Southwestern Michigan Explorations: Saugatuck
Updated 7/28/20
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If you are from the Midwest and looking for somewhere nearby for a summer gateway, I recommend Michigan! There are so many great small towns in Michigan to visit.
Southwestern Michigan is the perfect place for a summer vacation. This post on Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas, is part one in a three part series of Southwestern Michigan Explorations that are ideal for anyone who wants to combine some culture, adventure and food on their travels! All three posts (Saugatuck, Holland & Lansing) can be joined for a 5 day summer vacation in Michigan.
Saugatuck
What a surprise! I’m known for my detailed trip planning and well researched itineraries. But then there we were in Saugatuck, Michigan, last summer on a family trip, not knowing a thing about the town. We soon learned that Saugatuck is a wonderful mix of Midwest charm along with Nantucket seaside swankiness. The town had a resort feel with the expensive yachts and seaside resorts, but also a quaintness with all the shops and picket fences surrounding the homes. I wasn’t really expecting anything so it was such a nice surprise.
What to Do in Saugatuck
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
6575 138th Ave, Holland, MI
Located right outside of Saugatuck, this state park runs along Lake Michigan. From the parking lot you can either take the south or the north trail. The south trail (labeled as the beach trail) is quicker and has more of a direct route to the lake. Either way you get a nice walk through the forest.
Not only do you get a nature walk to be able to access the lake, you also avoid having a crowded beach. The walking needed to reach the beach deters many people from visiting. During the morning hours we almost had the beach to ourselves. In August the water was pretty chilly, so don’t expect to go for a swim, unless you are very brave! It’s great for dipping your toes in and walking along for quite a ways.
We walked as far north as possible and turned back when we reached private property. Then it was time for climbing a sand dune! I was told it would be harder than it looked, but whenever someone says that you need to TRY and prove them wrong. Of course it was harder than I expected and it didn’t help that these kids ran up and down the same hill I was climbing three times in the time it took me to climb it once! Let me tell you, once was enough, but worth it! If you are set on swimming in the lake, the effort may warm you up enough to be able to run right down the dune and into the water. We saw a group of children doing that.
Visiting Information: There is a toilet in the parking lot and another right before you reach the lake on the south (beach) trail. No food vendors and the sand is very clean….let’s keep it that way! If you have an annual MI state park pass you get in free. If not you can buy one for $11 (MI residents) or $30.50 (out of state residents). You can also get a daily pass for $8.40. The cost is per vehicle, not per person.
Mount Baldhead Park
The park includes a one mile hiking trail and about 1,000 steps to a view of Saugatuck, Douglas and Lake Michigan. Ok, it doesn’t have that many steps, but it feels like a long way up if you have been climbing sand dunes in the morning!
Visiting Information: There are free toilets in the parking lot. The park is free to visit as well.
Saugatuck Pump House Museum
735 Park St, Saugatuck, MI
Next to Mount Baldhead Park, near the bottom of the stairs to the look-out point is the Pump House Museum where you can learn about Saugatuck and Douglass. Even though the museum was closed when we visited, we could read some of the information around the outside of the museum about the history and flora & fauna of the area.
Oval Beach
690 Perryman St, Saugatuck, MI
Oval beach is only a short drive away from Mount Baldhead Park. This beach has many more people than the beach at the Sand Dunes State Park, but isn’t overly crowded. You can walk along the beach and climb sand dunes here too.
Visiting Information: A small refreshment stand and basic toilet & shower facilities are right on the beach. There is a $10 fee to enter (per car), but they let us in free. We only visited in the evening so perhaps that is why!
Saugatuck Chain Ferry & Boat Cruises
528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI
Across the river from Mount Baldhead Park is the Saugatuck chain ferry. Instead of driving around the lake, you can take the ferry across Kalamazoo River to reach the park. It is the only remaining chain link ferry in the country! It operates during the summer and is $1 each way. Check the hours here. If you want to spend more time on the water you can also take a boat cruise with Saugatuck Boat Cruises from the same area.
Boardwalk & Boat Rental
Water St
Always nice to take a stroll along a boardwalk, isn’t it? You might come across some multi-million dollar yachts along this one. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent a kayak or jet ski instead.
