Saugatuck: Dunes, Beach and Nature

When looking for a hotel in Saugatuck, it helps to first decide which aspects of the area you want to shape your stay. Local highlights range from Oval Beach and a dune landscape by the water to a forest trail, a hand-operated chain ferry, a viewpoint and a seasonal market. This gives your trip planning a concrete starting question: Are you more drawn to the waterside landscape, a path through the forest, the view from the lookout or the seasonal market offerings?

Between Dunes, River and Lake

Oval Beach lies between tall sand dunes on the Kalamazoo River. The river flows toward Lake Michigan. Together, the beach, river and lake shape the landscape. If you are planning your trip primarily around nature and waterside scenery, this connection is a clear starting point for choosing your activities.

North of Oval Beach lies the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, a 173-acre dune area on the shore of Lake Michigan. The two destinations have different landscape settings: Oval Beach lies between dunes and the Kalamazoo River; the nature area is situated among dunes along the lakeshore. This distinction helps you consider the beach and dune area as two separate themes in your trip planning.

Access and Trail Connections

You can reach Oval Beach on foot, by hiking or by bicycle. You can get to the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area from the Oval Beach parking lot. This gives you two different reference points for planning your day: choosing how to get to the beach, and using the parking lot as the access point to the nature area.

The John A. Woollam Nature Trail connects the Saugatuck Chain Ferry landing with Oval Beach and passes through the forest. If you would like to combine a forest trail with a visit to Oval Beach, this trail is a specific option.

A Unique Hand-Operated Ferry

The Saugatuck Chain Ferry “Diane” is the only surviving hand-operated chain ferry of its kind in the United States. Its hand-operated design sets it clearly apart from the scenic and viewpoint destinations. If you want to include a transportation-related feature among your activities as well as nature scenery, the ferry offers a distinct theme.

Steps Up to the View

At Mt. Baldhead Park, 303 wooden steps climb 250 feet to an observation platform. From there, the panoramic view stretches across the Kalamazoo River Valley and Lake Michigan. This viewpoint offers a different focus for your plans than the beach or forest trail: the climb and the view over the river valley and lake take center stage.

Seasonal Local Produce

The seasonal Saugatuck Farmers Market offers produce from West Michigan, artisan baked goods, honey, maple syrup, eggs, cheese and meat. This adds a specific interest in food and local products to the area's outdoor activities. If you would like to include the market in your trip, check the dates for your travel period, as the market is seasonal.

Discover more destinations: Allegan, Plainwell.

Go to the broader travel overview: Allegan County.