The Best Small Town In Michigan For A 3-Day Weekend
Michigan is located in the north-central United States, and is the only state that is divided into two large land segments, the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. Michigan also has shorelines of four out of the five Great Lakes, making it a great destination for a 3-day weekend because of the endless amounts of outdoor recreation accessible on or around the lakes. One town in particular stands out in Michigan, and that is Saugatuck. Saugatuck is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan and features a walkable downtown, vibrant arts and culture, rich history, and access to the outdoors.
Historic Accommodation
The Hotel Saugatuck is an adults-only boutique hotel in Saugatuck’s historic district. Originally built in 1865, the hotel is equipped with luxurious modern amenities that fill each of its 17 rooms, including king-size beds, private bathrooms fitted with hydrotherapy tubs, fireplaces, and climate control. Gourmet breakfast is available daily and is delivered to guests’ rooms at a time of their choosing between 8 am and 10 am.
Wickwood Inn is a historic inn located in downtown Saugatuck that has eleven individually designed rooms available. It was originally built in 1937 as a colonial house, but in 1981, it was transformed into Saugatuck’s first bed and breakfast. Today, the inn blends timeless design with modern-day amenities such as farm-to-table breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an outdoor heated spa pool.
Local Hot Spots
The Butler has been a popular casual dining restaurant in Saugatuck for over 60 years. It was originally built in 1892 as a steam-powered grist mill and has since been one of the oldest, continuously used buildings in Saugatuck. Despite its historic feel, the Butler consistently serves high-quality seafood and elevated American cuisine and is known for its signature dishes like the Butler Burger. It has an open-air, two-story patio with the capacity to seat 250 people, and, in the warmer summer months, regularly hosts live music.
No weekend visit to Michigan’s art coast would be complete without experiencing local art. The Laffing Glass is an art gallery that specializes in custom, handmade glass art and ornaments that are inspired by Saugatuck and the region. Visitors can view the pieces on display and meet the artist who created them.
The Butler Pantry has been in operation since 1977 and sells a wide range of specialty food items, fine wines, and kitchen accessories. They also carry their own brand of sauces, marinades, rubs, jams, salad dressings, and other condiments so that you can take a taste of Saugatuck home with you at the end of your weekend.
Picturesque Mill
Peterson’s Mill was built by a retired engineer, R.E. “Pete” Peterson, who bought the land it was built on and designed the building and water turned wheel himself. The mill opened in 1965 and operated as a gift shop that sold cornmeal and wheat flour, which was ground on-site. Although it closed in the 1970s, it has been preserved and remains a popular subject for photographers and artists in the area. Visitors to this sight can view the exterior; however, the interior is no longer open to the general public. It is available to rent as a popular vacation home, which has the capacity to house up to four guests at a time.
Prestigious Natural Landmarks
Oval Beach is a popular summer spot in Saugatuck accessible via bus for only $1 each way, or ferry across the river from downtown Saugatuck, or by car with a parking lot that charges $15 per day. The beach comes equipped with concession stands which vary in operation depending on weather, demand, and staffing, picnic areas, and restrooms. The beach is highly acclaimed, and, having appeared on many lists of best beaches, it is advised to plan ahead, as many people flock to Oval Beach.
Mount Baldhead Dune is located within Mount Baldhead Park. It is a sand dune that rises 800 feet above sea level and can be summited by climbing 303 wooden steps on a one-mile out-and-back trail. The observation deck at the top of the sand dune grants panoramic views of the Kalamazoo River Valley and Lake Michigan. Restrooms, picnic pavilions and tables, and parking are all available at the foot of the steps up to the top. In the summer, it is best climbed in the morning or at sunset when the temperatures are cooler, and in the fall and winter, when the foliage on the trees at the top is thinner, the view is more expansive.
The Best 3-Day Weekend in Michigan
Saugatuck is a great option to spend a 3-day weekend in Michigan. It has something for everyone, including a taste of the Great Lakes, a bustling arts scene, local businesses that have been around forever and are housed in historic buildings, elevated accommodation options that provide high-quality service, and access to the outdoors, whatever that means to you, whether it is relaxing on a beach or going on a hike.
