Winter Hiking & Nature Walks: A Michigan Romantic Escape

Saugatuck’s snowy outdoor destinations make the perfect backdrop for your Michigan romantic escape. Weather the cold together with a scenic winter walk through the lakeside city filled with breathtaking natural beauty. Hike over sandy dunes, enjoy the simplicity of a small city park or take in the picturesque view of a nature preserve together all within a short distance of our Saugatuck bed and breakfast.

Sandy Stroll in Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Wind through snow-encrusted sand dunes and explore the shores of Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the state park offers over thirteen miles of sandy hiking trails over the rolling dunes. Choose from one of four trails varying in length and difficulty for the perfect winter outing. Lovers seeking a simple, yet scenic walk can travel the one-mile Beach Trail for the perfect sunset stroll or the adventurous couple can strap on a pair of skis and explore one of many cross-country ski trails.

Waterside Walk at Oval Beach Park

While Oval Beach is a popular warm-weather destination for tourists, its winter beauty is equally worth the trip. Traverse the lengthy shoreline together and marvel at the sizable dunes glittering with snow or perch atop a sandy hill and admire the rolling waters side-by-side. During your trek you might even spot “ice balls,” naturally formed ice spheres sculpted by the water, which can be seen on the beach during the frosty months.

For true winter fun, grab a sled and climb to the top of a dune for a thrilling ride. The steep, sandy hills of Oval Beach are ideal for sledding when wrapped in a blanket of snow and ice. Couples can also toss on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy a chilly winter hike along the one-mile John A. Woollam Nature Trail that winds through a wooded area filled with icy trees.

Continue your outdoor adventure and travel to the north side of Oval Beach Park to take in the natural beauty of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. The nature preserve has a few hiking trails through its unique wetlands environment where visitors can admire glittering ice and snow on the water’s edge. The area also encompasses the historic site known as “Fishtown,” a location that was once a small fishing village on the Kalamazoo River.

A Climb to the top of Mount Baldhead

Hike hand-in-hand to the top of Mount Baldhead to admire the winter vista down below. The peak of the 800-foot-tall dune is easily accessible with a set of wooden steps leading to an observation deck at the top. Climb the set of stairs and snap a commemorative photo together against the beautiful panoramic view of the Kalamazoo River, Lake Michigan and the Saugatuck area below. After visiting the peak, return to the bottom of Mount Baldhead for a short hike along the one-mile trail that winds through the grassy coastal area around the base of the dune.

Peaceful Hike through Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve

Take it slow with a relaxing two-mile hike through the Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve located along the Kalamazoo River. The trail carries travelers along the dunes to an overlook known as Crow’s Nest, which offers remarkable views of Lake Michigan, the Oxbow Lagoon and the river below. The nature area is known to be quiet and secluded, so you can enjoy each other’s company without interruption.

Interurban Trail through the Mildred A. Peterson Nature Preserve

The beautiful Mildred A. Peterson Nature Preserve and accompanying trail are conveniently located within the Saugatuck city limits. Stretching over sixteen acres, the preserve wraps around a pond where winter wildlife can be seen along the water’s edge. Walk side-by-side along the paved path under frozen tree branches and relish in the picture-perfect winter wonderland together.

Wildlife Watch at the Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary

Located on the eastern edge of Silver Lake, the Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful, seventy-two-acre nature preserve encompassing a forest filled with beech, maple and dogwood trees. The main sanctuary trail is an easy, mile-long trek through the woods where hikers can watch for winter wildlife including the rare owl seen among the trees. After a hike, climb to the top of the bluff to look out over the frozen lake below and enjoy the snowy silence together.

Short Outings through Local Parks

The collection of smaller parks scattered through Saugatuck makes ideal spots for a quick winter walk within city limits. Make your way to one of the picturesque outdoor areas for a casual afternoon spent against a snowy backdrop.

Settle into the sands of the secluded Douglas Beach Park to watch the sunset at the end of a long day spent exploring the city. Descend a set of wooden steps to arrive at the water’s edge or relax on a hill overlooking the beach to enjoy the view.

Relax near the Kalamazoo River at Jones Park or Coughlin Park not far from the center of Saugatuck. The half-acre Coughlin park has a sizable gazebo to shelter lovers from the snow and the wide-open grassy area looks remarkable when covered with a thick blanket of snow. Jones Park is similarly small at only half an acre but provides several benches with a clear view of the Kalamazoo Harbor.

A short drive away in downtown Douglas, Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park looks out over the peaceful waters of the Kalamazoo River. Walk along the lengthy fishing pier with your partner and enjoy a scenic sunset or sunrise from the edge.

After a long day spent enjoying the outdoors, return to your room at The Hotel Saugatuck for a cozy evening in each other’s company.  Select the perfect room for your Saugatuck romantic escape, and book your winter escape now.