Western Michigan's picturesque river village of Saugatuck, Michigan, is nestled above the Kalamazoo River. Saugatuck, a long-established artistic community, is renowned for its inventiveness, historic buildings, outdoor pursuits, and natural beauty.
A rich trove of art galleries, beaches on Lake Michigan, parks, riverfront vistas, museums, scenery, and shopping can be found in Saugatuck. Among Saugatuck's features are the well-known Saugatuck Dunes State Park and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, both of which you won't want to miss.
Do you need more suggestions? Discover the best activities in Saugatuck by reading on.
The region is among the top spots to visit along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan when paired with its sister city, Douglas. There are a tone of things to do here.
One should go to Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Get lost among the city's untamed, sloping dunes for the greatest introduction to Saugatuck. With its stunning natural dunes, thick forests, footpaths, and the 300-acre Patty Birchalls Natural Area, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is ideally situated on the edge of Lake Michigan.
The park's 2.5 miles of coastline are among Saugatuck locals' favorite summer destinations since the water is always warm and inviting for swimming. The four paths, which are 2.5 to 5.5 miles long, can be walked by those who want to remain on dry land.
The Patty Birchalls Natural Area, which protects the region's endangered vegetation and coastal dune system, is a fantastic place to learn more about the natural world.
In Holland, Michigan, at 6575 138th Avenue
2. Have a good time at Oval Beach.
The beaches along Michigan's western shore, which borders Lake Michigan, are quite stunning. However, Oval Beach in Saugatuck is undoubtedly a top choice if you're seeking for one of the best. The beach is surrounded by stunning sand dunes, borders the Kalamazoo River, and offers unending vistas of the lake's dazzling blue waters.
3. Walk Butler Street
Oval Beach is a top location for relaxing and spending a warm afternoon; it's more than just a lovely location for taking pictures. Along the coast, the sand is fluffy and soft.
A refreshment store, bathrooms, and lots of parking are available. It's a beach that draws visitors back year after year because it's one of Michigan's top beaches, in all honesty.
As charming as it gets is downtown Saugatuck. Butler Street serves as the major thoroughfare through the town's historic, leafy core. With 30 galleries, boutiques, and businesses, this area serves as the birthplace of the art colony that helped build Saugatuck.
An artists' colony, presently known as the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists Residency, has been located in Saugatuck for more than 100 years.
The lively artistic scene of Saugatuck, which is concentrated around downtown and Butler Street, makes it one of the top art towns in the country. Additionally, you'll discover that the village holds a wide variety of exhibits, live concerts, independent cinema screenings, and other events in the downtown area. Downtown Saugatuck offers stunning riverfront vistas and a wide range of attractions.
4. Trek Mount Baldhead Park
You might wish to set aside some extra time while visiting Oval Beach to explore the nearby Mt. Baldhead Park. The 100-acre park slopes down to Oval Beach on Lake Michigan and is located on the Kalamazoo River's banks.
A 250-foot dune located within the park is named Mount Baldhead. The more than 300 wooden steps that go more than 250 feet to an observation deck that towers over the Mt. Baldhead dune can be used to climb Mount Baldhead. You may enjoy expansive views of both Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River from the platform.
Mt. Baldhead Park is the ideal introduction if you're seeking for a nice location to start when it comes to discovering Saugatuck's natural splendor.
5. Take a trip on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry.
Using the Saugatuck Chain Ferry to cross the Kalamazoo River from downtown Saugatuck is an option. When you step onto the white ferry platform, the chain-driven, hand-cranked boat that has been ferrying people across the river since 1838, it still exudes its ancient beauty.
The ferry driver prepares to cross the river by blowing a signal whistle with compressed air, blowing the whistle, and then manually moving the ferry down the chain to the other side.
Attractions like Mt. Baldhead and Oval Beach are located across the river. If you're staying close to downtown, your only other option except taking the ferry is to make the drawn-out trip up and around the lake.
In Saugatuck, Michigan, at 528 Water Street
6. Take a stroll through Wicks Park
If you're viewing the Chain Ferry, you're likely at Wicks Park. In the center of Saugatuck's city, this charming, little park is situated right on the banks of the Kalamazoo River.
Only half an acre in size, the park is located on Water Street between Mary and Main streets. A picnic, seats, and, of course, observing the chain ferry are all popular activities at this charming small downtown location.
Enjoy some of my favorite things to do in Saugatuck Michigan!https://t.co/ytx71xYNa8#saugatuck #puremichigan #travel #localtravel #wanderingfeet pic.twitter.com/4nSaEgZzb4
— WanderMoore (@moore_wander) September 25, 2020
The vibrantly colored artwork of Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Latte" is a must-see. It ranks among the park's most notable features.
The gazebo serves as the location for the Music in the Park live band series during the warmer months. The summer concerts are free to attend and are held on Wednesdays.
