City Guide: Seven Kid Friendly Ways to Explore Saugatuck and Douglas Michigan

This past summer, we enjoyed a wonderful weeks long road trip through many parts of Michigan. Our first stop was the idyllic small cities of Saugatuck and Douglas, both located directly on Lake Michigan and less than three hours from Chicago and Detroit. These seaside communities, known for being incredibly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, offer historical sites, thriving arts organizations, walkable streets and areas for shopping and dining, and plenty of water front activities. Our only mistake in visiting was not planning a longer stay- we’ll be back!

Planning a Visit: Start online with Sauagtuck.com You can also order print copies of the Travel Guide, which has tons of helpful information . Once in town, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center near downtown Douglas. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm and staffed with helpful locals who can provide directions, maps, brochures and calendars for seasonal events and activities. Check here to order print copies (and download digital copies) of the Water Guide and Map, Hiking Trails Map, Arts Guide and Map, and the Shop Guide and Map. 

Where to eat: There are dozens of great options for everything from a snack or quick service to fine dining and relaxing brunches. The Saugatuck Dining Guide and Map is a great resource (available for download and print copy).  We enjoyed delicious meals at Pennroyal Cafe and Provisions (perfect spot for breakfast and homemade pastries with indoor and outdoor seating, open all day), Farmhouse Deli and Cafe (massive spot with a full service restaurant and cafe with dozens of quick service and made to order take out; we recommend ordering ahead of time), and the Douglas Root Beer Barrel (hot dogs and root beer for everyone!). 

Where to Stay: We did not stay in the Douglas area, but this is a great index of options from small inns to motels and hotels to full rental homes. 

Seven Kid Friendly Ways to Explore Saugatuck and Douglas:

Take a ride across the Kalamazoo River on board the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. The only remaining hand cranked ferry in America, the boat was originally used to transport horses across the river in the 1850s. The 400 foot chain sinks deep in the water so other boats do not get caught when they pass. Once a nearby bridge was built, the ferry was no longer necessary, but was purchased and preserved by the community in 1965. Today, it’s a popular activity for visitors to the area- the two men crew can run up to 70 crossings on a busy summer weekend day.
Travel Tips: Open from Memorial day through Labor Day and runs every 10-15 minutes throughout the day; $3 per person per trip across the river; rides last under 10 minutes; restrooms located in a nearby building.

Hike the 303 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead and the Radar Station. There have been five sets of stairs built over time (294 steps in 1884, 367 steps in 1931, 271 steps in 1957, 287 steps in1976, and the most recent 303 steps in 2010).  Once at the observation deck at the top, take in amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River and consider walking the sandy path down to the beach.
Travel Tips: There is a small parking lot (and restrooms) at the base of the staircase, next to the camping area; make sure to wear sneakers; every other platform has small sitting benches (about every 30-40 steps); plan on 15-25 minutes to climb to the top and the Radar Station and back down, depending on your fitness level.

Learn about the preservation of the Mount Baldhead Radar Station inside the Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum. Housed inside the former Saugutuck Pump House at the base of the park, the museum includes a huge map and kiosk with information of Saugatuck and Douglas Lakeshore. Click a button to hear the Sputnik-1 Telemetry Signal, learn how a sand dune is created, and read stories of locals who lived in the area during the 19th century. There’s also a timeline of native nations and their forced giving up of their land to the United States government in 1821 with the Treaty of Chicago. Outside there are picnic tables and chairs to enjoy beautiful views of the Kalamazoo River. Consider walking down the road to pick up the Saugatuck Chain Ferry.
Travel Tips: The museum is open from 11am-3pm; located at the start of the Mount Baldhead staircase with small parking lot; small gift shop; restrooms available across the small parking lot; handicap accessible; strollers not necessary; plan on 20-30 minutes to explore the exhibits; small gift kiosk near staff desk.

Learn about the history of the area in the History Center. The museum is housed in a former schoolhouse that dates back to the Civil War. Outdoor exhibits include the display of the Francis Lifeboat, a 1850s surfboat used for lifesaving missions near the Saugatuck Lighthouse (There were over 30,000 Great Lakes ship disasters between 1850-1900); a walking path through the gardens (look out for peach trees!) that showcase art sculptures and the Saugatuck Totempole (created in 1957 to welcome people to town); an Ode to Camp Gray; and displays showcasing the Native American tribes who originally lived in the area, including the Obibwe, Odawa, and Bodewadmi tribes. Inside, there is the A Century of Progress exhibit celebrating the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the Saugatuck Douglas area, a rotating exhibit with art work, and a display of Back in Time lockers, with displays of popular school items in the 1800s, 1930s, 1950s, and 1990s. There’s also a scavenger hunt within the lockers for kids to complete.
Travel Tips: The museum is free to visit and is open from 11am-3pm on Fridays and Saturdays; street parking is available; restrooms are located on the main level; handicap accessible; plan on 45-60 minutes to explore indoor and outdoor exhibits. 

Take a hike or ride a bike along Lake Michigan. Saugatuck Dunes State Park has four designated hiking trails that range in length from one mile to a five mile loop. The park, which has almost three miles of lakeshore beachfront, has parking, picnic areas and vault toilets. Mount Baldhead Park has several smaller trails (all less than three miles) with nearby parking and restrooms located at the base of the steps. Bikers will enjoy the Blue Star Multi Use Path that runs through both towns- see a map here. The Michigan Recreation Pass is needed to enter, and park at, Michigan State Parks.

Catch some rays, and some (gentle) waves at a local beach, or on the water. Both the Douglas Beach and Oval Beach are open to the public and regarded as some of the best beaches in America (Oval Beach has won many recent accolades). Local beaches have concessions, restroom facilities, and plenty of parking. There is a daily parking fee Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Pier Cove Beach is a great option for families, with its shallower waters for the toddler crew. There are several businesses along Kalamazoo Lake that offer opportunities for visitors to kayak, canoe, and rent a variety of boats for the day, as well as guided tours on everything from a Tall Ship to paddle boats to a floating tiki hut. See a good index of options here. 

Have a glass of famous root beer in the Douglas Root Beer Barrel. The concession stand was originally built in 1952 by two friends who wanted to attract local beach goers at nearby Oval Beach. The business was a success until 1978 when it closed. The property was saved by the local Historical Society in the early 2010s and the 120 staves were restored to remake the iconic barrel. The business reopened in 2016 and sells a variety of hot dogs and root beer specialities.
Travel Tips: The Barrel is open from mid May through the end of October with extended, seven day a week hours during peak summer months, and on weekends in late spring and early fall; picnic tables available around the barrel; parking available on side streets and in two lots near the Barrel; no restrooms on site

Looking for other adventures in Michigan? Check our out index of features here and our full guides to Holland and Frankenmuth and The Grand Hotel.