1. Take a Wild Ride Through the Saugatuck Dunes
If there’s one attraction that screams “Saugatuck,” it’s the famous Saugatuck Dune Rides.
Climb aboard an open-air vehicle and get ready for a 40-minute adventure across towering sand dunes, wooded trails, and hidden overlooks. Part sightseeing tour, part thrill ride, the experience combines fascinating local history with plenty of bumps, climbs, and dips that will have everyone laughing.
Along the way, your guide will share stories about the area’s unique ecosystem and the lost lumber town of Singapore, Michigan, which now lies buried beneath the shifting sands. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife as you navigate parts of the dunes most visitors never get to see.
The steep climbs and roller-coaster-style descents are half the fun, but the panoramic views of Lake Michigan are what make this experience unforgettable.
Pro tip: Summer tours often sell out well in advance, so reserve your spot early.
2. Spend a Day Soaking Up the Sun at Oval Beach
Ask locals for the best beach in Saugatuck, and they’ll almost certainly point you toward Oval Beach.
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in Michigan, Oval Beach offers wide stretches of soft sand, crystal-clear water, and gorgeous Lake Michigan views. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the shoreline.
Families love the shallow water near shore, while photographers flock here for some of the area’s most spectacular sunsets. The surrounding dunes and winding pathways also provide plenty of opportunities to explore beyond your beach towel.
When hunger strikes, grab a snack, burrito, ice cream, or frozen drink from the concession stand before heading back to the sand.
Good to know: Bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas, as rentals aren’t available.
3. Ride America’s Last Hand-Cranked Chain Ferry and Climb Mount Baldhead
How many towns can say they have a ferry powered by human muscle?
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the last operating hand-cranked chain ferry in the United States, making it one of the most unique attractions in the Midwest. Watching the operator pull the ferry across the Kalamazoo River is a fun piece of living history, and the short ride offers great photo opportunities.
Once you reach the other side, keep the adventure going at Mount Baldhead Park.
The challenge? Climbing all 303 wooden steps to the top.
The reward? Sweeping views of the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck Harbor, the surrounding forests, and Lake Michigan beyond. Once you’ve caught your breath, explore the park’s sandy trails that wind through the dunes and eventually connect to Oval Beach.
It’s one of the best ways to experience Saugatuck’s natural beauty in a single outing.
4. Shop, Sip, and Stroll Along Butler Street
No weekend in Saugatuck is complete without spending some time downtown.
The heart of the action is Butler Street, a walkable stretch lined with art galleries, boutique shops, tasting rooms, cafés, and locally owned businesses. It’s the perfect place to slow down, browse, and discover what makes Saugatuck such a beloved artist community.
Browse quirky finds at It Is What It Is and The Owl House, shop stylish home décor at The Brass Anchor Co., or pick up gourmet treats and wine at The Butler Pantry.
Art lovers should stop by Dune Gallery or Jeff Blandford Gallery, while coffee fans can fuel up with a freshly roasted latte from Uncommon Coffee Roasters. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, create your own candy mix at Sweet Spot Saugatuck before heading to Fenn Valley’s tasting room for local wine and cider.
When it’s time for dinner, grab a table beneath the trees at Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar and enjoy an elevated meal in a relaxed setting.
5. Cruise the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan
Want to see Saugatuck from a different perspective?
Hop aboard the Star of Saugatuck, a paddlewheel-style boat that offers scenic cruises along the Kalamazoo River and into Lake Michigan. The 90-minute journey combines beautiful scenery, local history, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.
As you glide past marinas, waterfront homes, and forested shorelines, you’ll hear stories about the region’s past, including the legendary buried town of Singapore. Keep your camera ready for sightings of bald eagles, deer, foxes, and some of the area’s most picturesque waterfront views.
Onboard bars offer drinks and snacks, while indoor and outdoor seating let you switch up the scenery throughout the cruise.
For an extra memorable experience, book a sunset cruise and watch Lake Michigan light up in shades of gold, orange, and pink.
Pro tip: Summer cruises and themed sailings featuring wine and beer tastings often fill up quickly.
