Free
Mount Baldhead
A long staircase up a dune for views over the river and lake.
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Lake Michigan, Michigan
Saugatuck and Douglas
Twin art towns on the Kalamazoo River near Lake Michigan: Oval Beach, the stairs up Mount Baldhead, a hand-cranked chain ferry, dune rides and galleries along Butler Street.
Photo: Oval Beach, Saugatuck, tb2bfit, CC BY-SA 3.0
Saugatuck has drawn artists since the Ox-Bow School of Art opened here in 1910, and galleries still line its streets. Cross the Kalamazoo River on the hand-cranked chain ferry, then climb the long staircase up Mount Baldhead for a view over the dunes and the river.
On the other side, Oval Beach is a wide stretch of Lake Michigan sand backed by dunes. Douglas, across the river, is a quieter village. Saugatuck Dunes State Park has trails through wooded dunes to a remote beach. Be adventurous: barefoot is the dress code.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Free
Kalamazoo River
The river winds past both towns to Lake Michigan.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Free
Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
Local history in an old pump house by the river.
Cheap
Saugatuck Chain Ferry
A hand-cranked ferry across the Kalamazoo River.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Paid
Saugatuck Dune Rides
Dune buggy rides through the sand hills.
Season Open roughly early May–mid-Oct (check before you go).
Paid
Star of Saugatuck
A paddlewheel boat cruise on the river and out to the lake.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Free
Butler Street
Galleries, shops and restaurants in downtown Saugatuck.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Also bookable, listed above
These are in the lists above, so we don't repeat them here.
- Saugatuck Dune Rides Tour
- Star of Saugatuck Cruise
Part of our West Michigan guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- A beach day at Oval and an evening on Butler Street go together.
- Sunsets over Lake Michigan are the main event.
- Holland's tulips, windmill and beaches are 20 minutes north.
Nearby and worth the drive
Ready-made trips with Saugatuck and Douglas
Good to know
- Chain ferry: Seasonal: City of Saugatuck.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Oval Beach, Saugatuck, tb2bfit, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Mount Baldhead, WMrapids, CC0
Photo: Kalamazoo River and Saugatuck from Mount Baldhead, Robert Moore, Public domain
Photo: Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Star of Saugatuck, Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 3.0