33 Best & Fun Things To Do In Saugatuck, MI
Are you from Saugatuck, Michigan, or are you just visiting and looking for fun things to do? Don’t look any further! You’re in the right place. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Saugatuck by showing you the best and most fun things to do.
Saugatuck is in Allegan County and is known for its artistic vibe, lively center, and beautiful natural scenery. Along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is a special place to experience both culture and nature.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Saugatuck, from the beautiful Oval Beach with its fine sands and stunning sunsets to the cute shops and art galleries in downtown. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry and Saugatuck Dunes State Park offer great outdoor activities that make a trip fun for people of all ages.
33 Best And Fun Things To Do In Saugatuck, Michigan, (2024)
1. Saugatuck Center For The Arts
Start your trip around Saugatuck by going to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. This is an art center that focuses on entertainment, education, and events, so there are fun and educational things for everyone to do in Saugatuck, MI.
Since its opening in 2001, the art center has hosted equity theater productions, world-class concerts, film screenings, art shows, educational events, and community outreach efforts.
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts has an intense program with professional working artists, camp classes for kids, programming for adults, digital programs, and professional development inspired by their exhibition artists that gives young artists the chance to improve their skills.
People who come to this art center can enjoy magical moments like a professional theater production, concerts or movie showings, art shows with two- and three-dimensional works, and workshops and classes.
Address: 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
2. Mount Baldhead Park
For outdoor lovers, one of the fun things to do in Saugatuck, MI is to go to Mount Baldhead Park, which has beautiful scenery, trails, a bit of history, and open-air recreation.
This park covers 100 acres and has a lookout with a viewing deck, hiking trails, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a historical link to the nearby Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum. The hiking trails include a 1-mile loop trail with 302 wooden steps going to the top.
You can hike the trails to see beautiful views and climb the stairs to the viewing deck to see amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River Valley.
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum is right across the street from this dog-friendly park, and it’s a great place to learn about the past of the area.
Address: Mt Baldhead Park Trail, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
3. Saugatuck Chain Ferry
A leisurely boat ride on the Kalamazoo River is an activity that families and pet owners can enjoy in Saugatuck, MI.
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry has been around since 1838 and is a famous tourist attraction. It is a hand-cranked chain ferry that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and takes people and bikes across the Kalamazoo River.
You can get to Mount Baldhead Park and Oval Beach in a fun and cheap way with this boat. Take a short but interesting ride on a piece of history across the Kalamazoo River. Enjoy the beautiful views and learn how the hand-cranked boat works.
Address: 528 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
4. Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum
Art fans can find many fun things to do in Saugatuck, MI. A trip to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum is sure to be both exciting and educational.
The museum has both permanent and temporary displays that show off the area’s rich past. It also has a research library, historical artifacts, photographs, and documents.
People who are interested in history can learn more about things like Native American settlements, the logging business, maritime history, the growth of art colonies, and how Saugatuck became a popular resort town.
Address: 735 Park Street Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
5. Saugatuck Dune Rides
The Saugatuck Dune Rides offer an exciting, family-friendly ride that lasts for 40 minutes and is full of fun, excitement, and entertainment.
The dune ride takes people on guided off-road tours in open-air cars that go through the tall dunes that border Lake Michigan. Enjoy beautiful views, learn about the area’s history, and go on an exciting adventure on these rides.
People who go can look forward to the thrill of a dune ride, the beauty of the dunes and Lake Michigan, and learning interesting things about the history and nature of the area from the guides. They will also be able to stop for pictures or a short climb on the dunes.
Address: 6495 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
6. Amazwi Contemporary Art
The Amazwi Contemporary Art gallery is a treasure trove of modern African art. It is a lively hub that shows the African art gallery and has fun things to do for art fans and enthusiasts.
Paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts from well-known and up-and-coming African artists are on display at this site.
Amazwi Contemporary Art is a place where people can look for one-of-a-kind gifts, personalize their home decor, or just enjoy the talent and creativity on show.Through the art, you can also find new and skilled artists and learn about different African cultures and art traditions.
Address: 249 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
7. Retro Boat Rentals & The Old Boathouse
It’s possible to take a leisurely cruise down the Kalamazoo River. Retro Boat Rentals & The Old Boathouse is a waterfront business that offers a unique mix of boat rentals and casual dining with a patio that looks out over the river.
