Eric & Rob's Guidebook for Saugatuck/Douglas

Eric
Eric & Rob's Guidebook for Saugatuck/Douglas

Food Scene

So, there are lots of restaurants in town. If one you are considering is not listed here it is either because we haven't been or have been and can not recommend a particular restaurant. Let us know if you have a great meal at a place we haven't listed! If you are considering a meal at a place we haven't included in our guidebook, don't hesitate to ask. In writing we normally go with the philosophy of, "If you can't say anything nice....", especially since many of these business owners are our neighbors. The only exception we make to that rule is for Pumpernickel's. It was sold over winter 2018-19, and we would recommend you AVOID this business. Prior to the scrubbing of new owner Facebook accounts and the hanging of some signage to combat local outrage, owner philosophies were not in line with those we like to promote in this community, which are welcoming of diversity in every form, including race, religion, sexual orientation or a myriad of other reasons people have found to discriminate against one another. This community does not have an appetite to support any line of expression from business owners that is not welcoming of all. Period. The other thing important to us (since we live here and operate rentals year-round) is that we try to support restaurants open all year. We try to make notes on seasonality of restaurants, but check out restaurant web sites for detailed information. Our top pick in town.... don't leave without enjoying a meal at Phil's... it never disappoints (year-round), offers daily specials, and is priced fairly.
We love local farm raised and organic foods, and this place is great place to enjoy for breakfast/brunch. The owners actively run this business, and check out their web site for special dinner dining offerings at peak times of the year.
29 locals raden deze aan
GROW Cafe + Bistro
302 Culver St
29 locals raden deze aan
We love local farm raised and organic foods, and this place is great place to enjoy for breakfast/brunch. The owners actively run this business, and check out their web site for special dinner dining offerings at peak times of the year.
This restaurant is in downtown Fennville. Be sure to check out their web site to see what's being served.... you will likely either love it, or hate it! If you have a diverse palate, you will probably enjoy their creativity.
78 locals raden deze aan
Salt of the Earth
114 E Main St
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This restaurant is in downtown Fennville. Be sure to check out their web site to see what's being served.... you will likely either love it, or hate it! If you have a diverse palate, you will probably enjoy their creativity.
This is the local brew... you'll find their own storefront location in downtown Saugatuck, but you'll likely spot this coffee being served at other restaurants in town.
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Uncommon Coffee Roasters
127 Hoffman St
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This is the local brew... you'll find their own storefront location in downtown Saugatuck, but you'll likely spot this coffee being served at other restaurants in town.
If you absolutely must have your Starbuck's this is the closest! :) It's inside Family Fare grocery store. If you also don't want to get out of the car, a little further along 31 you'll find a drive-thru Starbuck's in front of Menards.
7 locals raden deze aan
Starbucks
1185 S Washington Ave
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If you absolutely must have your Starbuck's this is the closest! :) It's inside Family Fare grocery store. If you also don't want to get out of the car, a little further along 31 you'll find a drive-thru Starbuck's in front of Menards.
This is our favorite restaurant in Saugatuck/Douglas. Don't be fooled by the name - they have awesome food and this is a full-service restaurant. They usually have an amazing special of the day. This place is open year-round, which we LOVE, and it is very affordable. They also have great options for those looking to eat healthy or make gluten free choices.
80 locals raden deze aan
Phil's Bar & Grille
215 Butler St
80 locals raden deze aan
This is our favorite restaurant in Saugatuck/Douglas. Don't be fooled by the name - they have awesome food and this is a full-service restaurant. They usually have an amazing special of the day. This place is open year-round, which we LOVE, and it is very affordable. They also have great options for those looking to eat healthy or make gluten free choices.
Great food, and often regarded as the best restaurant in Saugatuck/Douglas.... and we definitely wouldn't disagree with that claim. We love it, but usually go there more for special occasions or a fancier dinner out. They offer great dinner specials and the chef/owner is actively involved in this business, which we also love! While we prefer their dinner selections over their weekend brunch menu, it's definitely the go-to place for a nice brunch in town. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this restaurant is just steps away! (Open Year-Round except Vacations)
60 locals raden deze aan
Everyday People Cafe
11 W Center St
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Great food, and often regarded as the best restaurant in Saugatuck/Douglas.... and we definitely wouldn't disagree with that claim. We love it, but usually go there more for special occasions or a fancier dinner out. They offer great dinner specials and the chef/owner is actively involved in this business, which we also love! While we prefer their dinner selections over their weekend brunch menu, it's definitely the go-to place for a nice brunch in town. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this restaurant is just steps away! (Open Year-Round except Vacations)
