pick hours on social media.
| Schultz Fruitridge Farm – 60139 County Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071 |
| Brookside Farms – 34448 44th Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Mandigo Farms – 61077 41st St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
6 – Rock on at the Geoscape Rock Shop
| Geoscape Rock Shop – MAP IT 37111 W Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Open since 2015, this family-owned shop offers a selection of mineral and fossil specimens, jewelry, and bulk rocks. Geode fans will also be thrilled with their collection.
If you’re headed east, try their second location in Ann Arbor; you can also shop online.
7 – Have Some of the Best Cinnamon Rolls in Town at Rykse & Co
| Rykse & Co – MAP IT 7141 West Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
Stop by Texas Corners for Grandma Helen’s cinnamon rolls at Rykse & Co.
While there, be sure to scan their extensive bakery case for other goodies, including muffins, pies and other tasty treats.
📷: Rykse & Co
8 – Take Free Fishing Lessons at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
| Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery – MAP IT 34270 Co Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071 |
Hook, Line and Sinker teaches fishing at no cost to kids aged 3 – 16, with all equipment provided (pre-registration is required).
Visitors can also learn from bird walks, archery lessons or other kid-friendly nature activities.
9 – Take Flight in an Igloo at The Modern Well
| The Modern Well – MAP IT 503 N Main St, Lawton, MI 49065 |
Made popular during the pandemic, igloo dining remains a SWMI favorite among local restaurants, including The Modern Well.
Grab a chilly seat and enjoy a coffee flight at this locally owned shop.
📷: The Modern Well
📷: The Modern Well
10 – Shop Local at the Texas Township Farmers Market
| Texas Township Farmers Market – MAP IT 7110 W Q Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
Snag produce, flowers and artisan goods at the Texas Township Farmers Market. You’ll often see the local fire department’s truck visiting the market as well, since their station is next door.
The market is open Saturday mornings from 8 AM to noon (May through October).
In the summer, they add Tuesday evenings as a second market opportunity, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
📷: Texas Township Farmers Market
If you have young shoppers with you, stop by Pocket Park, just across the market’s parking lot.
11 – Stomp Grapes at the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival
| Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
This annual tradition in Paw Paw includes tastings and tours for wine enthusiasts, a 5k, grape stomping competitions, kayak races, live music, carnival rides, fireworks and a parade.
The festival takes place in Paw Paw each September.
📷: Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival
12 – Shop Til You Drop at Reits Flea Market
| Reits Flea Market – MAP IT 45146 W Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Shop the largest outdoor flea market in Michigan, offering furniture, clothing, kitchen supplies and hidden treasures.
Open seasonally on weekends, mid-April through late October.
13 – Grab Dinner at Big T’s in Lawton
| Big T’s Restaurant & Brew Pub – MAP IT 155 N Main St, Lawton, MI 49065 |
You’re likely to find something for everyone on Big T’s massive menu, including smiley fries for kids.
For adult beverages, you can join the Tommy Tetuski Memorial Beer Drinking Club.
Find Big T’s on Main Street in downtown Lawton (open Wednesday through Sunday).
14 – Dine & Play Outside at The Backyard of Kalamazoo
| The Backyard of Kalamazoo – MAP IT 10441 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
The Backyard of Kalamazoo takes “family-friendly dining” to the next level with 7 acres of outdoor play to accompany their restaurant.
Find cornhole, volleyball, playsets and more in the “backyard” of this restaurant for endless outdoor play for all ages.
15 – Go Kayaking with Paw Paw Kayak Rental
| Paw Paw Kayak Rental – MAP IT Maple Lake, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Explore Maple Lake with a paddleboard or kayak rental from Paw Paw Kayak Rental.
New to water sports? Find instructional videos and waivers on their website.
📷: Paw Paw Kayak Rental
16 – Get Your Sugar Rush at Mattawan Candy Company
| Mattawan Candy Company – MAP IT 23920 City Center Cir, Mattawan, MI 49071 |
Visit Mattawan Candy Company for tasty delights of all kinds, including bulk candy, individual flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans, and chocolates.
PS: Add this store to your list for holiday shopping, including Easter baskets and stocking stuffers.
📷: Mattawan Candy Company
17 – Go Lavender Picking at Shades of Lavender Farm
| Shades of Lavender Farm – MAP IT 47222 24th St, Mattawan, MI 49071 |
Immerse yourself in the sweet aromas of lavender at this farm in Mattawan. As you stroll through the beautiful lavender fields and white pines, make a stop and swing in their hammocks.
Before heading home, browse their store for lavender-based goods; you can also shop online.
📷: Shades of Lavender Farm
18 – Pick up Boba and Ramen at Cravings Corners
| Cravings Corners – MAP IT 8107 Vineyard Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
After a successful supermarket (Pacific Rim) and restaurant (Cravings) in Portage, the team added a second dining spot in Texas Corners in 2024.
Find boba, ramen, sushi, desserts and more at this new favorite behind Biggby.
Dine in or order online for easy food to go.
📷: Cravings Corners
19 – Go Hiking (for free!) at Portman Nature Preserve
| Portman Nature Preserve – MAP IT 28779-27815 49th Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
There’s a lot to love at Portman Nature Preserve, including 189 acres of prairie fen, wetland, savanna and woodland habitats.
Bonus: it’s FREE to visit!
The biodiversity alone is worth the trip: Portman is home to 20+ mammals, 100+ birds, 24+ reptiles and amphibians and over 400 plants.
20 – Book Your Private Event at The Lucky Wolf
| The Lucky Wolf – MAP IT 404 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Coined “the cultural epicenter of Paw Paw” by a loyal fan, The Lucky Wolf is the place for private events.
All are welcome at the Lucky Wolf- whether it’s a birthday celebration, baby shower, business meeting or cocktail hour, this venue should be at the top of your list.
📷: The Lucky Wolf
📷: The Lucky Wolf
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