The One Michigan Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
With nearly 3,300 miles of coastline, Michigan is chock-full of vacation destinations. Narrowing them down certainly isn't easy, but if you are seeking somewhere truly special, the small community of Saugatuck should be near the top of your list. This town lies along the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan and is home to fewer than 1,000 residents. Despite this small population, the art scene is incredible, earning it the nickname “Art Coast of Michigan.” The outdoor recreation is equally memorable, home to stretches of sand dunes and historic ferries that are among the last of their kind in the United States. As you begin planning your travels for the coming year, you will not want to miss a visit to Saugatuck, a Michigan town everyone should visit at least once.
Saugatuck Dunes
Head 10 minutes north of Saugatuck, and hit the Saugatuck Dunes, one of the region’s stunning natural marvels. These dunes, which are part of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, feature two and a half miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, forested areas, coastal dunes, and 13 miles of trails. It is also home to the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area, which protects a coastal dune system and three endangered plant species. Four trails wind through the dunes, leading down to Lake Michigan, with the shortest trail stretching a ¾ mile down to the lake.
If you are looking for a particularly unique way to explore the dunes, consider signing up for a tour with Saugatuck Dune Rides. Open seasonally, this agency offers 40-minute rides through the sandy terrain, sharing fascinating stories, such as the tale of the lost town of Singapore, while also exploring local vegetation and wildlife. Tours for this coming year will resume on May 2nd!
River Ferries and Boats
Situated along the Kalamazoo River, ferries and boats have been a key part of Saugatuck’s transportation and commerce for centuries. Today, the town is impressively home to the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the United States! Known as the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, it has been operating since 1838, guided by three pulleys as it makes the crossing. To advance, the ferry’s operator turns a crank that pulls it along the chain! Running from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, hop aboard for a ride across the river, then follow it up with a walk along the trail to Oval Beach.
Excursion boats have plied the river since the 1860s, with the Star of Saugatuck continuing the tradition by offering cruises for visitors today. In the summer, The Star offers daily cruises on the river that last for about 90 minutes, allowing you to view the river and riverbank from the boat’s upper deck. Or check out the boat’s themed cruise schedule, with the company occasionally hosting beer, bourbon, wine, and even Halloween cruises.
The Art Coast of Michigan
Known as the Art Coast of Michigan, the Saugatuck area has earned statewide recognition for its art scene. And at its heart is the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which hosts an exciting array of rotating exhibitions and performances throughout the year. You will typically find several rotating exhibits on display at any given time, and performances on the calendar that include jazz, classical, and contemporary musical concerts.
The Saugatuck Douglas Art Club also hosts two iconic art events each summer: the Waterfront Invitational Art Fair and the Village Square Art Fair. Each of these fairs takes place in July and is outdoors, showcasing the works of fine artists from around the country, with media including ceramics, photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, fibers, and more. Year-round, check out art at one of the many galleries in town. The Amazwi Contemporary Art is a neat addition to your itinerary, a gallery focused on African art that exhibits handmade sculptures, jewelry, baskets, paintings, and artifacts from across the continent. Make sure to check out James Brandess Studios & Gallery while in town as well. This gallery, situated in the town’s old post office, is filled with original artwork, prints, cards, and gifts that make the perfect souvenirs.
Culinary Scene
You might not expect it from a town of its size, but the culinary scene in Saugatuck is fantastic. There are all kinds of food spots worth having on your radar, starting with a morning coffee. Located downtown on Hoffman Street, Uncommon Coffee Roasters is run by a duo from a multi-generational family of coffee farmers in Brazil, with the café’s warm, cozy atmosphere making it an easy place to start the day.
For lunch, head over to the Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions, a local dining spot that serves dishes with locally-sourced and fresh ingredients. A few of the dishes on the menu include classics like sandwiches, burgers, and soups. The brewing scene is also worth checking out, with The Mitten Brewing Company serving a great lineup of craft drinks. As you sip on your cold craft beer, you can enjoy the brewery’s comfy atmosphere, which includes a wraparound deck, a fire pit, and picnic tables.
An Adventure For Every Kind Of Traveler
Saugatuck is one of those gems that offers a little bit of everything. If you are craving an adventure outdoors, the Saugatuck Sand Dunes are just a skip away from town. For cold and rainy days, or for those who prefer to explore the cultural scene, the art center and galleries downtown await. And of course, you can perfectly round out the trip with wonderful food! Who knows what other treasures you might discover during your own visit?