In Saugatuck, Michigan, at 449 Water Street
7. Take a look around Amazia Contemporary Art
You should set aside time to explore the downtown galleries because Saugatuck is a refuge for artists and creatives. Amazia Contemporary Art, which features art and crafts from Africa, is one gallery experience you simply must check out.
The term "voices" in Zulu is "amazwi," and that is exactly what the gallery aims to do: magnify the voices of African artists. The gallery exhibits works of art in a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, baskets, jeweler, home décor, and crafts. The exhibition features the creations of a wide variety of African artists.
Even overnight stays are permitted at the gallery. Two exclusive one-bedroom condos with views of Coughlin Park and Lake Kalamazoo are called the Amazia Suites.
Location: Saugatuck, Michigan, 249 Culver Street
8. Take a trip down the Kalamazoo River
The Kalamazoo River, which flows 130 miles before spilling into Lake Michigan, is one of Michigan's most magnificent waterways. It is a stunning natural feature of Michigan and a significant area for locals to enjoy recreation.
When visiting Saugatuck, boarding the Star of Saugatuck, a sternwheeler that travels down the river to Lake Kalamazoo while providing fantastic views of the cottages and residences along the way, is a delightful way to enjoy the river. Take in views of Oval Beach, Lake Michigan, and the lighthouse at Holland Harbor.
Views of Saugatuck and its monuments can be enjoyed from a special vantage point along the river.
9. Go to the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society Museum
The Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the area, with a stunning location overlooking the Kalamazoo River. In fact, it receives over 40,000 visitors to its outdoor gardens annually in addition to approximately 10,000 visitors to its exhibitions. For a history museum in a small town, not bad.
The history museum was established with the intention of preserving and promoting Saugatuck's regional history. More than 300 pieces of art by local artists who have either lived or worked in the area are on display there. The museum also supports an oral history project where locals and frequent visitors can impart their wisdom about the neighborhood in order to preserve the legends and customs.
Visitors can attend Tuesday Talks, a weekly summer series that discusses subjects related to the art and history of the Saugatuck area every Tuesday in July and August.
Location: Saugatuck, Michigan, 735 Park Street
10. Explore Coghlan Park.
Wicks Park is nearby, and Coghlin Park is also in downtown Saugatuck. The half-acre park has 200 feet of Kalamazoo River frontage. Coghlan Park is a charming little area of green space to take in the splendour of downtown Saugatuck. It is a well-liked location for festivals and gatherings.
11. Attend All Saints Episcopal Church
The All Saints Episcopal Church is one of Saugatuck's many stunning structures and is rich in history. Built in 1872, the Carpenter Gothic Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
No religious connection is necessary to appreciate the mediaeval church's splendor, which is distinguished by its gabled roof and tower. Here, the first services were held in 1873, and later, glass windows, an organ, and carpets were added. It is reminiscent of a charming scene from New England because it is situated on a quiet, leafy block.
Location: Saugatuck, Michigan, 252 Grand Street
12.Attend a Show at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Arts Center in Saugatuck
Saugatuck Center for the Arts | Meagan Dillinger, Photo Copyright
It should come as no surprise that Saugatuck has a first-rate performance facility given its status as a hub for the arts and culture. Theater, concerts, movies, and educational seminars are held in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which is a stunning location downtown.
For visitors and locals of Saugatuck, the arts center has presented a compelling schedule for the past twenty years. Additionally, it has a number of markets with holiday-themed arts and crafts, including the Winter's Eve Market and the Outdoor Holiday Market.
Additionally, the facility is dedicated to cultural education. It includes a schedule of interactive programming that pairs students of all ages with working professionals in the arts.
Location: Saugatuck, Michigan, 400 Culver Street
13. Wander around the Dorr E. Felt Manor
The stunning and storied Dorr E. Felt Mansion is worth a visit while at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. The National Register of Historic Places site today serves as a reminder of local history and is a great location to tour or host a fancy event.
The magnificent ballroom, 25 rooms, three stories, and over 12,000 square feet of space make up the mansion. The structure was started in 1925 and finished in 1928 as a residence for Dorr Felt and his wife, Agnes.
After several years, the property went through a number of ownership changes before deteriorating. However, the area was painstakingly brought back to its former splendor in 2002.
Visitors can now tour the three-story house to get a peek of Western Michigan's Gilded Age heritage. It's a wonderful addition to a stroll through Saugatuck Dunes State Park's natural environment.
138th Avenue, Holland, Michigan, 6597
14. Visit the Outdoor Discovery Center with the family
A protected natural park west of Saugatuck is the perfect place to learn more about Western Michigan's stunning outdoor environment. A non-profit educational institution called the Outdoor Discovery Center offers exhibits, hiking trails, and programming to connect locals and visitors with nature.
130 acres make up the preserve, and there are approximately five miles of walking or snowshoeing routes there. A family play area, fishing pond, birds of prey center, wetland regions, and a cultural heritage trail are among the additional activities.
In Holland, Michigan, at 4214 56th Street