Saugatuck is the embodiment of small town America. It's a harbor village where visitors feel they've turned back the pages of time and entered a simpler life. The layers of history that surround the area are intriguing and the picturesque village retains its 19th century character.

Throughout Saugatuck's history, artists have been drawn to its towering dunes, sugar sand beaches and jewel-like setting on the shores of Lake Michigan. Today that artistic heritage persists through strong ties to the Chicago Institute of Art with its summer camp at Oxbow and a profusion of private art galleries and craft boutiques. There is also a midsummer Chamber Music Festival and excellent summer stock theater.

If you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway spot, then Saugatuck is definitely a spot to look into. Here, no one is in a hurry. Its a popular escape from the pressures of daily life and the "gold standard" of executive retreats for small corporate meetings and family reunions.

From downtown one can walk to almost everything. Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or picnic by the gazebo in the park overlooking the harbor. Ride a Victorian hand-cranked ferry, or rent a boat, canoe or bicycle-built-for-two to discover the sophisticated charm of Saugatuck's shops and local restaurants. Or simply spend the day at the beach! You can't lose along Michigan's shoreline.

Remember the corner drug store fountain? Saugatuck still has one! Here, hand-creamed sodas, phosphates and malted shakes have been their specialty for 75 years. Saugatuck is also the home of world famous Broward Marine, a shipbuilding site where multi-million dollar yachts are built by top craftsmen for clients from around the world.

Because its only two-and-a-half hours from Chicago, Saugatuck is the perfect spot to spend the weekend. You'll find lodging in modern privately-owned motels. Here the proud tradition of attention to detail is exhibited in the services provided to guests who often return year after year. If you prefer to stay in a charming country inn, Saugatuck is the Bed and Breakfast capital of the Midwest. It offers an extensive variety of historic accommodations where the traveler feels more like a friend of the family than a customer.

A restful year round retreat, Saugatuck has something for everyone, including a calendar year of festivals and seasonal events. Its also a great jumping-off point for the nearby shoreline resort towns Holland and Grand Haven.

Directions

Take I-94 or the Skyway south out of Chicago and follow it around the southern end of Lake Michigan and up along the Michigan Shoreline.