Saugatuck boasts a charming downtown with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Oval Beach is often rated as one of the best beaches in the United States, and Saugatuck's location along the Art Coast of Lake Michigan provides visitors with a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Saugatuck is a city in Allegan County known for its artistic heritage. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck combines a thriving arts scene and an open-minded culture with beautiful beaches, scenic waterways, and grassy dunes.
The population was 865 at the 2020 census, reflecting its small-town charm. The population more than doubles in the summer season, with many nearby city residents owning vacation homes in the area.
Downtown Saugatuck on Lake Michigan
The town of Douglas is just across Kalamazoo Lake from Saugatuck and the two settlements form a popular weekend getaway for the LGBT community in the larger southwest Michigan region.
The nearest commercial airports to Saugatuck, Michigan are:
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) : Located approximately 45 miles east of Saugatuck in Grand Rapids. This airport offers daily flights to major cities throughout the United States.
South Bend International Airport (SBN) : Approximately 75 miles southwest of Saugatuck in South Bend, Indiana. This airport also provides daily flights to major cities across the country.
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) : Around 56 miles east of Saugatuck in Kalamazoo. This airport offers connecting flights to airline hubs at Chicago and Detroit.
Visitors can also consider flying into Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW), which are both located approximately 150 miles southwest of Saugatuck. While these airports may be further away, they offer more flight options and may provide more convenient connections for some travelers.
The I-196 highway - otherwise known as the Gerald R. Ford Freeway - runs north to Holland and Grand Rapids and south to a junction with the I-94 just beyond South Haven.
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
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Alternatively, if you are looking for a list of properties available in Saugatuck you can check the accommodation listings on reservation platform Booking.com:
Saugatuck was founded in 1833 by a group of settlers who were drawn to the area's plentiful timber resources. Saugatuck was primarily a lumber town in its early existence, and the local economy was heavily reliant on the export of timber products.
The town's fortunes began to change in the late 19th century, as tourists discovered the beauty of the area. Wealthy families from Chicago and other nearby cities began to build summer homes along the shores of Lake Michigan, and Saugatuck soon became a popular resort destination.
Saugatuck continued to grow and thrive in the 20th century. The town's artists' colony was established in the early 1900s, and the community quickly gained a reputation as a hub for the arts. Today, Saugatuck is home to more than 20 art galleries, as well as a number of arts festivals and events throughout the year.
Saugatuck / Douglas video overview
Saugatuck has continued to attract visitors from all over the world. The town's picturesque beaches, scenic hiking trails, and charming boutiques and restaurants have helped to establish it as one of the premier destinations in the Midwest.
Voted to numerous lists of 'best beaches' this iconic example is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest. With its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, Oval Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area can be accessed from the north end of Oval Beach. The trails go through dune landscapes and wetlands and are popular with birdwatchers. All of them lead to water, whether it is Lake Michigan, Oxbow Lagoon or the Kalamazoo river.
This 1,000-acre park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore over 13 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Dunes Trail, which runs along the top of towering sand dunes.
Saugatuck dunes with view of Lake Michigan
This historic ferry has been shuttling visitors across the Kalamazoo River since 1838. The ferry is powered by a hand-cranked chain system and offers stunning views of the Saugatuck harbor.
This park features a challenging 302-step climb to the top of Mt Baldhead, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. (Mt Baldhead is actually a sand dune with a now defunct radar installation at the top.)
The trail down the other side leads to Oval Beach.
This museum is housed in a historic building in downtown Saugatuck and offers exhibits and programs related to the history and culture of the area. Visitors can learn about the town's early settlers, its logging and fishing industries, and its evolution into a popular tourist destination.
Petoskey is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, historic Gaslight Shopping District, and also gives its name to the unique Petoskey Stones found along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It acts as a gateway to the outdoor activities available at Petoskey State Park.
Often considered the "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City is not only famous for its annual National Cherry Festival but also for its vineyards and culinary scene. Its proximity to both Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay makes it a prime location for water activities.
Nestled near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor provides access to some of Michigan's most breathtaking natural beauty. The area offers miles of sandy beaches, clear waters, and the opportunity to explore the dunes themselves.
Home to the Ludington State Park, which is considered one of Michigan's best state parks. The park's lighthouse, hiking trails, and canoeing opportunities make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Ludington is the port for the SS Badger car ferry that connects Michigan with Wisconsin across Lake Michigan.
Visit Saugatuck : www.saugatuck.com
Saugatuck-Douglas History Center : mysdhistory.org