Ah, Memorial Day Weekend: a glorious time of year to ring in the unofficial start to summer and more importantly, remember those who have served our country’s armed forces. In Saugatuck, we as a community commemorate both facets. To kick-off to the summer season, we’ve put our umbrellas away and created a “Can’t Miss” list of everything going on this weekend. Whether you’re visiting for the day or making a weekend out of it, we’ve got your Memorial Weekend covered!

In Japan, there’s a concept called “forest bathing” where people spend time in the woods to improve their sense of well-being. In the Saugatuck-Douglas area, we take that concept one step farther, combining the tranquility of the woods with the meditative sights and sounds of the water.

Some towns grow from the inside out. But Saugatuck and Douglas have always grown from the outside in, opening their arms to people and ideas that were different and allowing them to shape the character of the towns.

This is a place where everyone is welcome and anything can happen—and as these tales from local historian Jim Schmiechen show, it frequently did.

With white quartz sand stretching on for miles, inviting people to relax, stroll along the shore, build sand castles, hang out with friends, or watch the sun go down, our 10 miles of shoreline, and six public beaches, make for perfect summer days.