Families and friends can enjoy the best things to do in Saugatuck at this attraction, which has a waterfront bar, a restaurant with a large patio and views of the Kalamazoo River, and a menu with a variety of tasty food choices.
Electric-powered boats let you cruise the Kalamazoo River and explore the Kalamazoo Lake. After a fun day on the water, you can relax with a meal or a drink in a casual setting, or you can take in the beautiful views of the Kalamazoo River and its surroundings.
Address: 730 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
8. Wicks Park Bar & Grille
At Wicks Park Bar & Grille, you can enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends before or after a day of fun things to do in Saugatuck, MI.
This casual dining option is right in the middle of Saugatuck. It has a nice, relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views. The menu includes fresh lake perch, homemade burgers, fish tacos, pasta dishes, New Orleans-style gumbo, appetizers, beers on tap, wines, and delicious desserts.
Enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, or a relaxing evening with friends. While you eat and listen to the live music that the restaurant occasionally offers, take in the park’s views.
Address: 449 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
9. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
In Saugatuck, Michigan, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park has been around since 1977 and has a lot of fun things for people of all kinds to do.
This park covers 1,000 acres and is famous for its 13 miles of hiking trails, two and a half miles of sandy Lake Michigan shores, and dunes that rise up to 200 feet high.
The park’s 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area also has three kinds of plants that are in danger of going extinct.
As a visitor to this beautiful park, you can enjoy many fun things, such as hiking, swimming, sunbathing, sandboarding, watching wildlife, cross-country skiing, camping, or having a picnic in one of the many areas that are great for a quiet lunch or dinner outside.
Address: 6575 138th Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, United States.
10. Star Of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
Join the Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises for a fun and relaxing ride through the beautiful waterways around Saugatuck. This is one of the best and most unique things to do in Saugatuck, MI.
There are different kinds of themed cruises at this site, such as lunch cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, family fun cruises with entertainment, and specialty cruises with themes like holiday lights or fall foliage.
The trips also give you great views of the coastline of Saugatuck, the Kalamazoo River, and Lake Michigan. It depends on the trip that you choose, some may offer entertainment, food, or stories about the area.
Address: 716 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
11. Fenn Valley Vineyards
After a long day of fun, the Fenn Valley Vineyards are a great place to relax with a glass of wine and take in the beautiful scenery.
The Fenn Valley Vineyard is only a 16-minute drive from Saugatuck to Fennville. It is famous for making world-class wines and ciders from fruit grown near Lake Michigan.
This farm makes a lot of different kinds of wines, like reds, whites, rosés, fruit wines, sparkling wines, and more. They also make different kinds of hard ciders.
Thanks to its location in downtown Saugatuck, the tasting room makes it easy for customers to try their wines without having to go far.
Seasonal tours of the vineyard and winery in Fennville are also available for visitors to learn about how wine is made. Throughout the year, there are also live music nights, art shows, and harvest parties.
Address: 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408, United States.
12. Douglas Root Beer Barrel
The Douglas Root Beer Barrel is a unique concession stand that is now a lively place to go for craft beer and tasty food in a friendly atmosphere.
The giant root beer barrel building is one of the best things for beer lovers to do in Saugatuck, MI. It has hot dogs, root beer on tap, and a laid-back vibe that’s great for taking pictures.
People who like beer can get a traditional hot dog and a cold mug of root beer. They can also try new and creative beers and enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere while they eat and drink. They can also take a picture with this famous location.
Address: 501 W Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
13. Mason Street Warehouse
Within the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a home for theater fans, with exciting seasons of productions, a wide range of shows, and other fun things for everyone to do in Saugatuck, MI.
The Mason Street Warehouse has about 181 seats and hosts a wide range of shows, including Broadway musicals, classic plays, comedies, and dramas. It also hosts educational programs and classes all year long.
People can enjoy professional theater shows put on by skilled actors, look around the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, take part in workshops or educational programs that happen all year long, and watch an interesting professional theater production.
Address: 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
14. The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry
Anyone who wants to eat needs a place to do so. The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, which is only 4 minutes from Saugatuck, is famous for its fresh, high-quality foods, dedication to using local products, and delicious meals for the community.
