Saugatuck MI: 20+ Best Things to Do in the Summer

Saugatuck MI is a Great Vacation Destination

Saugatuck MI is an off-the-beaten-path lowkey, art-infused beach town filled with galleries, studios, and art classes, perfect for a Michigan summer vacation getaway.

Farm-to-table restaurants, outdoor recreation, miles of sandy Lake Michigan beaches, stunning sand dunes, and wineries round out the experience.

From strolling the cute shops to the beautiful beaches to grabbing a bite at one of their many restaurants, there’s plenty for the whole family to do and see.

We also love some of the special Saugatuck tourist attractions that will make you feel like you’re truly on vacation!

Where is Saugatuck MI?

Best Things to Do in Saugatuck MI

Plan your next summer adventure with this list of things to do in Saugatuck, Fennville, and surrounding cities:

Oval Beach is a short drive from downtown Saugatuck.

This beach is famous for its sugar-sand Lake Michigan shoreline and majestic dune backdrop.

An entrance fee allows you to park at Oval Beach all day long.

You can even leave, grab a bite to eat, and come back to watch the sunset.

No dogs or alcohol are allowed at Oval Beach.

Bonus: Call the Interurban Bus, 269-857-1418, from anywhere in Saugatuck/Douglas and they will drop you off and pick you up at the beach for $1 a ride, each way. You will not be required to pay the $10 beach parking fee.

You can take the hand-cranked Saugatuck Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River from downtown Saugatuck right to the entrance of Mt. Baldy or you can just stay on the ferry for the return trip.

This old ferry has been in use since 1838 and is the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the country.

Riding the ferry is a fun way to see the Kalamazoo River and it’s only $2 per person each way (cash only).

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Saugatuck area is home to towering Michigan sand dunes, just like many other Lake Michigan beach towns are.

If you love thrill rides and are looking for a unique way to experience the dunes, the ever-popular tourist attraction — Saugatuck Dune Rides — has a sandy roller coaster ride for you.

This 40-minute ride is part thrill ride/part historic ride and offers great dunes views along the way.

Each dune schooner holds 20 -25 people.

The vehicle has long seat belts that reach across from one side to the other. Just fasten your belt, say your prayers and hang on.

After you load up, your driver takes you on a ride that feels kinda like a junior roller coaster.

The driver also doubles as a comedian/ tour guide, sharing the history of the area and a lot of jokes.

You get time to stop, get out, and explore the dunes, too.

Saugatuck Dune Rides are just a little different than the dune rides at Silver Lake.

The Saugatuck MI rides are located on private land and are farther away from Lake Michigan.

Dune Ride Pro Tips:

• Buy tickets online before arriving.
• Bring sunglasses.
• Don’t wear a hat – it will likely fly away.
• Children under two years of age are not permitted. The ride is best suited for children 4+

The Star of Saugatuck is located downtown Saugatuck and has daily cruises in the summer that go on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.

This paddlewheel gives you a smooth sail as you navigate through the Saugatuck channel and to Lake Michigan. The river wound around to an amazing view of Lake Michigan.

You can see all sorts of wildlife and beautiful properties along the water while on the cruise.

I love the narration given by the boat captain such as learning about Old Singapore and other tidbits about Saugatuck’s history.

The boat offers concessions if you want a snack or drink during your cruise.

You might want to pack a jacket because the weather does cool off after the sun goes down.

Weave your way to the other side of the Kalamazoo River to Mt. Baldhead Park and you’ll be greeted with a magnificent staircase.

Climb the 282 steps and you’ll be on top of the Mt. Baldhead dune.

From there, enjoy a gorgeous view of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Lake Michigan. It’s a perfect way to burn off excess energy and get that heart pumping.

If you’re ambitious, you can hike the sandy path on the top of the dune all the way to Oval Park beach.

(It is possible to make it from downtown Saugatuck all the way to Oval Beach on foot.)

To make it happen, you’ll take the chain ferry, climb Mt. Baldhead, and then hike through the woods and sand to the beach.

Classic electric boat rentals are available to cruise the Kalamazoo River from Retro Boat Rentals.

The boat rental location houses The Old Boathouse, a restaurant & bar with a waterfront patio, making it a fun all-in-one destination.

Some of the boats are dog-friendly, just ask!

Right in the center of town (on Main & Butler), there’s a cute, shady park and playground that is easy to access.

We always stop by for some quick playtime.

Bonus: there are restrooms just across the street.

You’ll feel like you found a hidden treasure when you stop into the Drug Store Soda Fountain in downtown Saugatuck MI.

This retro-themed stop is great for a burger or ice cream soda and is literally in the back of the drug store.

Wicks Park is located on the Kalamazoo River, next to the Chain Ferry.

