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Are There Things To Do In Saugatuck And Where Is It?

Do you know where Saugatuck is? Most people don’t. In fact, Saugatuck may not be at the top of everyone’s travel list, and in fact, many people have never even heard of it. But one visit to the charming coastal town in Michigan is often all it takes to see why Saugatuck is one of the greatest hidden gems in America. From inclusive community events and culture to some of the best beaches in the United States, let’s take a closer look at the unique features of Saugatuck. 

About Saugatuck

Saugatuck, Michigan is a charming coastal town with just around 900 people. Saugatuck and the neighboring town of Douglas have collectively become “The Art Coast of Michigan.” The nickname originated in the early 20th century due to the area’s popularity among a large number of artists and writers. To this day, Saugatuck has plenty to offer in the way of art, with a large number of galleries and art studios. 

Saugatuck is also well-known for its stunning natural beauty, which includes several gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches. The town has also become a hotspot for the LGBTQIA+ community and lays claim to a number of first-class wineries, breweries, restaurants, and shopping venues. 

How To Get To Saugatuck

Saugatuck sprawls right along the pristine southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, about 45 miles west of Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids also has one of the nearest airports (GRR) if you plan to travel by air. Alternatively, you could fly into Muskegon (MKG), about 54 minutes away. 

If you’re traveling from either Grand Rapids or Chicago, you might also consider taking an Amtrak train to nearby Holland, MI. Holland is only 12 miles from Saugatuck and makes for an easy drive or Uber ride. 

Top Things To Do In Saugatuck

Spend a day on the beach.

Saugatuck is famous as the home of not one but six stunning Lake Michigan beaches. Opal Beach was named among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World and National Geographic Traveler’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA. 

Whether you’re looking to spend a day relaxing in the sun or enjoying your favorite water sport, the possibilities are endless. Saugatuck offers a perfect venue for sailing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. 

Take a Chain Ferry Ride Across the Kalamazoo River

Many activities are also available along the Kalamazoo River, which winds through Saugatuck. Be sure you also take a ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, one of the only remaining hand-cranked chain ferries in the US. 

While the ferry only carries people and not cars, you can bring along dogs, bikes, strollers, and even kids under two for free. For all other passengers, tickets are a mere $2.

Book Your Spot on Saugatuck Dune Rides

Saugatuck is also home to a collection of natural coastal dunes, which you can explore on a legendary Saugatuck Dune Ride . Take a 40-minute tour in an open-air vehicle as you enjoy the natural beauty of 300 privately-owned acres. 

Your guide will fill you in on the area’s history, including information on local wildlife and the lost town of Singapore. Make sure you book your tickets online in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly! Adult tickets go for $25 a piece, while tickets for kids from 3-11 are $14. Be aware that children under two cannot go on the tours due to safety concerns. 

Explore the Sights and Sounds of Main Street

As the main thoroughfare of Saugatuck, Butler Street offers plenty of things to do for travelers of all interests. Soak up the small-town American feel amid colorful storefronts, restaurants, and locally-owned businesses. When it comes to shopping, you’ll find everything from one-of-a-kind artwork and antiques to locally-made clothing and beauty products.

You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants, such as Phil’s Bar and Grill or The Butler .Saugatuck is also well-known for its wines, which guests are allowed to try out firsthand at Fenn Valley Vineyard & Wine Cellar . Butler Street is also home to Winesellers of Saugatuck , where you’ll find an extensive collection of wines for any occasion. 

Take in the Art Scene

Saugatuck’s love affair with art began over a century ago with the establishment of the Ox-Bow School . To this day, artists still participate in the number of classes or workshops Ox-Bow offers.

For something a little more casual, check out Express Yourself Art Barn . For an $8 studio fee and project fees starting at just $3, you can spend the entire day creating anything your imagination can come up with.

Even considering the area’s rich history, visitors are pleasantly surprised by how many art galleries there are. Use this handy directory to search for galleries that appeal to you, or check Saugatuck’s events calendar for one of the town’s regular gallery strolls. 

Where To Stay in Saugatuck

The great thing about Saugatuck is that there are plenty of great lodging options for travelers of all tastes and budgets. 

If you’re in the mood to splurge, check out the Lake Shore Resort , which sits right along the shores of Lake Michigan. Not only will you enjoy beautiful views from every room, but also kayaks, bikes, wooded trails, and convenient access to the nearby downtown area. 

There are also a huge array of other B&B’s , hotels , and vacation rentals to choose from.  While all travelers are greeted with open arms throughout town, LGBTQIA+ travelers will find a great list of some of the best gay-friendly hotels in the area on Saugatuck’s official website. 

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About The West Michigan Tourist Association

WMTA’s membership base consists of more than 800 attractions, lodging, events, and activities all across the west side of Michigan , from the Indiana border all the way into the Upper Peninsula. Over the past century, Michigan ‘s tourism industry has become second to only manufacturing in Michigan , making WMTA a vital resource for the area’s tourist destinations.

West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has marketed West Michigan and its member destinations to millions of pleasure and business travelers since 1917. WMTA promotes the best in the region from Northwest Indiana to the Straits of Mackinac (the entire west half of the Lower Peninsula) plus throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Collectively, West Michigan is more diverse than Disney. It’s bigger. It’s better because it’s the real McCoy. With our living sand dunes, we’re the spirit of the desert but with hundreds of square miles of fresh water at the end of the trail. With our vast forests, we’re a wilderness offering unparalleled fishing and hunting and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, equestrian, snowshoeing, Nordic and snowmobile trails wide open for adventure.

With Lake Michigan lapping our western shore and churning into Lake Huron at the northernmost tip of our peninsula, we’re a paradise of sugar-sand beaches that stretch for 400 ever-changing miles. Our inland lakes are a haven for families. Our clean, safe communities are cultural meccas of the performing arts, historical museums and unique shopping. Our golf courses awe visitors. Our lighthouses inspire them. Our fresh-caught whitefish seduce them. Our wineries surprise them. Our casinos wow them. Our unique corporate conference and outing opportunities make meeting planners heroes in their companies.

WMTA’s mission is to market the whole of West Michigan as a destination. Visitors recognize no city, county or township lines: neither does WMTA. Together, we create an international, world-class regional destination. Your business can only profit from the success of your community and its neighbors, whether they’re next door or two counties away. We believe our four-season product is unique, built as it is on this peninsula of historical and natural diversity. By packaging this diversity as a one-of-a-kind cultural and recreational experience, we grow West Michigan’s tourism product and help you grow your West Michigan business.

Be a partner. Join us. Let us put our expertise and our partner-exclusive marketing tools at your disposal. Annual partnership fees start at just $200. Benefits include your listing on this website. Isn’t that worth the investment alone? And it’s only one of many values included in your annual dues.

WMTA is a nonprofit, privately-funded partnership association. It is the only tourism marketing association in West Michigan voluntarily funded by the entrepreneurs who make commerce happen. Within the state’s tourism industry, WMTA is the only surviving product of the Free Enterprise System, the economic cornerstone of this nation. As stakeholders, each partner has an equal voice in how WMTA conducts its business of marketing to the traveling public. Whether your business is large or small, WMTA is YOUR association. We invite you to explore all the benefits we can offer you today.

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West Michigan Tourist Association

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741 Kenmoor Ave

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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