Travel
Below you’ll find details about flying to Saugatuck, accommodations, getting around and fun ways to explore the area.
Getting there
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA
Phone: (616) 233-6000
50-minute drive to Saugatuck. Rental cars are available from the Grand Rapids airport.
Chicago Midway International Airport
5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 838-0600
2.5 hour drive to Saugatuck. Rental cars available from Chicago Midway airport.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
(800) 832-6352
2.5 hour drive to Saugatuck. Rental cars available from Chicago O’Hare International airport.
Accommodations
Saugatuck is a popular vacation town, so weekend dates fill up quickly, even in the fall! We recommend booking as soon as you are able. Anything in downtown Saugatuck will be within walking distance to the venue.
Here are a few options:
For a true Lake Michigan vacation rental experience, you can reserve a cottage through AirBnB or VRBO. Please let us know if you would like us to put you in contact with a group renting a shared house!
If you’re looking for a homey stay, the Millpond Realty properties are easy, warm and fit a variety of groups and needs. With plenty of well-rated options to choose from, these cabins and cottages work for couples or groups.
The Maplewood Hotel is a three-story Greek Revival Michigan bed and breakfast located in downtown Saugatuck adjacent to the town common. With a relaxed atmosphere and stylish furnishings, the Maplewood is a lovely alternative to the anonymous urban hotel.
We have reserved a small block of hotel rooms at the Best Western Plaza Hotel in Saugatuck. If that’s your jam, give them a call and mention our names.
You can find more suggestions at https://saugatuck.com/lodging/.
Things to Do, Places to Go, People to See
Hit the Beach
Saugatuck has 12 miles of stunning Lake Michigan coastline just waiting at the front door. Popular options include Oval Beach, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and Douglas Beach.
Experience the Art Coast
Saugatuck hosts an impressive retinue of artists in residence. Stroll around town and you’ll find galleries that stretch across every artistic medium.
Climb Mount Baldhead
Pull yourself across a river on an old chain ferry and then climb a sand dune! Less intense than it sounds, still beautiful.
Shop Till you Drop
We’re pretty sure Saugatuck’s collection of chic boutiques is the main reason Ariel agreed to this crazy idea in the first place.
Ride the Sand Dunes
Conrad spent every summer rumbling up and down sand dunes on massive open-air trucks, learning about local history and laughing at the same corny jokes. Give it a try and suddenly everything will make sense!
Vintage Paddlewheel Cruise
Twain it up on the Star of Saugatuck, a sternwheel paddle boat offering tours along the Kalamazoo River. Yes, they serve drinks!
Getting Around
If you are staying downtown, you can explore the many shops, restaurants, and activities in down Saugatuck by foot – this includes our venue and Sunday breakfast location.
Interurban Bus
Parking can be scarce in Saugatuck during the busier months. Leave your car wherever you’re staying and just use the convenient Interurban to get around. This demand response public bus system provides transportation for Saugatuck and Douglas, offering curb-to-curb service.
Call 269.857.1418 to schedule your ride in advance.
Fares are $1.00 for adults and children 12 and over and $.50 for senior citizens, children under 12, and persons with disabilities.
Please have exact change in cash to ride.
Rideshare & Taxis
Services like Uber also operate in the area, making it easy to hail a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone.
If you need a safe and reliable way to get around, transportation options that go late into the evening include:
Old Harbor Shuttle Service (616.215.6373)
Saugatuck Douglas Taxi Service (269.543.3355)
Cyndi’s Moonlight Express (269.910.3222)
Moveportz Shuttle and Private Car Service (269.270.6690)
