Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Not only is The Saugatuck Dunes State Park considered a gem for locals and tourists alike, it has been named One Of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. This pristinely preserved park has 14 miles of hiking trails that lead you into 1000 acres of rolling, wooded dunes that tower up to 200 feet tall.
The park also boasts 2.5 miles of secluded Lake Michigan Beach. There aren’t many places in the state that can claim this much protected beach available for public access.
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Oval Beach
Celebrated around the world for its beautiful sweep of shoreline and backdrop of rolling dunes, this is the main beach in town and the most happening place to soak in the sun. Its impressive pedigree of awards (Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World, National Geographic Traveler’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA) is proof of its status as a summertime favorite and natural beauty spot.
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Douglas Beach
This small neighborhood beach offers prime real estate for watching the sunset. You’ll find a restroom and picnic area at the top of the hill and a quiet beach down below, tucked in between lakefront cottages on each side.
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Pier Cove
Named for the shipping piers that supported the logging and fruit industry in the 1800s, this beach is an ideal place for families to play. You’ll find a small, warm creek for wading, smooth stones for skipping, and natural logs for digging. Pack a picnic and stay for the day.
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West Side County Park Beach
West Side Park consists of 11 acres with 630 feet of beautiful beach on Lake Michigan. Picnic areas include plenty of picnic tables, two covered pavilions, two modern restroom buildings, a fenced playground and open field recreation area. It truly is a great place to see a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset!
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Holland State Park
One of the larger area beaches, with a pier, a large and open sandy beachfront, a concession stand, and even a lighthouse. Entry is paid, and it does get busy in the summer.
You can see some magnificent ice formations on the frozen waves here in the winter as well
Saugatuck Trails
Mt. Baldhead Park
Mount Baldhead includes a 1 mile loop trail used for hiking, walking, and trail running. There are also steps that bring one to the summit where one can view Saugatuck and Douglas and Lake Michigan. Discover it best by riding across the Kalamazoo River on a hand-pulled chain ferry from the town of Saugatuck, climbing 302 steps to Mount Baldhead, and descending onto the grassy coastal sands.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
This little park and walking path around Kalamazoo Lake is one of the better kept secrets in the area. Even though part of the trail runs under a highway, the location is often quiet and secluded -- the perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll or some relaxing fishing.
It's less than a mile away from you.
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Stretching along the rolling dunes north of Oval Beach, this sandy trail takes you through a 173-acre protected natural area boasting unspoiled dunes, the remnants of the historic Fishtown pier, delicate wetlands, the Kalamazoo River channel, and a long, peaceful strip of Lake Michigan. Watch for migrating birds in the sky and deer tracks in the sand.
Blue Star Trail
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
One of the main great trails, the brand new Blue Star Trail, a 20 mile paved pathway that runs between Saugatuck and South Haven.
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
The next is the Riley Street Trail in Holland. This is a scenic, unpaved trail through pine plantations and a maple forest. It surrounds a lake, and is great for mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Holland Trails
Blue Star Trail
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
One of the main great trails, the brand new Blue Star Trail, a 20 mile paved pathway that runs between Saugatuck and South Haven.
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
Riley Street Trail
The next is the Riley Street Trail in Holland. This is a scenic, unpaved trail through pine plantations and a maple forest. It surrounds a lake, and is great for mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Coghlin Park
River Bluff Park
River Bluff Park
You probably saw this one on your way in, even if you didn't recognize it. It's right across the street, and has a great view of Lake Kalamazoo and a pleasant gazebo. It's a great spot for a private picnic or some evening stargazing on the lawn. During festival season, the occasional food tent or other specialty stand will pop up!
It's zero miles from your rental!
River Bluff Park
River Bluff Park
River Bluff Park
The perfect spot for a picnic -- River Bluff is scenic and secluded with picnic equipment and grills for your use. There's a short little trail around the lake, with benches along the way for those who want to take a rest and enjoy the scenery.
It's only a mile away from your rental!
Tails n’ Trails Dog Park
Tails n’ Trails Dog Park
Tails n’ Trails Dog Park
Local dogs rant and rave about this scenic dog park, with a fenced in lawn made of grass and sand. There's a gazebo too, and a pump well for water!
It's only 2.8 miles from your rental
Sundown Park
Tails n’ Trails Dog Park
Tails n’ Trails Dog Park
Another tiny, well-kept secret of the Saugatuck area. This isn't a large park, so you won't want to bring a group. But if you want to watch a romantic sunset in solitude, this is the place.