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?

A. click here for directions

Q. Can you have a wedding ceremony on Oval beach or in the gazebo downtown?

A. Yes, however you must fill out a special events permit form to receive permission from the City of Saugatuck. You may download the form at their website; saugatuckcity.com or call the City of Saugatuck at (269) 857-2603.

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. Memorial Day through Labor Day 9am - 7pm, $5 per car weekdays, $8 per car weekends & holidays

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. There is an ordinance in the City of Saugatuck that prohibits dogs being on the beach during the daytime hours. However, many people bring their pets in the evening after 7pm.

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.