Saugatuck's Storied Past: A Journey Through History

Have you ever wondered how Saugatuck became the charming art town it is now? It wasn't always a bustling town lined with shops and galleries. This lakeside retreat has a fascinating history, filled with transformation and resilience. From its early days as home to Native American tribes to a booming lumber town and finally an art and tourism hotspot, Saugatuck has seen it all. Let’s take a journey through its past to see how this picturesque town became the place we know and love today.

Before Saugatuck: The Indigenous Roots

Long before Saugatuck had galleries, beaches, or even buildings, the land was home to the Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes. These Indigenous communities had a deep connection with the rivers, forests, and lakes, living in harmony with nature. They farmed, fished, and traded, creating thriving settlements long before European settlers arrived. Their presence is an important part of the area's rich history in ways that are still felt today, even with our town's name. Saugatuck is believed to be derived from the Potawatomi word "shaug-a-duck," meaning "mouth of the river."

A Town Built on Timber and Trade

Settlers, drawn to the region’s towering white pines and easy access to Lake Michigan, claimed the land in the 19th century. The year 1830 saw the arrival of William Butler, a New York native who established a small trading post in Saugatuck that quickly became a center of commerce. Does that name sound familiar? To this day, Butler Street remains one of the most well-known streets in downtown Saugatuck.

The settlers quickly turned quiet Saugatuck into a thriving lumber mill. The area’s expansive forests provided an abundant supply of timber, while its prime location along the Kalamazoo River made it an ideal spot for shipping the valuable resource to nearby towns and ports. Unfortunately, the success could not last. The forests were overharvested, and the tradespeople were forced to move on, leaving Saugatuck behind.

A New Beginning: Art Breathes Life Back into Saugatuck

Another change was on the horizon for Saugatuck. By the early 20th century, a new group of people began arriving in Saugatuck and for a much different reason. Artists, drawn to the beautiful coastline and peaceful atmosphere, took refuge here and began sculpting it into the artistic haven it's known as today. In 1910, the OX-Bow School of Art was founded as an extension of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This pillar of creativity cemented Saugatuck’s reputation as an artist’s retreat.

Saugatuck’s reputation as a place of creativity and acceptance expanded in the mid-20th century when it became one of the Midwest’s most welcoming destinations for the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, the town has built a reputation as a safe, vibrant, and inclusive getaway, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center brings the area’s early days to life with exhibits on lumbering, shipbuilding, and the evolution of the town’s economy. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight Saugatuck’s transformation from a logging town to a thriving resort destination. In addition to the museum, the History Center maintains Mount Baldhead Park & Museum, where visitors can take in breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River while learning about the site’s military history and role as an early radar station. It also oversees the preserved Demerest Fishing Shanty, which tells the story of Saugatuck’s early commercial fishing industry and the hardworking families who built their livelihoods on the water.

Must-Visit Historic Sites in Saugatuck

Want to learn even more about charming Saugatuck? Stop by any of these historical landmarks around town for a deeper dive into Michigan history.

Alongside the Museum at Mount Baldhead Park sits the Pump House History Museum. Originally constructed in 1904 as Saugatuck’s first water pumping station, the building now houses one of Michigan's most popular and well-known small-town museums, telling the story of Saugatuck’s maritime and tourism industries.

While still an active art school, Ox-Bow School of Art's historic campus allows visitors to explore the place where artists have gathered for over a century.

For a truly unique Saugatuck experience, hop aboard the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, the only remaining hand-cranked chain ferry in the country, which has been shuttling passengers across the Kalamazoo River since 1838.

The Felt Mansion is a beautifully preserved 1920s estate that offers tours and events, bringing a piece of the town’s past to life. Though Dorr Felt originally built it as a home for his family, it later housed a Catholic prep school for young men and, even more recently, a prison, with part of the mansion serving as offices for the State Police. In the early 1990s, Laketown Township purchased the land for just one dollar, with the condition that the mansion be used for public purposes and not sold or privatized.

Exploring Historic Douglas

Our neighboring town of Douglas is also rich with history! One of its most beloved attractions, The Douglas Root Beer Barrel, is a cherished local landmark constructed in 1952 by two friends from Flint, Michigan. The barrel-shaped stand quickly became a popular spot for hot dogs and frosty mugs of root beer. After closing in 1978 and standing unused for decades, the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society purchased the structure for $1 in 2010 and led a community-driven restoration effort. Thanks to their dedication and funds from many “stave savers”, the Barrel reopened in 2018 and continues to delight visitors today.

Most of the historical sites in Douglas can be found in the downtown area. The Douglas Walking Tour is a free, self-guided outdoor experience that takes you through all of it. Over the course of 45 minutes (about 1 mile in total), you'll explore a dozen historic buildings, each over 130 years old. You can choose to read the information on your phone screen or listen to the narration through earphones. One of the most significant stops is the Douglas Union School, a beautifully preserved 19th-century schoolhouse that once served as the center of education for the region. Built in 1866, this two-story brick building housed generations of students and remains an enduring symbol of Douglas’s commitment to learning and community.

The Hotel Saugatuck: A Living Piece of History

The Hotel Saugatuck has seen the evolution of the town firsthand. Originally built in 1865 as an ice house for the Clipson Brewery, it is the only surviving mill from the town's bustling lumber era. Over the years, it's transformed into a series of businesses, including a tannery, door company, boat-building factory, boarding house, and more. In 1922, Tom Carey opened it as the Twin Gables Hotel, a hotspot for vaudeville musicians and even infamous gangsters during Prohibition.

The building was relocated in 1936 to make way for the Blue Star Highway and continued to serve as a hotel and restaurant until the late 1960s. After a period of decline, it was lovingly restored by the Simcik family in 1982 and later rejuvenated in 2016 by Tim and Al Heminger, who brought it back to life as The Hotel Saugatuck, now a luxury boutique hotel that stands as a living piece of the town’s rich history.

Experience the History of Saugatuck

From its origins as a bustling logging port to its role as an artists’ haven and inclusive community, every street, building, and waterfront view carries a piece of Saugatuck's history.

If you’re looking for things to do in Saugatuck, start with its past. Visit the museums, stroll through historic neighborhoods, and stay at a Saugatuck Hotel that has been part of the story for more than a century. With each visit, you’ll uncover another layer of the town’s rich and fascinating history.