Saugatuck and Douglas are communities that celebrate diversity. They
are the embodiment of small town America - harbor villages where
visitors turn back the pages of time and enter a simpler life where
everyone is made to feel welcome. The intriguing history that shaped
the area still graces these picturesque villages with 19th Century
charm and historic architecture.
Throughout its history, artists have been drawn to the area's towering
dunes, pristine beaches and jewel-like setting on Lake Michigan's
eastern shore. Today that artistic heritage continues through strong
ties to the Art Institute of Chicago with its affiliated summer school
at Oxbow as well as through a broad spectrum of art galleries and art-
based activities and events. Blending these elements you can easily
create your own "masterpiece" vacation. Visit us for our spring
Waterfront Film Festival, our midsummer Chamber Music Festival,
professional summer stock theatre, fall Gallery Stroll, year 'round
jazz concerts or arts and crafts shows.
To find peace in this hectic world "resort" to Saugatuck/Douglas. Here
- where no one is in a hurry - we provide escape from the pressures of
daily life. While visiting either downtown area, you can walk - in a
safe and friendly environment - to almost everything. In fact, take a
self-guided walking tour of the many distinctive historic houses and
structures. End your tour at the corner drug store soda fountain where
hand-creamed sodas and malted shakes have been a specialty for 81
years.
In downtown Saugatuck take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.
Explore the dockside shops and discover the sophisticated charm of our
many galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Picnic by the gazebo in
Wicks Park overlooking the harbor. Ride a Victorian hand-cranked
ferry. Rent a canoe, charter a sailboat or tour our harbor on board an
old-fashioned sternwheeler, dinner cruiser or WWII amphibious "duck"
that runs shuttle service between downtown Saugatuck and Douglas.
Douglas is home to the SS Keewatin - a Titanic-era steamship, now a
museum. Its downtown shopping area has become a center for home
accessory, antique and interior design enthusiasts from throughout the
Midwest. They even serve "high tea" on Wednesdays and gather for
Thursday evening socials during peak season.
Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at one of our three 18-hole
championship golf courses while the kids take instruction at the
area's golf school. Don't leave without taking the family on a
thrilling dune buggy ride or spending at least one day on Saugatuck's
Oval Beach - ranked one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Conde
Nast and among the top five in the USA by MTV.
| 