This restaurant opened in 2013 and serves a variety of foods, including gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, organic coffee, and drinks.
A deli case with meats, cheeses, and ready-to-go foods is available for customers. They can grab a tasty sandwich, salad, or other ready-to-go food for a picnic or a casual meal. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to meet the wants of a wide range of people.
Address: 100 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
15. Kalamazoo River
Looking for an exciting water adventure in Saugatuck? The Kalamazoo River is a big body of water where you can have fun in the water and find other things to do in Saugatuck, MI.
Attraction with 130 miles of surface area gives many fun and interesting things to do, such as boat tours, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding, swimming, bird watching, or canoeing.
Take a boat tour to see the beautiful views of the Kalamazoo River, fish, paddle down the calm waters, or swim in designated places. A lot of different animals live in the river, like otters, beavers, and herons.
Address: Saugatuck, MI, United States.
16. Uncommon Coffee Roasters
Today, one fun thing for adults to do in Saugatuck, MI is to get a cup of coffee at Uncommon Coffee Roasters, which is known for its friendly environment and small-batch roasted coffee.
This coffee shop has been around since 1994 and has a friendly setting that is great for relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book. They serve a wide range of brewed coffees, espresso drinks, teas, and pastries.
They serve delicious freshly made coffee or espresso drinks, and you can look at their coffee beans and buy some to take home. Take it easy in the cozy space and enjoy being with friends.
Address: 127 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
17. Bayside Inn
The Bayside Inn is a charming and historic beachfront hotel with beautiful views of the Kalamazoo River. It is located in Saugatuck Harbor.
This inn has a variety of stylish rooms and suites with fireplaces, private decks with views of the Kalamazoo River, a waterfront jacuzzi, modern rooms and suites with private baths, air conditioning, cable TV, phones, and wireless high-speed internet access.
Downtown Saugatuck’s shops and restaurants are all within walking distance of the Bayside Inn. Guests can relax in one of the suites’ modern features and enjoy stunning views of the Kalamazoo River from their balcony or waterfront patio.
Address: 618 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
18. Ravines Golf Club
You can have fun this weekend in Saugatuck, MI by making a tee time at the Ravenes Golf Club.
With its 7,070 yards, this golf paradise is a good test for golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole golf course is on a 72-park course with beautiful, peaceful scenery like rising hills, forests, and several water features.
The club also has a full-service pro shop, a large grill room with a patio that looks out over the 18th hole, a dining room that can be used for weddings or other events, and a driving range and practice facilities.
Address: 3520 Palmer Drive, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
19. Sweetwater Sailing
Sweetwater Sailing Charters can take you out on Lake Michigan for a relaxing and unforgettable sailing trip while you explore fun things to do in Saugatuck, MI.
This water adventure has been around since 1998 and offers beautiful sailing charters on the classic Pearson sloop Drifter. It also offers a range of tours, such as public cruises, private charters, and sunset sails.
View the beautiful Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan coastline, enjoy the peace and quiet of being on the water, or see a stunning sunset while enjoying light drinks or snacks, depending on the tour you choose.
20. The Butler Pantry
The Butler Pantry has been around since 1977 and is a shopping center with a lot of gourmet food, tools, and friendly service. It should be on your list of fun and interesting things to do in Saugatuck, MI.
This store sells high-quality cooking and kitchenware, such as bakeware, cutlery, gadgets, and kitchen tools. They also sell gourmet foods like cheeses and cured meats, as well as fine wines and craft beers.
They also sell basic pantry items, ingredients from around the world, unique items from around the area, and newly baked cookies. People can look through the aisles and find new and interesting foods, try some tasty cookies, or ask the helpful staff for advice and suggestions.
Address: 439 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
21. Saugatuck Brewing Company
If you like wine, one of the best things to do today near Saugatuck, MI, should be to check out Saugatuck Brewing Company. It’s a famous spot for well-made beer and tasty bar snacks in a friendly atmosphere.
The brewery has been around since 2005 and offers craft beers, a large range of pub food, live music, and event nights to suit your tastes. There is also a bar to make sure that the mixed beer flavors taste great.
