If you are coming to visit Ivy House or the Saugatuck and Douglas area but you are unsure what you should do - we have the perfect list of items for anyone visiting the area! While most of these things might be better to do in warmer months, there are things you can do all year round in Saugatuck. Keep reading to find out what we recommend:
Coastal Tours
Grab a group of friends or your wedding party and embark on a fun trip across the lakeshore. Coastal Tours takes you across the Fennville, Saugatuck, Douglas, and South Haven areas to taste the different wines, ciders, beers, and cocktails from lakeshore businesses. These tours are available 7 days a week and they have two main packages: one is for a smaller group of up to 10 people and the other is for a group of up to 14 passengers. You are able to fully customize the stops you make along the way and book in a 4-8 hour window (any additional hours will be an extra fee). They will pick you up for free in Fennville, Saugatuck, Douglas, and Pullman, and are able to pick you up just outside of these areas for a $30.00 fee. In 2023, Coastal Tours was named TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice! These tours are a perfect, fun way to experience the different places across the lakeshore!
If you would like more information, or are looking to create a reservation for one of these tours, click the link here to reserve a day of fun with Coastal Tours.
Saugatuck Dune Rides
Do you love the thrill of dune rides? Well the Saugatuck Dune Rides is the perfect place for you! From May 4th through October 15th just down the road from Ivy House, you are able to enjoy the beauty of the Saugatuck Dunes from the thrilling experience of the buggy. Hop in and spend 40 minutes in an exciting and fun ride that will leave you with lots of memories for years to come.
“One of West Michigan's premier attractions! Our goal is to provide you with 40 minutes of entertainment, fun and excitement.”
Oval Beach
Michigan’s beaches are some of the best in the country, well at least in our opinion that is. While you’re in Saugatuck, check out the beautiful beaches in town. Oval beach is located less than 5 miles from Ivy House and is a fun place to hangout for the day, or to go for some extra photos on your wedding day!
Butler Street
In the area looking for places to spend a day shopping and eating some amazing food? Head on over to Butler Street! It’s less than 2 miles away from Ivy House and offers a wide range of things to do and see! Some of our favorite places on Butler Street are: Pumpernickles, The Butler, Phil’s Bar & Grille, and there are still many more! This street extends to the rest of Downtown Saugatuck and is home to many more places to eat and shop!
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Mount Baldhead Park
Starting out with a quick 300+ step climb to get to the top of Mount Baldhead, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Kalamazoo River. Then, you can either choose to descend back down those stairs (sounds a bit tiring to us) or continue walking on a 1 mile long trail loop that goes to the lovely Oval Beach. Mount Baldhead Park provides views of Saugatuck, Douglas, Kalamazoo River, and Lake Michigan. This moderately difficult trail has a sandy, narrow path and lots of tree roots. But don’t worry, with lots of trees, this path is mostly shady which is helpful on a hot and sunny summer day!
Saugatuck Chain Ferry
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the only remaining chain ferry in the country and has been running since 1838. How does a chain ferry work? There are 3 chains that are stretched across the river that pull the ferry. The operator then turns a crank on the ferry that pulls it across the river. The ferry is only $3.00 per person each way, but it only takes cash! Make sure to pay attention to the weather because the ferry only operates under good weather.
Wicks Park
If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax on a sunny summer day and have a picnic, or a place to sit and watch boats float on by, Wicks Park is the perfect place for just that! While the gazebo is not available for private events, it’s the perfect place to sit near and listen to the music in the park that happens every Wednesday in the summer that’s free to the public. This is another perfect opportunity to take in everything that Saugatuck has to offer!
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Combining art, community, and joy, Saugatuck Center for the Arts allows for you to enjoy theater, world-class concerts, films, education, and outreach all in one place. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a community spark plug bringing people together. With year-round events and activities, there’s a little something for everyone at this place just a mile away from Ivy House!
Star of Saugatuck
If you’re the type of person that likes to experience every single part of a city (including the water side of it) then you should check out The Star of Saugatuck. This paddle boat takes you down the Kalamazoo River on a trip that allows you to see Saugatuck in a different light. They offer daytime or sunset cruises for a 90 minute trip. If you’re the type of person that likes a snack or a drink to help you enjoy the moment even more, the boat offers snack bars that serve cold pop, water, beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink as well as chips and candy to snack on. They open for the year at the beginning of May and tickets are available at the boat or by calling!
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