Saugatuck

Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, Saugatuck is a place rich with character and culture.  Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas, became a noted art colony and tourist destination during the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century.

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While Saugatuck's downtown is small, it has many of the characteristics that make for successful urbanism, including storefronts that come all the way to the street; continuous and interesting buildings that line the sidewalks; mature street trees that slow traffic; wide sidewalks; inviting places to both linger and stroll; and materials and detail that convey an intimate scale. 

 

Some history and facts of this place:

In the early 20th century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular destination on Lake Michigan from its construction in 1909 until it burned down in 1960. Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, the view from atop Mount Baldhead, and tourist attractions as well as Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which enjoys a worldwide reputation.

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