Grand Haven, MI to Saugatuck, MI

Our first journey of the season is a a short one, just 30 miles.

We leave Grand Haven around 10 AM. The weather is sunny and cool. Thankfully the lake has calmed down.

We don’t have much company except a fishing boat near the inlet to Saugatuck.

The inlet is barely discernable from a distance, but there it is! The opening to the Kalamazoo River.

We will travel approximately 2 miles up the Kalamazoo River to Sergeant Marina in downtown Saugatuck.

The Kalamazoo River near the entrance to Lake Michigan is mostly undeveloped for now. Several large homes are being built and likely next time we come through, houses will line the river all the way into Saugatuck.

Saugatuck Michigan is a small town, of which 1,000 people call home year round. Its primary source of revenue is from tourists who seek out its art galleries, sand dunes, harbors, marinas, cafes and unusual shops. It has become a favorite destination of the LGBT+ community with its art and cultural vibe, similar to Provincetown, MA. As June is Pride Month, rainbows adorn the sidewalks, flag poles and railings.

Saugatuck is also known for its chain ferry. The ferry is powered by pure muscle, likely the muscle of a young male college student. A 400 foot chain is anchored to both sides of the river bank. The crew member then cranks the chain through the sprocket guiding the ferry across the river. The chain, after guiding the ferry, drops to the river bottom, out of harms way to other mariners. The first chain ferry in Saugatuck began operation in 1857, although modified over the years, still operates today as the last hand cranked chain ferry in the United States.

The best part of this first visit by boat to Saugatuck, is spending time with my daughter and grandson who surprised me for my birthday. So we did all the things that boaters do…together.

Saugatuck is a charming town and a perfect place to celebrate a birthday weekend. Thanks Sam and Liam for traveling the miles to us and becoming boat bums for a weekend.