FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What are the hours of the shops & galleries in Saugatuck & Douglas?
A. In the Spring & Fall, most shops and art galleries are open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm. During the summer season, many shops & galleries have extended hours into the evening. During the winter, although some stores may close, many remain open year round, though their hours may be limited.
Q. Directions to Saugatuck & Douglas?
Q. Can you have a wedding/commitment ceremony on Oval beach or in the gazebo downtown?
A. Yes! However, you must first contact the City of Saugatuck at 269.857.2603. Saugatuckcity.com
Q. Where can you go Camping in area?
A. There are family campgrounds in Holland Michigan, 20 minutes north of Saugatuck; South Haven, 20 minutes south of Saugatuck; and Allegan County has campgrounds 20 minutes east of Saugatuck.
Q. Directions to Oval Beach?
A. Take Blue Star Highway to the only traffic light in Douglas at Center Street & Route 31 (Blue Star Hwy.) Go west on Center St., then right on Ferry St to Oval Beach Road. Left on Oval Beach Road to Lake Michigan.
Q. Admission & Hours at Oval Beach
A. Motor vehicle entrance/parking fee charging hours are 9:00am-9:00pm at $6.00. The beach is open from 9:00am-10:00pm.
Q. Which lodging establishments will accept a one night stay on summer weekends?
A. It is not uncommon for our lodging establishments to have a 2 to 3 night weekend minimum stay requrement, particularly during the peak summer season. Most establishments have no minimum stay requirements during the week.
Q. Are dogs allowed on Oval Beach?
A. NO, but there is a dog-friendly park in Saugatuck Township named Tails 'N' Trails which is off 134th Avenue on the east side of I-196. Take 63rd St. south and turn right on 134th Ave. For more information visit saugatucktownship.org
Q. Are Saugatuck and Douglas gay friendly?
A. Absolutely! Area residents are as diverse as the world itself. We are gay friendly, straight friendly, golfer friendly, grandparent friendly, everyone is welcome.
Q. Chain Ferry Hours of Operation & Cost?
A. Memorial Day Week-end, 9am - 9pm.
First 2 weeks in June: Week-days, 12 pm - 6pm; Week-ends, 9am - 9pm
Then 7 days a week through Labor Day weekend 9am - 9pm. Conditions Permitting.
Admission: $1.00 Adults
.50 Children (under 12)
Q. Things for kids to do?
A. Go for a dune ride, take a cruise on a sternwheel paddle boat, ride on an amphibious boat that travels both by land and water, rent a kayak or canoe, charter a sailboat, receive a sailing lesson, go on a sports fishing excursion. And, make sure to visit the Kids Zone: the CVB's website developed for kids by kids.
Q. Where can one go in Saugatuck & Douglas for Internet access?
A. The Saugatuck/Douglas Library, Uncommon Grounds, Boathouse Restaurant
Q. Where can you send and/or receive a fax?
A. Saugatuck Drug Store
Q. Places to have picnics in Saugatuck & Douglas?
A. Oval Beach, Mt. Baldhead Park, Saugatuck Dunes State Park & Schultz Park have picnic areas with grills. All city parks have picnic tables available.
Q. How to rent picnic shelters?
A. There is a covered picnic shelter located at Schultz Park in Douglas that is free to the public as well as one at the foot of Mt. Baldhead in Saugatuck. Picnic area for rent at Laketown Golf & Conference Center. Other shelters for rent in Allegan County can be found at www.allegancounty.org/parks including rental information.
Q. Things to do on a rainy day?
A. Visit the Saugatuck/Douglas Library, tour the Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Museum, go bowling at Lakeview Lanes, work on an art project at Express Yourself Art Barn.
Q. Are there any movie theatres in Saugatuck or Douglas?
A. Although we host the Waterfront Film Festival, the closest movie theatres are in Holland, Michigan to the north and South Haven, Michigan to the south; a 15-20 minute drive to either community.
Photography by Felicia Fairchild - All Rights Reserved
