Where to stay and What to do in Saugatuck and Holland, MI
Jun 1st, 2009, 02:46 PM
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Where to stay and What to do in Saugatuck and Holland, MI
I’m planning to visit Holland and Saugatuck in late June. In either place, is it preferable to find accommodations in the downtown area? We’ll be driving, so if we need to drive to get to the shops/restaurants in downtown and parking/traffic can be an issue, we’d rather stay in the downtown area and skip the hassle. Thoughts?
Secondly, based on your personal experience, what are some must-see's for first-time goers?
Appreciate your help in advance. Thanks!
Secondly, based on your personal experience, what are some must-see's for first-time goers?
Appreciate your help in advance. Thanks!
Jun 2nd, 2009, 04:28 PM
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Hi, corduroy:
Last June DH spent a week in Michigan. He especially liked Saugutuck. It is a charming town on a narrow river connected to Lake Michigan. There are many small yachts docked along the shore. He stayed at the only motel in the center of town. The Ship n' Shore Motel(www.shipnshore.com)is a quaint, recently remodeled historic motel located on the river. The motel is popular and it can be booked ahead on weekends. It has its own garden, dock and atrium. DH recommends staying downtown because part of the Saugutuck experience is just walking along the waterfront, shopping and eating outside in the water front restaurants....also strolling the town in the evening is enjoyable. Some of the things to do in Saugutuck are:
Hand cranked chain ferry -(located next door to the Ship n' Shore)-a fun & unique short ride acrosss the river to Douglas
Saugutuck Sand Dune Rides,located on the edge of town, is a fun and unique experience for kids and the young at heart.
Tour the S. S. Keewatin Maritime Museum (an actual retired Great Lakes cruiseliner)
Old fashioned stern wheel tour on Kalamazoo River & Lake Michigan shoreline. -DH felt this was just okay.
Free concert in the park (one night per week) in the park right next to the Ship n' Shore Motel.
Enjoy the beaches in the surrounding area (they all have daily fees)
Things to do in Holland (DH did not stay in Holland):
Wind Mill Island w/ Wind Mill Garden - has gardens, dikes and canals (tulips gone by June) and 240 yr. old working Dutch wind mill(with tours)brought over from the Netherlands. Also, miniature Netherlands village built by early settlers, picnic area and demonstrations of Dutch pipe organ.
Walk the harbor (there is a fee) and view Big Red Lighhouse. Cannot get too close because it is on private property - but good photo op.
Day trip:
Gilmore Car Museum located in the country near Hickory Corners (just northwest of Battle Creek). Many excellent antique cars displayed in historic restored barns brought to the property. There is also a restored(and operating) diner. If you are into antique cars, DH thought this was marvelous...one of the best collections around.
I hope this is helpful and if you have any questions, DH will be glad to try to answer them as he provided most of the input.
Last June DH spent a week in Michigan. He especially liked Saugutuck. It is a charming town on a narrow river connected to Lake Michigan. There are many small yachts docked along the shore. He stayed at the only motel in the center of town. The Ship n' Shore Motel(www.shipnshore.com)is a quaint, recently remodeled historic motel located on the river. The motel is popular and it can be booked ahead on weekends. It has its own garden, dock and atrium. DH recommends staying downtown because part of the Saugutuck experience is just walking along the waterfront, shopping and eating outside in the water front restaurants....also strolling the town in the evening is enjoyable. Some of the things to do in Saugutuck are:
Hand cranked chain ferry -(located next door to the Ship n' Shore)-a fun & unique short ride acrosss the river to Douglas
Saugutuck Sand Dune Rides,located on the edge of town, is a fun and unique experience for kids and the young at heart.
Tour the S. S. Keewatin Maritime Museum (an actual retired Great Lakes cruiseliner)
Old fashioned stern wheel tour on Kalamazoo River & Lake Michigan shoreline. -DH felt this was just okay.
Free concert in the park (one night per week) in the park right next to the Ship n' Shore Motel.
Enjoy the beaches in the surrounding area (they all have daily fees)
Things to do in Holland (DH did not stay in Holland):
Wind Mill Island w/ Wind Mill Garden - has gardens, dikes and canals (tulips gone by June) and 240 yr. old working Dutch wind mill(with tours)brought over from the Netherlands. Also, miniature Netherlands village built by early settlers, picnic area and demonstrations of Dutch pipe organ.
Walk the harbor (there is a fee) and view Big Red Lighhouse. Cannot get too close because it is on private property - but good photo op.
Day trip:
Gilmore Car Museum located in the country near Hickory Corners (just northwest of Battle Creek). Many excellent antique cars displayed in historic restored barns brought to the property. There is also a restored(and operating) diner. If you are into antique cars, DH thought this was marvelous...one of the best collections around.
I hope this is helpful and if you have any questions, DH will be glad to try to answer them as he provided most of the input.