My favorite thing here are the cookie mint chip sandwiches! If only they were serving Graeter's! If you're staying with us at one of the Kingfisher Cove cabins, this might become a daily stop since it's just steps from the main entrance of the community. If not, it's super easy access with plenty of parking, and located on Blue Star Highway toward exit 41, the Saugatuck highway exit. (Seasonal)
20 locals raden deze aan
Dairy Dayz
6471 Blue Star Hwy
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My favorite thing here are the cookie mint chip sandwiches! If only they were serving Graeter's! If you're staying with us at one of the Kingfisher Cove cabins, this might become a daily stop since it's just steps from the main entrance of the community. If not, it's super easy access with plenty of parking, and located on Blue Star Highway toward exit 41, the Saugatuck highway exit. (Seasonal)
There are a couple of places to sit and eat here both inside and out, but I think of this as great freshly made take-out (you will see them baking the sandwich bread). We go here for lunch often, and their 7" grinders are HUGE. Our favorites are the Supreme (add giardiniera) and the Alley Cat. The pizzas are also excellent (not too thick, not to thin), and of course all of their bread is freshly made. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this restaurant is just steps away, and a great place to grab something tasty to go!
19 locals raden deze aan
Back Alley Pizza Joint
22 N Main St
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There are a couple of places to sit and eat here both inside and out, but I think of this as great freshly made take-out (you will see them baking the sandwich bread). We go here for lunch often, and their 7" grinders are HUGE. Our favorites are the Supreme (add giardiniera) and the Alley Cat. The pizzas are also excellent (not too thick, not to thin), and of course all of their bread is freshly made. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this restaurant is just steps away, and a great place to grab something tasty to go!
HUGE ice cream portions and unique flavors. This is our favorite place downtown, but unfortunately, they are only open seasonally with limited shoulder season hours. Check their facebook page for operating dates/hours updates.
7 locals raden deze aan
Charlie's Round the Corner
132 Mason St
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HUGE ice cream portions and unique flavors. This is our favorite place downtown, but unfortunately, they are only open seasonally with limited shoulder season hours. Check their facebook page for operating dates/hours updates.
25 locals raden deze aan
Respite Cappuccino Court
48 W Center St
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Looking for some awesome Chinese take-out or dine-in? This is THEE place. The restaurant itself is beautifully done with so much effort and detail put into the place, but they put even more effort into serving amazing fresh food. This is the best Chinese we have ever had any anywhere, not only offering great food, but a full bar and even a robust Sushi menu. If you go here, be sure to get one of their appetizers- all of them are great, but some of our favorites are their Spicy Shrimp and Shrimp dumplings. Unfortunately they don't deliver to Saugatuck, but it's just the next exit North, and worth the drive whether for dine-in or carry-out.
Shanghai Grill & Bar
442 E 32nd St
Looking for some awesome Chinese take-out or dine-in? This is THEE place. The restaurant itself is beautifully done with so much effort and detail put into the place, but they put even more effort into serving amazing fresh food. This is the best Chinese we have ever had any anywhere, not only offering great food, but a full bar and even a robust Sushi menu. If you go here, be sure to get one of their appetizers- all of them are great, but some of our favorites are their Spicy Shrimp and Shrimp dumplings. Unfortunately they don't deliver to Saugatuck, but it's just the next exit North, and worth the drive whether for dine-in or carry-out.
This is a tough one to include or exclude- check reviews to learn more about the staff... and while the food is excellent, it might be the only meal you can afford for the day and you might not be full on departure. Some say it's not to be missed, but we have a hard time recommending this restaurant without a few caveats. Thankfully in this case, the food itself likely won't be an issue if you decide to visit, but we can't promise the owner herself, the pricing or the portion size for the price won't be.
33 locals raden deze aan
Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions
3319 Blue Star Hwy
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This is a tough one to include or exclude- check reviews to learn more about the staff... and while the food is excellent, it might be the only meal you can afford for the day and you might not be full on departure. Some say it's not to be missed, but we have a hard time recommending this restaurant without a few caveats. Thankfully in this case, the food itself likely won't be an issue if you decide to visit, but we can't promise the owner herself, the pricing or the portion size for the price won't be.
Some of the best Mexican food we have had and the live music makes it even better!
El Patron Mexican Restaurant
Some of the best Mexican food we have had and the live music makes it even better!
While you won't find any Thai restaurant in town, just off of exit 52 you'll find GREAT Thai food at Thai Avenue!
6 locals raden deze aan
Thai Avenue
8516 Homestead Dr
6 locals raden deze aan
While you won't find any Thai restaurant in town, just off of exit 52 you'll find GREAT Thai food at Thai Avenue!