Shopping
Lately I haven’t been much of a shopper, but Saugatuck made me want to shop! The streets are quaint and most of the stores are located in historic buildings or cute houses. Unlike many tourist towns, Saugatuck isn’t full of souvenir shops. You can find those, but the stores are mostly boutique ones selling books, kitchenware, clothing or other speciality items. Make sure to visit the American Spoon and sample all the homemade jams and dips! Yes, my favorite store sold food…surprise, surprise!
Where to Eat in Saugatuck
Let me start by mentioning the most important things first, ice cream and chocolate! Kilwin’s Chocolates on Butler St has a huge selection of sweet treats to choose from. Try as many of the delightful ice cream parlors and chocolate shops as you can!
If you don’t want to survive on sweets alone, make sure to eat along the waterfront. Mermaid Bar & Grill is a great choice if you are looking for views and seafood. El Burrito Feliz and Scotters Cafe and Pizza are good options if you are craving Mexican or pizza and want a reasonably priced meal.
Douglas
Douglas, a smaller, but still charming town, is right next door to Saugatuck. There are some shops and restaurants along the main street.
Where to Find a Toilet
There were two public toilets listed on the tourist map for Saugatuck. I figured that’s great, but we will probably have to pay. Wait we are in the good old US of A and they are free! After dishing out money two times today for public toilets in Chile, I am looking back enviously at those clean, accessible and free toilets in Saugatuck!
There were also free public toilets in Douglas next to the park.
Where to Stay in Saugatuck
As I mentioned Saugatuck is in an upscale, resorty area. The prices match! There are some highly rated hotels and inns like The Hotel Saugatuck with lake views, if you don’t mind a higher price tag. We stayed at the Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck, a mid-range hotel that had all the amenities we needed. It’s only a 25 minute walk to downtown Saugatuck or a 5 minute drive. Wherever you choose make sure to book early, because places fill up fast!
More in Southwestern Michigan
There are a lot of great things to do in Saugatuck, Michigan. If you are looking to extend your time in southwestern Michigan check out Holland and Lansing.
Not quite what you are looking for? Don’t worry, I can help! Through my Personal Travel Planning service I can plan the perfect Michigan itinerary to meet your travel needs…or any other place you dream of visiting!
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15 Comments
Kathleen
What a cute little town. I love that the shops are not tourist shops and are in old homes and shops. I’m certain I would find the chocolate shop. That did look like a lot of steps at Mt Baldhead. I bet your legs were burning when you accomplished them all.
admin
Saugatuck is a really cute town! I always loved that it didn’t have the typical touristy feel of many places.
Patti
Saugatuck looks like such a charming town. I only live 2 hours away so I’ve heard of it but have yet to visit. Maybe I need to plan a trip this summer!
admin
Saugatuck would be great for a summer weekend for you then!
Sara
I’ve never thought of Michigan as a beachy destination! It looks like somewhere I could definitely plan a trip to, especially since I’m only a few hours away in Toronto.
admin
Saugatuck is a great destination, especially if you are only a few hours away!
Rachel
How cool to learn more about Saugatuck through your post! My dad was born and raised not far from here and raves about it. Will have to visit this town next time I’m in Michigan!
The Fearless Foreigner
You definitely will have to visit, it’s a great place!!
Vanessa Shields
I’ve never heard of Saugatuck but I’d love to visit as it looks so charming and the perfect place to spend a long weekend. I’d enjoy taking a walk to the beach, stroll through town and go on the chain link ferry (never seen one of these!). It’s amazing the beaches look like it could really be on the ocean and not a lake!
The Fearless Foreigner
Saugatuck is a charming place to visit!
Devin Held
I haven’t explored much of Michigan yet. I didn’t know there were beaches like that there! Looks and sounds like a great town to explore. Pinning for later. 🙂
The Fearless Foreigner
There are some great beaches in Michigan, you will have to check them out!
MacKenzie - Rainbow Travel Life
I love that you included where to find bathrooms! It gave me a good laugh. The shopping and boats look soo cute!
The Fearless Foreigner
Haha, glad to hear it!
Lindley
I’ve never been to Michigan but it looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.