Pavilion is a peaceful, rural community south of Kalamazoo
Pavilion is a small township on the outskirts of Kalamazoo, home to sprawling rural landscapes and several inland lakes. “People enjoy boating, fishing and all the outdoor activities the lakes provide,” says Trisha Downard, a local broker at Lakes & Country Real Estate with over 10 years of experience. “Nonlakefront properties don’t have the same value as direct frontage but may be near public boat ramps or have deeded access.” Acreage increases farther from the waterfront, attracting those seeking quiet seclusion. Though the area is mostly undeveloped, locals can easily access restaurants, schools and other amenities in surrounding towns like Portage and Vicksburg.
A mix of lakefront homes and rural properties with acreage
For the most part, homes in Pavilion are dotted along narrow country roads with sprawling wooded lots, though development has been more densely packed along various lakeshores. Cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes are most common, with 21st-century New Traditional properties more focused in the area around Long Lake. Prices for off-water properties generally range from $100,000 to $500,000. Homes with waterfront access can range from $230,000 to $550,000, often depending on lot size and which lake it’s located on. “On all-sports or larger-size lakes, prices are typically higher, while smaller nonmotorized or no-wake lakes are often more affordable,” Downard says.
Waterfront recreation, hiking trails and a local golf course
Many homeowners enjoy private lake access and boat docks, while those living off-water can visit public access points on larger bodies of water. Ramona Park has sandy beaches and fishing docks on the banks of Long Lake, along with pickleball courts and athletic fields. The Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary spans over 40 acres of dense forests with many trails popular with hikers and birdwatchers. The nearby Indian Run Golf Club has an 18-hole course open to the public. Just east of Pavilion, Scott Mill Country Park is located on a historic milling site, which has since been converted into a scenic green space with playgrounds, picnic shelters and hiking trails.
Students are served by Vicksburg Community Schools
Pavilion is split between five public school districts. Vicksburg Community Schools covers the largest portion of the township, serving most residents on the community’s south side. Indian Lake Elementary earns an A-minus from Niche, while Vicksburg Middle and Vicksburg High both earn a B-plus. The high school offers a large selection of extracurricular activities, including Future Farmers of America, a ski club and Model United Nations.
Locals drive to neighboring towns for shops and restaurants
Though shopping and dining are very limited in the Pavilion area, the nearby village of Scotts is home to Lulus Scott’s Corner Café, an old-fashioned breakfast spot known for its homestyle cooking. More options are available in larger towns like Portage, where Cove Lakeside Bistro serves upscale seafood on the shores of West Lake. Grocery stores like Aldi and Harding’s Market are less than 15 miles from Pavilion.
About 15 miles from downtown Kalamazoo
Pavilion residents are many miles removed from the nearest highway, though Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 131 are the closest options. Downtown Kalamazoo is about 15 miles northwest, with smaller towns like Portage and Vicksburg less than 10 miles away. Bronson Methodist Hospital is less than 15 miles away, and Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is about 10 miles away.