Breweries, Vineyards & Bars

So in town you'll see both Saugatuck Brewing Company and Guardian - each is on opposite ends of Blue Star Highway between exits 36 & 41. Not listed in this section is The Dunes. This is a GLBTQ resort and always has LOTS going on late into the night. Check their calendar for special events. Also keep an eye out for a potential new location for Holland Brewing Co in downtown Saugatuck. They have applied for permits and are expected to open a tasting room in downtown Saugatuck (the old Del Sol store location). There are many new vineyards, cider houses and breweries popping up all the time within 30-minutes from here. If you find a good wine/beer tour or find a place we don't have listed, please tell us about your experience so we can add it.
Some great brews and tasty food for all eaters!
71 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck Brewing Company
2948 Blue Star Hwy
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Some great brews and tasty food for all eaters!
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Fenn Valley Vineyards
6130 122nd Ave
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What's a good way to describe this place.... chill, relaxing, never want to leave, plenty to drink, something to eat, great place to stop in for a drink and hang out with your peeps - warning - you may forget about the rest of the world, become too relaxed and lose a whole afternoon or evening here (with no regrets)! Check out their web site (borrowedtimesaugatuck.com) for events, their ever-changing menu, etc. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this location is just steps away!
38 locals raden deze aan
Borrowed Time
22 E Center St
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What's a good way to describe this place.... chill, relaxing, never want to leave, plenty to drink, something to eat, great place to stop in for a drink and hang out with your peeps - warning - you may forget about the rest of the world, become too relaxed and lose a whole afternoon or evening here (with no regrets)! Check out their web site (borrowedtimesaugatuck.com) for events, their ever-changing menu, etc. If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this location is just steps away!
29 locals raden deze aan
Big Lake Brewing
13 W 7th St
29 locals raden deze aan
Look for a new tasting room coming to downtown Saugatuck, scheduled to open in 2019 (former Del Sol location)
75 locals raden deze aan
New Holland Brewing - Pub on 8th
66 E 8th St
75 locals raden deze aan
Look for a new tasting room coming to downtown Saugatuck, scheduled to open in 2019 (former Del Sol location)
34 locals raden deze aan
Cogdal Vineyards
7143 107th Ave
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The Mitten Brewing Company - Saugatuck
329 Water St
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Guardian Brewing Company
3657 63rd St
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Sightseeing

So this is a little old town we never see advertised much, but if you're out for a drive this is a great place to include on your journey. They have some preserved/restored buildings including a post office and inn. This place probably has a lot more potential than they have tapped into.
10 locals raden deze aan
New Richmond Bridge Park
3160 Old Allegan Rd
10 locals raden deze aan
So this is a little old town we never see advertised much, but if you're out for a drive this is a great place to include on your journey. They have some preserved/restored buildings including a post office and inn. This place probably has a lot more potential than they have tapped into.
49 locals raden deze aan
Windmill Island
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Check out the Annual Tulip Festival - usually in early May
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Tulip Time Festival Office
42 W 8th St
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Check out the Annual Tulip Festival - usually in early May

Parks & Nature

Rated one of the nation's top beaches. There is a fee for parking, but services are available at the beach. Consider taking the shuttle offered by Interurban.
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Oval Beach
690 Perryman St
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Rated one of the nation's top beaches. There is a fee for parking, but services are available at the beach. Consider taking the shuttle offered by Interurban.
Park that allows fishing, has a kayak launch and has some great views. Plenty of free parking.
8 locals raden deze aan
Wade's Bayou Memorial Park
52 Bayou St
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Park that allows fishing, has a kayak launch and has some great views. Plenty of free parking.
302 steps up to the top of the park
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Mount Baldhead Park Trail
Mount Baldhead Park Trail
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302 steps up to the top of the park
A day-use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 2.5 miles of shore line. The park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The park's terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills. In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing with 13 miles of groomed trails over steep slopes and rolling hills. 300 acre nature area, 1000 acres of parkland.
122 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
6575 138th Ave
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A day-use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 2.5 miles of shore line. The park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The park's terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills. In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing with 13 miles of groomed trails over steep slopes and rolling hills. 300 acre nature area, 1000 acres of parkland.
Free, but parking very limited
27 locals raden deze aan
Douglas Beach Park
3099 Lakeshore Dr
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Free, but parking very limited