Shade trees, picnic tables, benches and yard games dot the lawn area, making this a great place to relax.

Also at Wicks Park:

• A gazebo in the center of the park. This is where the summer Music in the Park events are held every Wednesday from June to August.
• Public Restrooms

Shops Galore!

The little towns of Downtown Douglas and Downtown Saugatuck MI are just a mile apart.

Between the two, there is something for everyone in the shops, including the kids.

Take time to window shop, enjoy an ice cream cone, or grab a bite for lunch.

This Saugatuck MI mural was completed in September 2020 by Kalamazoo artist Erika Bradshaw.

The mural is on the northern side of the Mermaid Bar and Grill building and is ready for your selfies.

Smile! You’re in Saugatuck!

The delightful 800+ acre Saugatuck Dunes State Park is not only on Lake Michigan, it’s also home to 13 miles of hiking trails through the dunes. Some of the dunes are 200 feet tall.

Reach the beach by hiking for 10 minutes through the wooded dunes – on sometimes sandy trails – and emerge on a perch with expansive lake views.

Reach the beach by hiking for 10 minutes through the wooded dunes – on sometimes sandy trails – and emerge on a perch with expansive lake views.

The park is quite rustic – there are no boat launches here either, making this a harder-to-get-to beach.

That keeps the number of people down in the summer, especially on the north end.

You’ll find moderate-level hiking with some bigger hills.

Summer House Lavender Farm is a 1-acre boutique lavender farm, private event space and vacation rental.

In addition to lavender plants and products for sale, Summerhouse Lavender Farm hosts an annual Bloom Festival in July.

From June – September, they also offer Satya Yoga Classes.

Head to Evergreen Lane Creamery for a unique farm experience and artisan goat & cow’s milk cheeses.

Their cheeses are made on-site.

Periodically, they offer Hike with the Herd events. You stroll in the orchard with their goats and Carmen, the Cheesemaker, for about an hour. Reservations needed.

Browse their online store for cheese, order, and curbside pickup.

The Cheese Shop is open Wednesday – Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm.

Pier Cove Park near Saugatuck MI is a rock hunting destination.

While small, it is packed with “lightning stones” or Septarians.

The veins in these rocks sparkle in the sunlight, making them seem almost magical.

Parking at this beach is limited and hard to come by at times. Visit during off-peak hours for the best chance at finding a spot.

This throwback hotdog stand serves up yummy root beer, a variety of hot dogs, sandwiches and more.

The food stand was recently restored after a local campaign to save the Root Beer Barrel was successful.

At Express Yourself Art Barn you can create in the barn or in the garden!

Anyone, regardless of talent, can come and explore something new.

Choose from over 800 different projects they have on hand. Glass fusing and pottery painting are favorites.

There’s an $8 studio fee to spend the day creating. Projects begin at $3. The average customer spends $20-30.

If you’re in Saugatuck, you’re close to the lush agricultural area of Fennville, MI.

Take a ride to the vineyards and cideries and be treated to on-site tastings.

Each venue has a different menu and vibe – explore them all!

They had me at pie pantry!

This is a great lunch and pie stop any time of year.

They also have a winery, and in the fall, lots of fall farm fun activities for you to enjoy.

Phil’s Bar & Grille has been our “go-to” place for lunch whenever we head to Saugatuck. There’s something for everyone to order and a good kids’ menu, too.

Want to grab a quick pizza to go and head to the beach? Check out Back Alley Pizza Joint in Douglas for some of the yummiest pizza in town. Or, sit down in Saugatuck and dig into a pizza flight at The Mitten Brewing Company.

Pumpernickel (downtown Saugatuck) recently renovated everything and it’s FABULOUS.

The Grilled Cheese Shack serves up a variety of grilled cheeses from the classic grilled cheese to an assortment of gourmet options.

The BARge is great- on the water and kid-friendly.

The Southerner is a Saugatuck waterside restaurant that has fun games to play at the table while you wait. Food fare: southern-style. Great cocktails.

Bowdie’s Chophouse is a quaint, upscale steakhouse with quality food and exceptional drinks. With classy Sinatra vibes, it’s perfect for date night.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts is focusing all of their 2024 programming on one theme: play.

The entire family will discover how play and creativity intersect through art exhibits, entertainment, educational kids + family programming, and special events.

Good to know: Parking is limited. During the summer, the Interurban Bus runs from Saugatuck High School into downtown on schedule, and by request. Call (269) 857-1418 for details.

Where to Stay in Saugatuck MI

So who needs to travel hundreds of miles or more to take a great vacation?

You can quickly gather the kiddos and head to Saugatuck for the day and truly experience a great one-day vacation.

Hope you have a great time on your next trip to Saugatuck MI!

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