Michigan's Saugatuck is more than just beaches. What to know about history, shopping, food
Southwest Michigan's Saugatuck is known for its beaches along Lake Michigan, its walkable downtown and nearby recreation opportunities, but there's more to see and do in the beachside town in the "art coast of Michigan."
Saugatuck welcomes millions of visitors per year to its tranquil environment, complete with downtown shopping and dining, LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, a rich art culture, the Saugatuck-Douglas Area Visitors Bureau says.
"Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty,Saugatuck/Douglasis a place rich with character, culture andoutdoor adventures," Pure Michigan adds.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R44e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeThe town just off U.S. 31 and across the Kalamazoo River from Douglas has long been a summer destination for visitors from the Chicago area and Michigan. Here's what to know if you visit this summer.
Where is Saugatuck?
Saugatuck is a southwest Michigan city bordering the Kalamazoo River along the Lake Michigan coast. The small town of about 750 residents draws in more than 2 million tourists each year because of its downtown and lakefront attractions.
How did this west Michigan town get its start?
Saugatuck was first settled in 1830 by William Butler, although it was not originally called Saugatuck, the Holland Sentinel reported. The town was known as "the flats" in the mid-19th century, a Michigan Historic Site marker says.
The area is the ancestral homeland of the Odawa and Potawatomi nations, Anishinaabe peoples that form part of the Council of Three Fires historic alliance, per the Hotel Saugatuck's website.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2be4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4be4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeSaugatuck thrived as a lumber and shipbuilding town before shifting to a focus on the arts beginning in the early 20th century, the Hotel Saugatuck's website says.
The community was incorporated as a village by the Allegan County Board of Supervisors in 1868 and as a city in 1984, the city's website says.
What happened to Saugatuck's 'ghost town' neighbor?
Saugatuck City Hall stock photo.The nearby "ghost town" of Singapore was once a bustling 19th century lumber settlement along the Kalamazoo River, the Saugatuck-Douglas Area Visitors Bureau says. As deforestation depleted the local industry, the sawmills moved away and the area was depopulated.
Up to 10 of Singapore's historic buildings now stand in Saugatuck, including the former wildcat bank, the Holland Sentinel notes.
Savor diverse local dining in Saugatuck
Saugatuck offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants, sweet shops and cafes.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2ke4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4ke4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeVisitors can enjoy classic American fare, Mexican tacos, ice cream, coffee and tea beverages, pizza, wineries and breweries, Mediterranean cuisine and more.
Uncommon Coffee Roasters in downtown offers a variety of coffee and tea beverages, smoothies, more hot and cold drinks, baked goods, salads and sandwiches. You can also grab custom merchandise and coffee by the bag.
The Butler, sharing a name with the town's original settler, features burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, fish and meat entrees, appetizers, sides and desserts. Visitors can enjoy a waterfront view and choose from a selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your meal.
Finish off your day with a refreshing sweet treat from local shops like Charlie's Round the Corner, selling over 40 ice cream flavors, or Sweet Spot Saugatuck for your favorite candies and ice cream.
Relax at Lake Michigan beaches
The town's spot near Lake Michigan gives visitors prime access to sandy beaches and dunes along 12 miles of the lakefront coast.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2se4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4se4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeThe area features Oval Beach, West Side County Park's beach, Pier Cove Beach, Douglas Beach, Saugatuck Dunes State Park's beach and Laketown Beach. Enjoy a scenic summer day on the waterfront filled with swimming, sunbathing or a family picnic at one of the local Lake Michigan beaches.
Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.
Explore vibrant art displays in Saugatuck
The diverse local art scene includes galleries, exhibits, studios and public art installations.
A stop by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts showcases the work of Michigan-based artists and beyond across disciplines, musical performances, a scenic outdoor garden and educational programming for all ages.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R32e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R52e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeSeasonal gallery strolls offer the chance to meet artists, listen to live music, taste local cuisine and beverage, see live artist demos and explore art across the area's venues.
Take comfort in this LGBTQ-friendly destination
Saugatuck is known to be a prime tourist spot for gay and lesbian couples and families, offering a safe space to vacation since the 1950s.
The area features an array of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, from art galleries to a mini golf course and a tour company visiting local wineries and breweries. The Dunes Resort is one of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ resorts, offering comfortable accommodations, a club with dancing and music, pool, bar, lounge and more a short drive from Lake Michigan.
Shop at downtown boutiques, stores
The downtown area offers a chance to shop from unique local businesses selling apparel, jewelry, antiques, outdoor gear, gourmet foods, art and more.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R39e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R59e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeOptions include a French goods store, chocolates and fudge, florals, kitchen supplies, clothing, shoes, home decor, fresh-baked pies, artwork and vintage goods.
How did Saugatuck get its name?
The town's name comes from thePotawatomi wordshaug-a-duck, meaning mouth of the river, the Hotel Saugatuck's website explains. The Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan near Saugatuck.
The Holland Sentinel contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Check out these places, activities in Saugatuck this summer
