a guide to Saugatuck & Douglas, Michigan

June 11, 2024

about

The Midwest is the most overlooked region of the United States. Many Americans will only ever visit Chicago and look past the treasures that Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio offer. It would be difficult to blame anyone for skipping over these states. It’s hard to find good recommendations online for this region. There are almost no main hotel brands that have created noteworthy resorts to come across, instead, you’d have to be in the know for a bed & breakfast or vacation rental. Even locals may come up empty-handed when trying to recommend a place to vacation here.

Being born and raised in the region, I’m embarrassed not to have heard of Saugatuck until stumbling on a Conde Nast article. Chances are, you haven’t heard of this gem located on the coast of Lake Michigan in the southern part of the state.

Saugatuck is known for being a haven for people from all walks of life. Both towns are very LGBT+ proud. Whether you’re a war veteran or a BIPOC, this town will welcome you with open arms.

Saugatuck Sailing Crew

$36.00

Saugatuck Sailing Tote

$16.00

getting there

From Chicago by car:

For Chicagoans, you’ll be pleased to hear Douglas & Saugatuck are only 2.5 hours by car. If you want to shorten the ride, you can take the Chicago Skyway.

By plane:

The closest major airports to Saugatuck & Douglas:
GRR (Grand Rapids) 45 minutes
MDW (Midway Chicago) 2.5 hours
ORD (O’hare Chicago) 3 hours
DTW (Detroit) 3 hours

By car from other major cities:

2.5 hours from Chicago
3 hours from Fort Wayne
3 hours from Detroit
3.5 hours from Milwaukee
3.75 hours from Indianapolis
5 hours from Cleveland
5.25 hours from Columbus
6 hours from St. Louis

where to stay

The Belvedere Inn

We spent two nights here and adored it. The website and listing do an injustice to this property. The Inn and its property are stunning. The interiors are well-curated and the building is so much more grand than I had imagined. The stand out is the large collection of art that lines every space of wall throughout the inn.

Our stay came with breakfast; on the first day they served a creme brulee french toast with sausage, the second day was a vegetable egg frittata with bacon. Both mornings there was also an array of baked goods to choose from.

Take a slow afternoon strolling through the gardens and admiring the backyard pond. At night, you can take a cocktail service in the library or sunroom followed by a meal at the well-reviewed restaurant.

Lake Shore Resort

While the property itself isn’t grand like the Belvedere, the Lake Shore Resort makes up with its prime location on Lake Michigan. The hotel has a private sundeck off the shore and makes for a great yoga deck or sunbathing spot. Your stay also includes kayak and boat rentals.

The Fields of Michigan

If you’re looking for a nature retreat without the heavy lifting of setting up your equipment, you can opt for a glamping experience at The Fields. You’ll find this camp resort in the middle of 40+ acres of blueberry fields. The property has a charming green lodge that you can dine at throughout your stay, as well as a spa, speakeasy, camp store, and bicycles. During blueberry season, guests are welcome to pick and take home as many blueberries as they can pick. Of course, every night finishes with a campfire and a round of smores. Soon, you’ll also be able to book cottages on the property, and they are building a pool.

things to do

Baldhead Mountain

If you’re keen on a little hike, Baldhead Mountain is the perfect spot for sunset.

Douglas Beach

Grab snacks from Isabel’s Market for a picnic on Douglas Beach. Entry is free but parking is limited.

Oval Beach

This is a paid beach in Saugatuck. Entry costs $15 for the day or $75 for the season.

Antique Shopping

There are many antique shops in the area: Saugatuck Antique Pavilion, Upscale Mercantile, & Kindel & Company.

Art Galleries

Saugatuck and Douglas have a thriving art scene. You’ll find many local galleries walking through the downtown areas.

Saugatuck Chain Ferry

The icon of Saugatuck, you at least need to watch the ferry cross the channel. To ride it costs $3.

Retro Boat Rentals

This boat outfitter rents out the cutest vintage boats. Think a pastel pink 4-seater. No license necessary.

Lyon’s Farm Market

This corner farmer’s market carries a wide range of local products but is a must-do in the spring during mushroom and ramp season.

Pie Tasting

Crane’s Pie Pantry & Winery doesn’t just have wine flights. You can order a pie flight for $15 with 4 different flavors to try.

Vineyards & Wineries

There is no shortage of wineries in Saugatuck and Fennville. Modales is the best spot in town for a tasting.

Virtue Cider

Exploring Virtue Cider’s 48-acre property is an activity in itself. They have walking trails, livestock, lawn games, and a barn-style tasting room.

where to eat

Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions

Chef Missy Corey and Farmer Ryan Beck both deserve a kiss on the cheek for their work on Pennyroyal. This restaurant is a must-eat when in Saugatuck. Pennyroyal is heavily focused on local produce, drinks, and animals; which when you’re in a state as rich with produce as Michigan is, it should be your focus too. If there are ramps on the menu, order it. If you love it as much as we did, you’ll want to stop by for brunch the next day for smoked fish and eggs.

The Fields of Michigan

Still a hidden gem, The Fields provides a unique dining experience with a focus on local products. Chef Mindy Trafman serves a 4-course menu on a long family-style dining table amongst the property's 40+ acres of blueberry bushes. You’ll be greeted at the entrance with a short 4x4 ride through the blueberry fields. Dinner guests are invited to take home as many blueberries as they can pick. After dinner, you’re free to tour the property and finish the night with s’mores at the fire pit.

The BARge

No fuss food in a fun setting on the water. Order walleye or perch.

The Grilled Cheese Shack / Basecamp Coffee & Waffles

Located on a corner in downtown Saugatuck, these little shacks share a cute outdoor seating area with a cornhole setup.

Outdoor Coffee Co (Woosah Outfitters)

This Douglas town favorite is the best spot to grab a coffee. The back seating area has swings as seats and hammocks to relax in.

The Belvedere Inn

For a special occasion, you can dine in a charming historical dining room.

Isabel’s Market & Eatery

If you’re coming in from Chicago, one of your first stops should be Isabel’s. A small market stocked with local products, it’s the perfect place to pick up some snacks for your trip.

Douglas Root Beer Barrel

Located across the street from Woosah, you should visit the giant root beer barrel for hot dogs and root beer..

Crane’s Pie Pantry & Winery

Pie flights and wine flights. What could be better?

‘Round the Corner Ice Cream

The best spot for afternoon sweet tooth cravings.

where to drink

Modales Winery

The hottest winery in town (it’s actually in Fennville but close enough). Located next door to Virtue Ciders, the 25-acre estate is putting Michigan wines on the map.