About Saugatuck, Michigan (courtesy of Wikipedia)

Saugatuck is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,065 at the 2000 census.

Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent village of Douglas became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century. In the early twentieth century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Old Pavillion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building later burned down in the 1930s.

Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, the view from atop Mount Baldhead, and tourist attractions as well as Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which enjoys a worldwide reputation. Cruise ships from Europe occasionally stop at Saugatuck. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan State Game Area as is the city of Holland, Michigan.

Saugatuck's primary source of revenue stems from tourism - though only 1,000 individuals call Saugatuck their year-round home, the population of the town swells to nearly 3,000 in the summer months. In town, attractions include the many art galleries (over a dozen), small, independent shops, and restaurants, such as the Butler (named after the founder of the town, William Butler), Marro's Italian Restaurant, The Elbo Room, Coral Gables, and the Mermaid Bar & Grill. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry departs from Grant Park, near the Star of Saugatuck, a large paddle-wheel boat that gives daily tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.

Other attractions include the nearby town of Douglas, Saugatuck's sister city, and the above mentioned Oval Beach.

Saugatuck is also a gay-friendly town. Many merchants display rainbow flags or decals, and most lodging establishments are comfortable with gay couples. There is an all-male nude beach at one of the coves along Lake Michigan.

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