Take a Vacation to Charming Saugatuck on the Shores of Lake Michigan

Jun 17, 2025

Saugatuck on the shores of Lake Michigan makes an outstanding summer getaway. Known for its vibrant arts community, walkable downtown area, charming boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops, and the most delicious restaurants, it’s a must-visit destination on your summer road trips list. Plus, the area is also a nature lover’s paradise with plenty of hiking trails, biking trails, sandy beaches, and gorgeous sand dunes. Take in beautiful views of Kalamazoo Lake, the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. It’s the ideal summer vacation getaway with a little bit of everything to please everyone in your midst. Check out our guide to some of the top attractions in the area and you’ll come to understand why Michigan’s governor named the city one of Michigan’s 19 Coolest Cities!

“Saugatuck, Michigan – September 4, 2011: The colorful shops and galleries along Butler Street are a major draw for the thousands of seasonal visitors to this charming Lake Michigan resort town.”

Saugatuck Farmers’ Market is located at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts! This seasonal market runs from May through September 26th from 9AM to 3PM, and features locally grown produce, freshly picked flowers, artisanal baked goods, small batch coffee and more. Shop local artists work from handmade wheel-thrown pottery, wood turning, leather goods, goat soaps, and so much more. Plus, a slew of delicious snacks, desserts, and local breweries.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a community focused arts center and home to the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency! This pie factory turned arts venue is a buzzing central hub for all things creative, showcasing world-class musical artists, special guests, lectures, outreach programs, film debuts, and exhibits. Current works on display include “A Caregiver’s Butterfly Garden”, “Creative Fellow: Caila Conklin”, and “Sōw [in sorrow]”.

Saugatuck Chain River Ferry is a one-of-a-kind experience with a hand-cranked chain ferry. Hop on board and you’ll cross the Kalamazoo River from downtown Saugatuck to Mount Baldhead Park and Oval Beach! Ferry fare is required there and back, but is extremely affordable for just $3 per person each way. It’s not just the only hand-cranked chain in the Great Lakes, but also in the whole country, and it’s been in operation since 1838. Definitely a must-try experience!

Douglas Beach Park is a small public beach that’s free to the public, located at the end of a tree-covered sandy bluff. It’s much less crowded, has calm water for relaxing swim or float, and the perfect split of sunny sand areas and tree-shaded areas. Plus, the sunsets are absolutely spectacular! The nearby Lakeshore Drive is a 2.5 mile out-and-back trek on the bluff where you get stunning views of Lake Michigan and the magnificent local architecture. It’s also accessible by bike, via “The Beach to Bayou” paved trail to Lakeshore Drive. Parking is limited to a small lot or select neighborhood street parking. This beach is not pet friendly.

Sunset on Lake Michigan at Saugatuck Michigan

Oval Beach Park and Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is known for its beautiful shoreline against a backdrop of soft rolling dunes, and it’s the central beach in the region. It’s an award-winning location, having been featured in Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World, Nat Geo’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the US, and MTVs Top 5 Beaches in the US. It’s very family friendly and offers easy parking, a concessions area, and picnic spot! The park area features 173-acres of protected land featuring historic remnants of the Fishtown Pier, wetlands, and unspoiled dunes as well as being home to at least 6 rare plant and animal species.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a 1,000 acre public recreational area along the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s a dog friendly park that’s perfect for hiking and beachy fun. You’ll find 2.5 miles of secluded beach featuring 200-foot tall wooded dunes, and 4 hiking trails ranging from 2.25 to 5.5 miles. Dune Buggy Rides are another popular attraction, offering a unique perspective of the dunes and a memorable experience.

Saugatuck Art Community Downtown Douglas Arts District is located on the Art Coast of Michigan, as the locals say. You’ll find a collection of various downtown galleries and artist displays featuring exquisitely crafted sculptures, paintings, installations, prints, fashion, and more. Saugatuck Art Traders LLC offers limited edition signed prints, original paintings, sculptures and more by local artisans. The Laffing Glass specializes in one-of-a-kind and custom glass artworks. Jeff Blandford Gallery highlights ceramics inspired by the intersection of design, nature, materials, and science. Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium and Other Useful Things features a selection of fine arts and collectibles as well as an intimate look on the creative process at the artist’s working studio. Button Gallery invites you to explore and find a personal connection to the artworks. Amazwi Contemporary art features works by contemporary African painters and sculptures. James Brandess Studios & Gallery is a working studio and gallery maintained by the painter James Brandess, who crafts locally inspired landscapes. Water Lily Art features unique handmade gifts and products you won’t find anywhere else! J. Petter Galleries features an outstanding 24 different rooms with 2,000 pieces of fine art from a variety of artists and styles!

Crane Orchards began in the 1880s thanks to the hard work and dedication of one H.H. Hutchins, and over the years has been passed down and run as a family operation since. Known as one of the finest U-Pick orchards in the state, you’ll find 10 varieties of peaches and sweet cherries, as well as 20 different varieties of apples! While it is still a working farm, visitors are welcomed to walk through the designated areas and stroll through the orchards safely; dogs are not allowed.

Fenn Valley Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard opened in 1973. The farm’s philosophy is that wine should be accessible to everyone, and they focus on both private and group tours to enlighten guests as to the history and process of wine making. Extended tours are available as well as private group experiences, for 10 or more people. The vineyard hosts lots of fun activities year round, but the summers are especially delightful. Enjoy the Fenn Valley Wine Festival, the sWine Roast, “Fired Up!” grilling workshop, Summer Evening Cookouts, Music in the Vineyards, and special Winemaker’s Dinners. Dogs are welcomed in outdoor spaces only, and must remain well-mannered and leashed without bothering other guests. Children are also welcomed on the property with lots of open spaces to play and a small assortment of toys available. Wine tastings for groups of 6 or more require reservations.