Saugatuck

Introduction

Saugatuck is a small resort town in western Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, and at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. It is closely linked with neighbouring Douglas, and both villages are popular as a summer holiday spot for locals and Chicago residents. They have a lively arts scene and many out of the ordinary shops and restaurants. They offer a peculiar mixture of traditional small-town Midwestern values and progressive alternative-lifestyle tolerance.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

Saugatuck is a community that has it all – great shopping, wonderful restaurants, a lively arts scene, and a colorful history. To top it off, it has a lovely harbor with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It is no wonder that Saugatuck is one of the top tourist destinations in Michigan if not the Midwest. In fact it has been called, “One of the top 25 art destinations in the U.S.”. One of the amazing things about Saugatuck is that everyone you meet has come from somewhere else. The native population of Saugatuck and its neighbor, Douglas, are both very small.

People have been vacationing in Saugatuck for over 100 years. This history contributes to the Victorian charm of the village homes and shops. Saugatuck became an artist colony in the early 1900s with the establishment of the Summer School of Painting on Ox-Bow lagoon in Saugatuck. Today the Ox-Bow institute is operated by the Art Institute of Chicago and continues to be an influence in a community filled with art galleries and exhibitions, public art, theater, film, and music. The title “The Art Coast of Michigan” truly is indicative of the flavor of the Saugatuck/Douglas community.

Beaches

Saugatuck is home to one of the best beaches in the United States, Oval Beach. This beautiful beach was named one of the Top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Naste Magazine and one of the two top fresh water beaches in the USA by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and was named by MTV as one of the 5 best beaches in the United States. Oval Beach is found at the end of Oval Beach Road one mile west of the Saugatuck Ferry landing across the river from downtown Saugatuck.

Further south on Lakeshore Drive are Douglas Beach, Pier Cove Park and West Side Township Park. North of town is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. All have outstanding beaches and sand dunes for exploring.

Water Activities

Saugatuck/Douglas offer a wide variety of available water activities, including a Titanic era ship, the S. S. Keewatin, to explore, boats and sail boats to charter, and canoes and kayaks to rent.

The sternwheeler, Star of Saugatuck, offers a pleasant tour of the river and along the shoreline. The last hand-cranked chain ferry in the United States can take you across the river and an amphibious “duck” offers land and sea service to Saugatuck and Douglas.

Adventure


Consider a hike to the top of Mt. Baldhead sand dune. If you can make it, you are greeted with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the harbor and lake. Or, travel across the dunes on a dune schooner ride which will delight young and old alike.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Any time of year, you'll appreciate a welcoming, casual atmosphere that makes you feel like a part of the community.
Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

• American Spoon Foods, 308 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-3084, Gourmet artisanal foods celebrating the native flavors of Michigan!
• Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, 3656 63rd Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-5777, 
Award winning B&B and dinner. All inclusive dine and lodge!

• Blue Star Cafe & M&M's Ice Cream, 141 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas
269-857-1030, Ma & Pa Greek meals-Veggies-Omelets-Burgers-Pitas-Ice Cream.
• The Butler, 40 Butler St. Saugatuck, 269-857-3501, 
Seafood, steaks & burgers. Waterfront dining. Open year round.
• Butler Pantry, 119 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-4875, 
Gourmet kitchenware, gadgets, specialty foods, wine.
• Charlie's Round the Corner Ice Dream, 134 Mason St. Saugatuck, 269-857-2100. 50 flavors. Saugatuck's favorite ice cream shop for 30 years.
• Chequers of Saugatuck, 220 Culver St. Saugatuck, 269-857-1868, .
Quaint English pub. English foods & more. Imported beers.
• Clearbrook Restaurant, 6494 Clearbrook Drive, Saugatuck, 269-857-2000,.
Choose top-rated refined dining or award winning casual food.
• Coral Gables Restaurant, 220 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-2162, 
Saugatuck's waterfront, entertainment complex, 5 bars, 4 restaurants.
• DeMond's Super Valu, 237 Center St, Douglas, 269-857-2443.
Beer, wine, liquor, bakery, deli, fresh produce and tender steaks.
• Everyday People Cafe, 11 Center St, Douglas, 269-857-4240, 
Casual, hip dining featuring eclectic American-Bistro fare.
• Jo Jo's Americana Supper Club, 107 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, 269-857-1523, 
All-American restaurant encompassing all the best comfort dishes.
• Kilwin's Chocolates, 152 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-1195.
Handmade chocolates, fudge and original recipe ice cream.
• The Little Store, 6586 122nd Ave, Fennville, 269-543-8711.
Beer, liquor, pizza takeout, sporting goods, grocery, lotto, video.
• Marro's Italian Restaurant, 147 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-4248, 
36 years of great "homemade" Italian food. Casual fun dining.
• Mermaid Bar & Grill, 340 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-8208, 
Waterfront dining and cocktails, fresh seafood, pasta and steaks.
• The Olive Mill, 220 Culver St., Saugatuck, 269-857-5900.
Olive oil tasting experience. 30 artisan extra virgin olive oils & balsamic vinegars.
• Phil's Bar & Grille, 215 Butler St. Saugatuck, 269-857-1555, 
Hemingway's favorite Saugatuck hang-out. Damn fine food & drink.
• Pumpernickels, 202 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-1196, 
Breakfast, lunch, dinner & cocktails; relaxed atmosphere, patio & sun deck.
• Providence Farms, P.O. Box 848, Saugatuck, 269-857-1215. Organic Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken & Turkey. Pick up at th Green market on Fridays in Saugatuck info@providencefarms.org
• Restaurant Toulouse, 248 Culver St. Saugatuck, 269-857-1561 
French country cuisine in a beautiful, relaxed setting. Reservations.
• The River Market & Deli, 650 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-8899, 
Full deli, groceries, beer, liquor, wine, bakery, cigars & gas dock.
• Sand Bar Saloon, 141 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-2676. 
Friendly downtown bar with beer, wine, spirits, pool tables, gyros & Keno.
• Saugatuck Brewing Co, Next door to the Antique Pavillion, Douglas, 269-857-7222
Hancrafted beer and brew. On premise brewery. Open 3-6 PM Daily. Later by chance.
• Saugatuck Coffee Company, 119-121 Butler Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-2633, 
Casual elegance located in historic Leland Alley behind Kilwin’s

• Saugatuck-Douglas Green Market, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-2399, (June–September) Featuring Michigan farmers and artisan producers, dedicated to bringing fresh, high quality food to your table.
• Spectators Sports Bar & Grill, 6432 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, 269-857-5001, 
25 TVs, outdoor seating, live music, meeting room for up to 50 people.
• Tabor Hill Wine Port, 214 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-4859, 
Fine wines, great food, incredible view, tastings & tours (800) 283-3363
• Uncommon Grounds Coffeehouse, 127 Hoffman St, Saugatuck
269-857-3333, In-house roasted coffees, fresh baked goods, full juice bar.
• The White House, 149 Griffith St, Saugatuck
269-857-3240, Food. Fun. Home of classic rock.
• Wine Sellers Of Saugatuck, 247 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-7815, [59].
Fine wine and beer, wine racks, gourmet foods, gifts and cigars

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

• Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast (800-838-1246, 938 Center Street, Douglas, Michigan 49406). Voted Number 1 in the State by Lake Magazine our Victorian-style home offers five guest rooms with private baths, cozy chairs and Persian rugs. Two suites w/Jacuzzi-fireplace. Heated pool, bicycles, 1/2 block to Lake Michigan and spectacular sunsets

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.