Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Saugatuck-Douglas, MI
Year Listed: 2009
Saugatuck's Oval Beach in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan
Credit: Felicia Fairchild
For more than 100 years, visitors have sought refuge from the stress of everyday life in the resort community of Saugatuck-Douglas. These neighboring harbor towns, nestled near the shore of Lake Michigan, are defined by steep, rolling dunes to the west and lush orchard country to the east. Today, the 19th century architecture forms the basis for the area's old world charm, but the lakeshore community's scenic beauty and singular collection of art galleries, shops and restaurants make it a perfect getaway for a day, a weekend or even a season.
"Art Coast of Michigan"
Saugatuck-Douglas has long had a reputation as the ultimate sanctuary for artists. The area is commonly referred to as the "Art Coast of Michigan" and is one of the top 25 art destinations in the United States. The mix of galleries in and around Saugatuck-Douglas comprises a vibrant kaleidoscope of the artistic experience. From classical to contemporary, fine art to crafts and textiles, the selection rivals metropolitan galleries. Today, the community's artistic heritage endures through the Oxbow Summer School of Painting's affiliation with the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which evolved from a preservation project to save an abandoned pie factory.
Something in the Water
Sailboat in Saugatuck's Harbor.
Credit: Felicia Fairchild
For those seeking rugged adventure or simple beach pleasures, activities abound on the two waterways surrounding Saugatuck-Douglas. Scenic parks dot the harbor-front, an old fashioned stern wheeler shuttles passengers along the river past the ghost town of Singapore and foot passengers can catch a ride on board the last Victorian hand cranked chain ferry in North America. History buffs can tour the SS Keewatin—the last luxury liner to sail the Great Lakes— or visit the area's award-winning Historical Museum where exhibits trace the roots of the area's earliest settlers.
The Saugatuck-Douglas area is celebrated throughout the Midwest for its exceptional lodging, diverse dining and one-of-a-kind shops. Several bed-and-breakfast inns are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An array of dining establishments line the streets, from upscale to casual, including a corner store soda fountain where hand-creamed sodas and malted shakes have been a specialty for 84 years. The retail community celebrates quality, variety and personality, from trendy clothing and accessories to house wares, local wines and gifts.
Interested in visiting Saugatuck-Douglas? Check out their Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by KC+HB at: July 13, 2009
Our first trip was winter of 1988, from Ft. Lauderdale We fell in love with the place, quit our jobs, leased a space and opened Monroe's Cafe-grill. What a great Idea. we are now in our 21 summer and still love it. (even in the winter) If you talk to the shop owners most have similar stories!!!
Submitted by REDivaAngel at: June 5, 2009
Saugatuck-Douglas is the jewel of the West Michigan Lakeshore. Art and Culture are everywhere but there's also great opportunities for plain old FUN!
Submitted by AJH - michigan at: February 10, 2009
We have a vacation home in Saugatuck. Life there couldn't be better. Casual, friendly atmosphere with lots to do. We go most weekends - year round. Winter is, of course, much different than summer (fewer people). But year round, there is always something going on in Saugatuck.
Submitted by MB at: January 15, 2009
Also known as Fire Island of the Midwest.
Submitted by Illinois visitor at: January 14, 2009
I've been visiting the area for about 10 years now and love it. Everyday People Cafe in Douglas is a favorite spot to eat. The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society Museum (a short walk from the Chain ferry) is a gem. And the Ox-Bow School has occasional "Open Studio" nights, with demonstrations and student art auctions, that are a blast!
Submitted by DHW-Ohio at: January 13, 2009
Toulouse is the "up-scale" restaurant and the best spot for a romantic dinner. I took a blind date there in April, 1999. It must have worked. We stopped in again for old times sake on the last evening of our 2005 honeymoon.