From Wikitravel

Saugatuck and Douglas are small adjacent resort towns in western Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, and at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. They are mostly a summer resort area popular with locals and Chicago residents, and 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.

[edit] Get in

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.

Want to be on the beach? Saugatuck is home of one of the best beaches in the United States. 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 is 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.

How about some other water activities?Saugatuck/Douglas has 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. Seeking greater 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.

[edit] Get around

By Car

Directions from Detroit area: take 96 West to 196 South (toward Holland). Exit off 196 at #41 (Saugatuck/Douglas exit) and turn right at the end of the exit ramp (so you'll be heading south on Blue Star Highway). Go 3.5 miles from exit, then turn right (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Grand Rapids: take 196 South (toward Holland). Exit off 196 at #41 (Saugatuck/Douglas exit) and turn right at the end of the exit ramp (so you'll be heading south on Blue Star Highway). Go 3.5 miles from exit, then turn right (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Chicago area: take 94 East to 196 North (toward Holland/ Grand Rapids). Exit off 196 at exit #36 (Douglas/Saugatuck) and turn right at end of exit ramp (so you'll be heading north on Blue Star Highway). Go 1.5 miles from exit, then turn left (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and a Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center Street-we're on the right-hand side. (Or if you're familiar with the Skyway, you can take that to the Detroit/Lake Station exit, then get back on 94 East to 196 North etc.)

Directions from Traverse City: take 37 South to 113 East to 131 South. By Grand Rapids, take 196 South (toward Holland). Exit off 196 at #41 (Saugatuck/Douglas exit) and turn right at the end of the exit ramp (so you'll be heading south on Blue Star Highway). Go 3.5 miles from exit, then turn right (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Petoskey: take 131 South to 196 South (toward Holland). Exit off 196 at #41 (Saugatuck/Douglas exit) and turn right at the end of the exit ramp (so you'll be heading south on Blue Star Highway). Go 3.5 miles from exit, then turn right (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Cincinnati: take 75 North to 475 North to 94 West to 131 North to 89 West. Approximately 5 miles after passing through downtown Fennville on 89, turn right (north) on Blue Star Highway (also called A-2). Go approx. 4 miles, then turn left (west) on Center Street (there's a stoplight and Shell Gas Station on corner). Go 1 mile on Center Street-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Indianapolis: take 31 North to 94 East to 196 North (toward Holland/Grand Rapids). Exit off 196 at #36 (Douglas/Saugatuck) and take a right at the end of the exit ramp (so you'll be heading north on Blue Star Highway). Go 1.5 miles from exit, then turn left (west) at Center Street (there's a stoplight and a Shell Gas Station on the corner). Go 1 mile on Center-we're on the right-hand side.

Directions from Kalamazoo: take 94 West to 131 North to 89 est. Approximately 5 miles after passing through downtown Fennville on 89, turn right (north) on Blue Star Highway (also called A-2). Go approx. 4 miles, then turn left (west

[edit][add listing] See

• Amazwi Contemporary Art, 249 Culver St, Saugatuck, 269-857-5551, [1]
. Fine Art Paintings, Sculpture & Unique Crafts from Africa.

• Art 'Round Town, PO Box 405, Saugatuck, 616-582-6001, [2]. 
An outdoor sculpture exhibit, a walking tour

• Blue Coast Artists, 6301 122nd Ave, Fennville 269-236-9260, [3]. Six unique working artists studios specializing in many media.

• Bruce Baughman Studio & Gallery, 242 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-1299, [4]. 
A contemporary fine art gallery

• James Brandess Studios & Gallery, 238 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-1937, [5]. 
Area landscapes, still-lifes, portraits 


• Button Gallery, 161 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, 269-857-2175, [6]. 
Offering fine paintings and sculpture in Douglas since 1966.

• Czarina's Treasure, 403 Water Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-7216. 
Upscale art glass, jewelry, bronzes, antiques, icons and gifts.

• Discovery Art Center, 347 Water St., Saugatuck, 269-857-8225. A nationally recognized co-operative of Saugatuck artists.

• Elizabeth Ellen Gallery, 21 Main St, Douglas, 269-857-1948, [7]. 
Heirloom quality oil paintings; rotating work of guest artists.

