Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a day-use park on Lake Michigan, characterized by wooded sand dunes. Recreation activities include hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, picnic areas, beach access, bird watching, and cross country skiing in winters. However, being a day park, it does not offer camping facilities. With beautiful views of Lake Michigan, a pristine beach, and towering sand dunes, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a fun way to spend your day with friends or family in the town.
When in Saugatuck, the Saugatuck Chain Ferry is a must-visit. The only hand-propelled ferry of its kind in the United States, it traces its roots way back to 1857. The ferry used presently, built in 1930, gets you across the Kalamazoo River with the help of a hand-driven crank. The ferry ride provides breathtaking views of the harbor and is a fun experience for tourists visiting attractions on the other side of the river, like Mount Baldhead, Oval Beach, and the beautiful dune trails.
Saugatuck Douglas History Center aims to preserve the history and culture of the twin cities of Douglas and Saugatuck. In Douglas, the town's old school building from 1866 has been beautifully restored to house a small museum and history center that take you through the town's glorious past. The school building itself, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a prime example of 19th-century school architecture and serves as the town's defining landmark. Visit the center to explore its interactive exhibits that involve all your senses to narrate the town's history. A huge map and thematic displays enhance the fascinating experience of the museum. Moreover, an art gallery at the center displays a stunning local art collection.
The charming Kalamazoo Replica Lighthouse in Douglas overlooks the Kalamazoo Lake and the town of Saugatuck in the distance. A lighthouse was erected at this site in 1859, which replaced its older predecessor. After serving as a guiding beacon over the lake for many years, the lighthouse was ravaged by a massive tornado that swept through Michigan in 1956. Whatever was left of the lighthouse was salvaged to build its spectacular replica in 1962. While the old lighthouse donned a buff color, the replica looks bright in a red and white pattern. It now stands as an important landmark of the town. Although privately owned, visitors can stop by to take in its charm against the backdrop of the lake and click beautiful photos.
The Lake Shore Chapel is located between Lakeshore Drive and Campbell Road in Douglas District, Michigan. The chapel was built in 1904 and is of great historic significance in Douglas and Saugatuck. It organizes Sunday School for children, prayer and worship, as well as an array of other services. Marriages, memorial services and such related events can be hosted here. The beautiful preservation of the chapel has led to its mention on the National Register of Historic Places. Open seasonally between July and August, the simple building is an important religious landmark of the town.
The Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light is one of the twin lighthouses that stand on the south pier of Grand Haven. Built in 1839, the cylindrical lighthouse is located at the point where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan. The two lighthouses are connected by an illuminated catwalk that looks mesmerizing when the sun goes down. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk at the pier and soak in the surreal views of the light against the backdrop of the sparkling waters and endless skies. Its beautiful location also makes it one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a day-use park on Lake Michigan, characterized by wooded sand dunes. Recreation activities include hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, picnic areas, beach access, bird watching, and cross country skiing in winters. However, being a day park, it does not offer camping facilities. With beautiful views of Lake Michigan, a pristine beach, and towering sand dunes, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a fun way to spend your day with friends or family in the town.
Although it is located at the site once occupied by a cemetery, there is nothing gloomy about the two-and-a-half-acre (1.012 hectare) Central Park in Downtown Grand Haven. This green space makes the ideal setting for a fun day outdoors, and is the chosen park for many a family picnic. Events like the annual Easter egg hunt and ArtWalk are hugely popular, attracting locals and tourists alike. This serene spot is also popular as a wedding venue.
When in Saugatuck, the Saugatuck Chain Ferry is a must-visit. The only hand-propelled ferry of its kind in the United States, it traces its roots way back to 1857. The ferry used presently, built in 1930, gets you across the Kalamazoo River with the help of a hand-driven crank. The ferry ride provides breathtaking views of the harbor and is a fun experience for tourists visiting attractions on the other side of the river, like Mount Baldhead, Oval Beach, and the beautiful dune trails.
Saugatuck Douglas History Center aims to preserve the history and culture of the twin cities of Douglas and Saugatuck. In Douglas, the town's old school building from 1866 has been beautifully restored to house a small museum and history center that take you through the town's glorious past. The school building itself, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a prime example of 19th-century school architecture and serves as the town's defining landmark. Visit the center to explore its interactive exhibits that involve all your senses to narrate the town's history. A huge map and thematic displays enhance the fascinating experience of the museum. Moreover, an art gallery at the center displays a stunning local art collection.
The Dorr E. Felt Mansion is a beautiful house located within the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Built in 1927, the mansion and the site of the park once formed part of inventor Dorr. E. Felt's estate. Now a National Historic Place, the carefully restored mansion is a splendid landmark around Holland and Saugatuck The multi-storied palatial home features a gabled roof, decorative limestone window sills, a beautiful hall, and a ballroom. Its magnificent interiors can also be rented for private events like weddings, dinners, and parties.
The charming Kalamazoo Replica Lighthouse in Douglas overlooks the Kalamazoo Lake and the town of Saugatuck in the distance. A lighthouse was erected at this site in 1859, which replaced its older predecessor. After serving as a guiding beacon over the lake for many years, the lighthouse was ravaged by a massive tornado that swept through Michigan in 1956. Whatever was left of the lighthouse was salvaged to build its spectacular replica in 1962. While the old lighthouse donned a buff color, the replica looks bright in a red and white pattern. It now stands as an important landmark of the town. Although privately owned, visitors can stop by to take in its charm against the backdrop of the lake and click beautiful photos.