Saugatuck is more than just a cute Midwestern town. The place is known for its breathtaking beauty. Its welcoming ambience, combined with places to shop, eat, and explore make it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
From summer to winter, fall, and every season in between, there are a ton of things to do in Saugatuck. Make the most out of your weekend here with this list of the best things to do.
Best Things to Do in Saugatuck
1. Relax at the Oval Beach
Oval Beach is the star of all the beaches in Saugatuck. The crescent-shaped stretch of sand gives you stunning views of Lake Michigan and surrounding dunes.
During the colder months, the beach waves are gentler. It’s the perfect time to visit it and play in the waves. Just remember that there are no lifeguards on the beach. So, you must set out to swim here only after checking out the weather forecasts and current swimming conditions.
2. Shop in the Town
Saugatuck is known for its boutique shopping scenes. Exploring shops here is a joyful activity that will easily take up an entire weekend afternoon. The diverse variety of shops ensures that there’s something for everyone.
From jewellery, and clothing, to art and other goods, the diversity of shops will amaze you. Start with Butler Street and then wander west to Water Street to discover more shops. Some famous shops include Landsharks, which sells fashionable outdoor footwear and apparel, Urban Found for affordable and stylish women’s clothing, and the Saugatuck Drug Store for a range of souvenir gear.
3. Visit the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC)
Outdoor Discovery Center is a hidden gem in Saugatuck. The ODC Network provides nature-based education for all ages through partnerships with K-12 schools, community programs, and early childhood centres.
ODC’s more than three miles of dog-friendly trails through various habitats are like a treat to every nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. Trails are open for hiking, jogging, walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You can explore the diverse trails, surrounded by nature and woods.
4. Indulge Your Taste Buds at the Pennyroyal Café & Provisions
Pennyroyal is a must-visit fine dining destination in Saugatuck. Its menu, filled with seasonal and house favorites can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The chefs use local ingredients and historic recipes to enhance the ingredients to give you an unforgettable experience.
The café has a cozy atmosphere and hospitable staff. From sandwiches to salads, baked goodies, and more, you’ll find a range of options here. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy week.
5. Pick Apples at the Crane Orchards
Farmed since the 1880s, Crane Orchards is one of the finest orchards in the entire state of Michigan. The orchard has multiple varieties of seasonal peaches, apples, and sweet cherries for everyone.
The place creates a friendly environment for everyone where all feel accepted. Currently, the U-PICK APPLES season is on. So, why not spend one of your weekends picking apples in this beautiful orchard? There are also lakefront rental homes on the beautiful grounds of the orchard. Filled with natural light, they offer a cozy and comfortable stay.
Book Hotels Near Crane Orchards in Saugatuck
6. Enjoy a Boating Tour
Saugatuck’s is a great place to enjoy boating because of its waterfront location. Many companies offer boat tours and boat rentals. A great cruise is the Star of Saugatuck which glides you over the Kalamazoo River. It lets you see Saugatuck from a completely different angle than from the water.
You can take their daytime cruise or opt for a sunset cruise. Cruising in the Star of Saugatuck is a fun activity for all ages. If you’ve got a few friends, consider Inshore Adventures, Saugatuck’s newest tour operator. It offers exciting pike fishing charters on the Kalamazoo River as well as jet boat tours.
read more: Weekend Getaways in Michigan
7. Taste Wine and Cider
Wine tasting happens at Fennville, a short drive from Saugatuck. Fenn Valley Vineyards are one of the best ones and offer a wide wine selection. The knowledgeable ladies give you all that you need to know to have an enjoyable tasting experience.
For cider tasting, visit Virtue Cider. The 48-acre farm makes craft cider from local apple orchards sustainably. The place also offers great food in a large outdoor space. Virtue Cider also hosts self-guided farm tours which is another fun activity you can participate in.
8. Saugatuck Dune Rides
Saugatuck Dune Rides is West Michigan’s premier attraction. The 40-minute exciting ride feels like a roller-coaster over the dunes. However, the ride offers more than just an adrenaline rush.
You also learn about the town of Singapore, which is now lost to sand. You can also spot some wildlife and vegetation along the way. You simply cannot spend a weekend in Saugatuck without taking this ride. Tickets are sold in advance online and you have to sign a waiver before the ride.
9. Explore the Dorr E. Felt Mansion
The gorgeous and historic Felt Mansion spans over 12,000 feet and is a popular spot for weddings and seasonal events hosted by the Felt Estate. Exploring the mansion’s grounds is a great way to spend your entire weekend in Saugatuck. You’ll soon find yourself lost in the historic place, admiring its architectural beauty.
There are 25 rooms, three floors, and a stunning ballroom. The mansion was completed in 1928 as a home for Dorr Felt and Agnes, his wife. Touring the mansion will transport you back into the Gilded Age of Western Michigan.
10. Relax in Coghlin Park
Coghlin Park is the perfect retreat for anyone seeking tranquillity as well as some adventure. Located on the stunning shoreline, you can enjoy picturesque views of the water and the boats sailing by. The park’s spacious grounds are filled with greenery, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The huge spaces are also suitable for playing any outdoor games. The place offers hiking and running opportunities. Various events are held in the park throughout the year. They make the welcoming atmosphere of the place more joyous.
Book Hotels Near Coghlin Park in Saugatuck
11. Browse the Art and Crafts at the Amazwi Contemporary Art
Saugatuck is home to various artists and creatives. Consequently, there are numerous galleries downtown. One of the well-known ones is Amazwi Contemporary Art. It showcases art and craft collections from Africa.
The gallery’s mission is to bring the voices of African artists to the mainstream. From paintings to sculptures and baskets, there is a range of media made by local African artists. What’s more, there are private condos in the gallery so you can even stay over there for the weekend.
12. Picnic at the Wicks Park
Located in the heart of downtown Saugatuck, Wicks Park is a small half-acre park where locals and tourists can be seen having a picnic. The place is ideal for watching the chain ferry.
One of the best features of the park is a beautifully coloured mural showcasing ‘A Sunday on La Grande latte.’ Made by Georges Seurat, it’s a great place to snap some selfies amid a gorgeous backdrop.
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13. Roam on the Butler Street
Butler Street in Downtown Saugatuck is filled with shops, galleries, and boutiques. Wandering through the street will easily eat up your entire weekday. There’s so much to explore, eat, and see here.
Butler Street is the hub of the vibrant artistic community of Michigan. There are live concerts, film screenings, and a range of exhibits. If there’s one place that never sleeps in Saugatuck, it has to be Butler Street.
14. Visit the Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum
The Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum is a popular attraction in the region. Its exhibits and gardens are famous globally, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Saugatuck-Douglas Museum showcases the works of hundreds of native artists. It supports the Oral History Project whereby Saugatuck residents can share the knowledge with the community to keep the traditions alive. Tuesday Talks is a weekly summer series held every Tuesday in August and July. It discusses topics related to the Saugatuck’s art and history.
15. Watch a Program at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Saugatuck Center for Arts is a gorgeous place in downtown Saugatuck that hosts concerts, theatre, educational seminars, and films. The centre has been hosting programs for residents for the past two decades.
There are also various interesting markets, such as the Outdoor Holiday Market and the Winter’s Eve Market. They have art and craft exhibits throughout November, December, and January. There’s hands-on programming as well, where professional artists work with students of all ages.
Final Words
Saugatuck, overlooking the Kalamazoo River is a lovely historic town. A weekend here can never be boring given the wide range of activities and things to do. Pick something from this list and plan an exciting weekend stay in this charming town in West Michigan.