• Good Goods, 106 Mason St., Saugatuck, 269-857-1557, [8]. 
Fine art, furniture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and wearable art

• Janice Miles Gallery, janicemiles.htm 421 Water St., Saugatuck, 269-857-5202, [9]. Local and British landscape watercolors, jewelry, garden metal sculptures.

• Koorey Creations, 104 Hoffman St., Saugatuck, 269-857-8050, [10]. 
Hand crafted jewelry, extraordinary gems in gold and platinum. 
January 2008 open Fri-Mon 11-5 subject to change due to severe weather.

• Ox-Bow, 3435 Rupprecht Way at end of Park St., Saugatuck, 269-857-5811, [11]. 
Summer School of art and artists’ residency.

• The Peachbelt Studio & Gallery, corner of M-89 & 63rd St., Fennville, 269-561-5561, [12]. 
Oil painting by Dawn Stafford & sculpture by Jill Lareaux.

• Constance Petter Gallery, 161 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, 269-857-7861, [13]. 
National and regional fine art for thirty years. 


• Saugatuck Douglas Art Club, - Saugatuck Gallery, 317 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-1189, 
[14]. 
Largest selection of oil paintings in West Michigan, affordable prices.

• The Timmel Collection, 133 Main St., Saugatuck, 269-857-7274, [15]. 
A gallery of fine art featuring 100 artisans. 


• Tuscan Pot, 321 Water Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-5550, [16]. Original, Italian style pottery/tiles, Italian imports and more. 


• Water Street Gallery, 98 Center Street, Douglas, 269-857-8485, [17]. 
Contemporary Fine Art, Painting, Glass, Sculpture by national/regional artists.

[edit][add listing] Do

Stroll the art galleries, visit the eclectic shops and restaurants and walk along the Lake Michigan beach to watch the sunsets. Oval Beach – technically in Saugatuck, but accessible by driving through Douglas – was once featured by MTV as one of the "top five" beaches in the country.

Every June since 1999, Saugatuck has hosted the Waterfront Film Festival, a showcase of independent filmmaking, featuring a selection of movies ranging from (relatively) big-budget productions with well-known star or two to obscure shoestring-budget shorts, including many regional and a few worldwide debuts. [18]

• A Christmas Carol, Saugatuck, Tickets: 269-857-1701 
The 22nd season for this local "Humbug" of Dickens. 2 weeks in December.

• Big Lake Outfitters, 640 Water St. Saugatuck 269-857-4762, [19]. 
Charter fishing, pontoon rentals, fishing & marine supplies.

• Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck, Saugatuck Woman's Club 616-393-5555, [20].
Concerts Thursdays & Fridays in July & August.

• Clearbrook Golf Club, Pro Shop & Driving Range, 6494 Clearbrook Drive, Saugatuck, 
269-857-2000, [21]. Golf Digest Four Stars - with friendly rates & great food.

• Fenn Valley Vineyards Tasting Room, 310 Butler Street, Saugatuck, 800-432-6265, [22].
 Fenn Valley Tasting Room. Award winning wines of distinction.

• Fennville Goose Festival, Fennville, 269-686-6854, [23].

• Harbor Duck Adventures Co. Saugatuck and Douglas, 269-857-DUCK (3825), [24].
 Amphibious touring water taxi.

• Lakeshore Jazz Connection, 269-857-2287, [25].
 Sponsoring jazz performances throughout the year.

• Laketown Golf & Conference Center, 6069 Blue Star Highway, 269-857-5730, [26]. Premier location for receptions, meetings and conferences.

• Mason Street Warehouse, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, 269-857-4898, [27].
An uptown theatre in downtown Saugatuck; a professional theatre.

• The Red Barn, 3657 63rd Street, 269-857-5300, Saugatuck, [28]. Plays, Cabarets, Art & Exhibits, Ballet at the Historic Red Barn.

• Running Rivers Kayak Rental, Wade's Bayou Park, Center St., Douglas, 269-673-3698, [29]. 
No experience needed. All ages welcome! 8 hour river trips.