If you go to the Saugatuck Brewing Company after work, you can enjoy a cold beer, a hearty meal, or live music.
Address: 2948 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
22. Virtue Cider
Another romantic thing to do near Saugatuck, MI is to check out Virtue Cider, a handcrafted cidery that has won awards and is only a short drive away.
This site opened in 2011 and lets people make their own cider. They also have a lot of different types of cider, from dry and crisp to medium-sweet and full-bodied.
The farm is open all year and is great for families because it has walking trails, heritage breed animals to see, and a farm-to-table lunch choice. People can go on tours of the production plant and learn about how the cider is made. They can also buy bottles of cider to take home or enjoy on the patio, which has beautiful views.
Address: 2170 62nd Street, Fennville, MI 49408, United States.
23. James Brandess Studios & Gallery, Inc.
If you are looking for things to do in Saugatuck, MI, and you like art, a visit to the James Brandess Studios & Gallery, Inc. is a one-of-a-kind chance to see art and meet the artist.
There are many colorful oil paintings at this art center that show the beauty of Saugatuck’s scenery, flowers, and people. It gives people a look into the art scene in Saugatuck and lets them take a piece of the town home with them.
People can watch the artist work and learn about how he comes up with his ideas. They can also look around the gallery, find the right piece of art to remember their trip to Saugatuck, and learn more about the artist and his works.
Address: 238 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
24. Old Pike Cottages
The Old Pike Cottages are a fully remodeled vacation rental property in downtown Saugatuck, MI. The private cottages are available for stays all year, making them great for families, work trips, social gatherings, and people who just want to enjoy Saugatuck’s beautiful scenery.
There is a private cottage with modern decor inside this cottage house. There is also a heated pool, a hot tub surrounded by a beautiful scenery with views of Kalamazoo Lake, grilling and picnic areas outside, WiFi, fireplaces, decks, patios, and some cottages may have gas grills.
Old Pike Cottages is a handy and nice place to stay while you visit Saugatuck, MI and do the best things there are to do. Take it easy in a stylish and comfy cottage while you swim in the heated pool or have a barbecue with family and friends in the outdoor grilling area.
Address: 645 Lake Street Box 220, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.
25. Summerhouse Lavender Farm
The Summerhouse Lavender Farm is a charming place to relax, learn, and find great gifts in Saugatuck, MI. It offers a wide range of unique and interesting things to do.
This lovely farm has a big lavender field with different kinds of lavender blooming at different times of the year. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy the scenery, as well as a place for weddings, dinner parties, and corporate retreats, and it also has an aromatherapy store.
When you visit this cute farm, you can look at the lavender-infused lotions, soaps, candles, essential oils, and other items. You can also learn how lavender is grown, picked, and turned into essential oil on free, self-guided tours or on talks that are led every half hour.
The peaceful atmosphere and lovely lavender fields on the farm make it a great spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. You can find a quiet spot to unwind and enjoy the view.
Address: 2975 65th Street, Fennville, MI 49408, United States.
26. The Dunes Resort
Taking it easy at the Dunes Resort is one of the fun things for adults to do near Saugatuck, MI. This famous resort is known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of entertainment options.
This place has been around since 1981 and has a variety of places to stay, such as motel rooms, cabins with one or two bedrooms, dune rooms, and deluxe rooms.
There is a disco/bar complex with a theater, a game room, and a high-energy dance floor at the resort. There is also a pool area and an outdoor patio bar with another dance floor for people who like to party under the stars.
In addition, the resort is close to the shops, bars, and beaches of both Saugatuck and Douglas. You can also go to Oval Beach, which is a famous place to swim, lay out in the sun, and watch other people.
Address: 333 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
27. Saugatuck-Douglas Library
The Saugatuck-Douglas Library is a full-service public library with many resources and events for people of all ages. It is one of the most educational things to do near Saugatuck, MI, for everyone.
Established in 1871, the Saugatuck-Douglas Library has a large collection of books and media, free Wi-Fi and public computers, a children’s room, meeting and study rooms, and a staff that is helpful and knowledgeable to meet your needs and interests.
Also, the library hosts events all year long, such as author talks, book parties, and educational workshops, that people from all over the world can enjoy.