Galleries, Arts & Museums

If you enjoy arts and galleries, you'll find plenty around town. The highest concentration are along Center Street in Douglas (both sides of Blue Star Highway), and of course there are galleries in downtown Saugatuck sprinkled among the shops and restaurants there as well, so we've highlighted a few that are unique or off the beaten path you might want to check out.
7 locals raden deze aan
Roan & Black Inc
3315 Blue Star Hwy
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Enjoy wine and art together! If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this wine gallery is just steps away, but walk down Main Street toward Blue Star, not Center.
9 locals raden deze aan
Petter Wine Gallery
161 Blue Star Hwy
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Enjoy wine and art together! If you're staying with us in downtown Douglas, this wine gallery is just steps away, but walk down Main Street toward Blue Star, not Center.
Check their web site (sc4a.org) for details on exhibits and live theater on stage.
45 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
400 Culver St
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Check their web site (sc4a.org) for details on exhibits and live theater on stage.
sdhistoricalsociety.org has details on the Pump House Museum at the foot of Mt. Baldhead Park and the History Center/Old School House in downtown Douglas
9 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum
735 Park St
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sdhistoricalsociety.org has details on the Pump House Museum at the foot of Mt. Baldhead Park and the History Center/Old School House in downtown Douglas
Check out sdhistoricalsociety.org for info on projects, exhibits and collections you might find here or at the Pump House Museum
7 locals raden deze aan
Old School House History Center
130 W Center St
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Check out sdhistoricalsociety.org for info on projects, exhibits and collections you might find here or at the Pump House Museum

Groceries, Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Meijer is 24/7 and has a full grocery as well as clothing/household items as well.
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Meijer
746 E 16th St
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Meijer is 24/7 and has a full grocery as well as clothing/household items as well.
I'm a huge ALDI fan, and if you are as well, there is one nearby offering lots of great items at amazing prices!
15 locals raden deze aan
ALDI
571 E 24th St
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I'm a huge ALDI fan, and if you are as well, there is one nearby offering lots of great items at amazing prices!
SuperValu is located in downtown Douglas at the intersection of Center & Blue Star. They have pretty decent hours and a wide selection of items including a full grocery store with decent variety (don't hold your breath for lots of organic choices), beer/wine, a full deli, some hardware basics and of course a seasonal section. It's not the cheapest, but it's the closest/most convenient full-service grocery store.
29 locals raden deze aan
Supervalu
237 W Center St
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SuperValu is located in downtown Douglas at the intersection of Center & Blue Star. They have pretty decent hours and a wide selection of items including a full grocery store with decent variety (don't hold your breath for lots of organic choices), beer/wine, a full deli, some hardware basics and of course a seasonal section. It's not the cheapest, but it's the closest/most convenient full-service grocery store.
Located next to Burger King @ the BP near exit 41- you can walk there if you're staying with us at one of the Kingfisher Cove Cabins
Dunes View Kwik Shop
6397 Blue Star Hwy
Located next to Burger King @ the BP near exit 41- you can walk there if you're staying with us at one of the Kingfisher Cove Cabins
Pickup/Delivery Mon-Sat gathering things from all of your regional favorites for you. Order before midnight for next-day!
Uncommon Grocers
6785 Enterprise Dr
Pickup/Delivery Mon-Sat gathering things from all of your regional favorites for you. Order before midnight for next-day!
Gourmet Market & Eatery offering everything from foods to prepare yourself, pre-made items to eat on-site or take to go, and even cooking classes!
22 locals raden deze aan
Isabel's Market + Eatery
310 Blue Star Hwy
22 locals raden deze aan
Gourmet Market & Eatery offering everything from foods to prepare yourself, pre-made items to eat on-site or take to go, and even cooking classes!
This is our local 24-hour laundromat, which also offers dry cleaning and drop-off laundry services during advertised hours.
Laundry Tyme
102 Blue Star Hwy
This is our local 24-hour laundromat, which also offers dry cleaning and drop-off laundry services during advertised hours.