• Saugatuck-Douglas Museum, 735 Park St., Saugatuck, 269-857-7900, [30].
Annual exhibits open Memorial Day - Labor Day, daily. Fall weekends.

• Saugatuck Dune Rides, 6495 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, 1-269-857-2253, [31]
35 minute scenic tour thru the sand dunes of Lake Michigan.

• Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises, 716 Water St., Saugatuck, 1-269-857-4261, [32].
1 1/2 hour cruise on authentic Sternwheeler – snacks & spirits.

• Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-2399, [33].
Arts and Entertainment year-round.

• Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck, [34]. A day-use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 1,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of shore line.

• Waterfront Film Festival, 350 Culver Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-8351, [35].
Annual Independent film festival.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• American Spoon Foods, 308 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-3084, [36]. Gourmet artisanal foods celebrating the native flavors of Michigan!

• Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, 3656 63rd Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-5777, [37].
Award winning B&B and dinner. All inclusive dine and lodge!


• Blue Moon Bar and Grille, 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, 269-857-8686,

[38].?Award-winning fine dining restaurant with weekend features, special bar menu, drink features and specialty martini menu, all-star service and an eclectic contemporary interior design.

• Blue Star Cafe & M&M's Ice Cream, 141 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas
269-857-1030, [39]. Ma & Pa Greek meals-Veggies-Omelets-Burgers-Pitas-Ice Cream.

• The Butler, 40 Butler St. Saugatuck, 269-857-3501, [40].
Seafood, steaks & burgers. Waterfront dining. Open year round.

• Butler Pantry, 119 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-4875, [41]. 
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, [42].
Quaint English pub. English foods & more. Imported beers.

• Clearbrook Restaurant, 6494 Clearbrook Drive, Saugatuck, 269-857-2000, [43].
Choose top-rated refined dining or award winning casual food.

• Coral Gables Restaurant, 220 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-2162, [44].
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, [45].
Casual, hip dining featuring eclectic American-Bistro fare.

• Jo Jo's Americana Supper Club, 107 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, 269-857-1523, [46].
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, [47].
36 years of great "homemade" Italian food. Casual fun dining.

• Mermaid Bar & Grill, 340 Water St. Saugatuck, 269-857-8208, [48].
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, [49].
Hemingway's favorite Saugatuck hang-out. Damn fine food & drink.

• Pumpernickels, 202 Butler St, Saugatuck, 269-857-1196, [50].
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,[51] 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, [52].
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, [53]. 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, [54].
Casual elegance located in historic Leland Alley behind Kilwin’s


• Saugatuck-Douglas Green Market, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, 269-857-2399, [55]. (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, [56].
25 TVs, outdoor seating, live music, meeting room for up to 50 people.

• Tabor Hill Wine Port, 214 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-4859, [57].
Fine wines, great food, incredible view, tastings & tours (800) 283-3363

• Uncommon Grounds Coffeehouse, 127 Hoffman St, Saugatuck
269-857-3333, [58]. In-house roasted coffees, fresh baked goods, full juice bar.

• The White House, 149 Griffith St, Saugatuck
269-857-3240, [59]. Food. Fun. Home of classic rock.

• Wine Sellers Of Saugatuck, 247 Butler St., Saugatuck, 269-857-7815, [60].
Fine wine and beer, wine racks, gourmet foods, gifts and cigars

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast, 938 Center Street, Douglas, 800-838-1246, [61]. Voted Number One in the State by Lake Magazine for Personal Luxury and just half a block from the Lake Michigan beach.

• Beechwood Manor Inn & Cottage, 736 Pleasant Street, Saugatuck, 877-857-1587, [62]. An upscale bed and breakfast within walking distance to downtown Saugatuck.

• Saugatuck Bed and Breakfast, 938 Center Street, 1-800-838-1246, [63]. A charming victorian home in a lush wooded setting just half a block from the Lake Michigan beach. Great breakfasts!

• The Dunes Resort - 333 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, +1 269-857-1401, [64]. "The Midwest's Largest Gay & Lesbian Resort" with motel rooms and multi-room cottages, on 20 acres.

[edit] Get out

The lakeshore city of Holland lies a short distance to the north.

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