Address: 174 Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
28. Nelis’ Dutch Village
Going to Nelis’ Dutch Village is a fun thing to do with the whole family near Saugatuck, MI. It’s a theme park that celebrates Dutch culture and gives you a taste of life in the Netherlands.
There are windmills, wooden shoe factories, beautiful gardens, unique Dutch gifts and souvenirs, Dutch treats, and lots of other fun things to do in this site.
You can have fun at Nelis’ Dutch Village with fair rides, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. You can also learn about Dutch culture by watching people do traditional crafts like klompen dancing and making cheese.
You can also eat tasty Dutch treats like stroopwafels, fresh-made fudge, Dutch cheese, ice cream, and other Dutch foods. You can also buy gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip.
Address: 12350 James Street, Holland, MI 49424, United States.
29. Red Dock Cafe
In the summer, one of the coolest things to do near Saugatuck, MI, is to go to the Red Dock Cafe, which is only 5 minutes from Saugatuck and has a lively scene, tasty American pub food, and beautiful views of Kalamazoo Lake.
You can walk or take a boat to get to the Red Dock Cafe, which is at the end of a dock on Kalamazoo Lake. The decorations, music, and mood are all laid-back and casual, with a touch of the Caribbean.
For basic American food like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, this cafe has something on the menu for everyone. They are also famous for their rum punches, which are great to enjoy on the patio by the water.
You can eat outside on picnic tables right on the dock while taking in the view of the lake and the lively scene.
Address: 219 N Union Street, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
30. Holland State Park – Macatawa Campground
People who want to enjoy the beauty and peace of western Michigan can go to Holland State Park.The park and campsite are in Holland, which is only 17 minutes by car from Saugatuck. They offer a variety of family-friendly activities close to Saugatuck, MI.
This leisure park covers 142 acres and has 211 campsites, bathrooms, showers, and a playground. For a more developed camping experience, there are 11 paved sites, hiking paths, picnic areas, dune areas, and a beautiful view of the harbor in Holland.
People who come to this park and campground can bring their pets with them. There are lots of fun things to do in this park, like hiking on one of the many walks, visiting the nearby city of Holland, swimming, boating, or doing other water activities.
Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424, United States.
31. Douglas Beach Park
Douglas Beach Park is a peaceful and beautiful small beach area near Saugatuck, MI that you can visit for free. It has a quiet strip of sandy beach where you can rest by the water.
The park has bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills spread out around the area. There is a lovely view of Lake Michigan, and the trees make the area feel private and calm. Plus, you can’t bring booze or dogs to the beach.
People can unwind on the beach, eat a picnic or dinner at one of the picnic tables, take a walk along the shore, and enjoy the stunning views of the lake.
Address: 3099 Lakeshore Drive, Douglas, MI 49406, United States.
32. Crane Orchards U-Pick And Corn Maze
Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze is a fun and unique fall activity near Saugatuck, MI that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s beauty while eating tasty fruits with loved ones.
The garden has been around since 1880 and has more than 20 kinds of apples, 10 kinds of peaches and sweet cherries, pumpkins, hayrides, a cow train, and a corn maze farm.
People who go to the Crane Orchards gardens can pick their own apples, peaches, pumpkins, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. They can also take a calm hayride or a fun cow train ride, get lost in the corn maze, or find fresh, local food in the farm market.
Also, Crane Orchards is filled with holiday decorations that make it feel like a wonderful fall day. On the weekends, there are special events like live music, face painting, and apple cider donuts.
Address: 6054 124th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408, United States.
34. Makin Waves Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Feel the rush of energy with Making Waves Boat & Jet Ski Rentals. They offer a wide range of exciting and fun activities in Saugatuck and on beautiful Lake Michigan.
This attraction is right in the middle of Saugatuck and has a number of clean, comfortable, and high-end pontoon boats, Yamaha WaveRunners, and jet skis that you can rent. The rental prices include fuel.
You can ride a jet ski for an exciting adventure, spend a day on the lake with family and friends on one of the nice boats, go for a swim or just lay out on a sandbar and enjoy the sun, or take a boat to one of the nearby towns, like Douglas or South Haven, for a scenic adventure.
Address: 220 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, United States.