Entertainment & Activities

This is always a crowd pleaser for the whole family, young and old. Sometimes there are long waits, so check out their web site for tips on adding this to your calendar on the day/time you wish. They do sell tickets online up until midnight the day before.
106 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck Dune Rides
6495 Blue Star Hwy
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This is always a crowd pleaser for the whole family, young and old. Sometimes there are long waits, so check out their web site for tips on adding this to your calendar on the day/time you wish. They do sell tickets online up until midnight the day before.
30 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck Chain Ferry Platform
528 Water St
30 locals raden deze aan
So if you're staying with us at Kingfisher Cove and are tired of the "family friendly" pool (e.g. kids), or looking for a pool with bar service, The Dunes is a gay resort offering a large pool, a food menu, and a full-service bar. If you're looking for a few hours at an adults only pool and are comfortable in a GLBT environment, they are happy to let you use theirs as long as you are eating/drinking. Since this property offers a pool bar, you must be 21 to enter the pool area. ID's are checked on entry. At night they offer a bar and night club. Check their calendar for theme events- you never know what you might be walking into!
26 locals raden deze aan
The Dunes Resort
333 Blue Star Hwy
26 locals raden deze aan
So if you're staying with us at Kingfisher Cove and are tired of the "family friendly" pool (e.g. kids), or looking for a pool with bar service, The Dunes is a gay resort offering a large pool, a food menu, and a full-service bar. If you're looking for a few hours at an adults only pool and are comfortable in a GLBT environment, they are happy to let you use theirs as long as you are eating/drinking. Since this property offers a pool bar, you must be 21 to enter the pool area. ID's are checked on entry. At night they offer a bar and night club. Check their calendar for theme events- you never know what you might be walking into!
Cute place to check out - especially if you have little ones
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Nelis' Dutch Village
12350 James St
54 locals raden deze aan
Cute place to check out - especially if you have little ones
How about a sunset cruise... you can buy tickets online (upper deck recommended). Check out feedback from others on yelp for other little nuances that will ensure you have smooth sailing.
40 locals raden deze aan
Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
716 Water St
40 locals raden deze aan
How about a sunset cruise... you can buy tickets online (upper deck recommended). Check out feedback from others on yelp for other little nuances that will ensure you have smooth sailing.
Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
21 locals raden deze aan
Ravines Golf Club
3520 Palmer Dr
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Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
Skiing, snowboarding & tubing
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Timber Ridge
07500 23 1/2 St
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Skiing, snowboarding & tubing
Tubing and cross-country ski trails
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Cannonsburg Ski Area
6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE
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Tubing and cross-country ski trails
Skiing (rope tows only)
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Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl
600 Y Dr
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Skiing (rope tows only)
Michigan.org does a great job of covering tons of things to do for every type of traveler and every season of the year including parks and trails, snow skiing, breweries, boating, shopping, galleries and a whole lot more. If you are using their map features, a reasonable drive from Saugatuck/Douglas would be as far North as Muskegon, East just past Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, and South to South Haven.
10 locals raden deze aan
Saugatuck-Douglas Visitors Bureau
95 Blue Star Hwy
10 locals raden deze aan
Michigan.org does a great job of covering tons of things to do for every type of traveler and every season of the year including parks and trails, snow skiing, breweries, boating, shopping, galleries and a whole lot more. If you are using their map features, a reasonable drive from Saugatuck/Douglas would be as far North as Muskegon, East just past Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, and South to South Haven.
Cross-country skiing
17 locals raden deze aan
Pigeon Creek County Park
12524 Stanton St
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Cross-country skiing
Skiing & Snowboarding
49 locals raden deze aan
Bittersweet Ski-oord
600 River Rd
49 locals raden deze aan
Skiing & Snowboarding
Cross-country skiing... check out: http://www.lakeeffectliving.com/Lake-Effect-Guide/Skiing-West-Michigan.html for more skiing in Allegan County
7 locals raden deze aan
Allegan State Game Area
6013 118th Avenue
7 locals raden deze aan
Cross-country skiing... check out: http://www.lakeeffectliving.com/Lake-Effect-Guide/Skiing-West-Michigan.html for more skiing in Allegan County
Laser Tag, Arcade, Bowling, Ropes, Pool and more....
14 locals raden deze aan
BAM! Entertainment Center
478 E 16th St
14 locals raden deze aan
Laser Tag, Arcade, Bowling, Ropes, Pool and more....
Bowling and Diner
15 locals raden deze aan
Alley's Classic American Diner and Bowl
229 W Center St
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Bowling and Diner
Horseback riding
8 locals raden deze aan
Wild West Ranch
1861 52nd Street
8 locals raden deze aan
Horseback riding