Road trip from Houston to Kalamazoo

Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.

Escape Artist Texas invites you to enter a world of your choosing. Be prepared for an exciting and challenging adventure of solving puzzles, cracking codes, and unraveling mysteries from within. Enjoy an escape from reality with 4-10 friends in 60 minutes while testing your wits. Book now to see if you have what it takes to become and Escape Artist or are you just another chump?!

Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor

Splash Kingdom is a family friendly waterpark that offers plenty of summer fun for everyone. There are wave pools, slides, children's areas and a lazy river for those who want to just relax.

Operated by the American Rose Society, the 42 acres of this research and garden facility feature 20,000 blooms.

A nature park featuring over 5 miles of forested hiking trails. A visitor center with exhibits and live animals and an outdoor aviary featuring live birds of prey, including a bald eagle and several species of owls. Public programs, events, and festivals are held regularly and are always free of charge. Tours and classes are offered for groups by reservation.

Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.

The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.

Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.

Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.