Get out on the Water!

Michigan is pretty much one big glacial deposit of sand with an abundance of water. Saugatuck is one small town surrounded by water and anchored in the dunes. From the Kalamazoo River to Lake Kalamazoo and out to the big lake with the dunes in between, whatever your pleasure, you have options to get out on the water and enjoy. Choose your vehicle: small, medium or large.

Small - do it yourself

In the Elements rents stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. They will deliver your mode of transport to the launch ramp a block away from the inn. Book online at www.intheelementsrental.com or walk in to reserve at 439 Butler St. They also rent bikes, human powered and electric.

Medium - drive it yourself

Retro Boat Rentals/The Old Boat House rents 1950’s era boats (originally designed to match your car) retrofitted with electric motors for you to cruise the Kalamazoo river and the little lake. Relax before or after on their riverside patio for drinks and snacks. Book online at https://retroboatrentals.com

Large - ride

The Scooner Serenity sets sail from Lake Kalamazoo and motors up the river before raising the sails out on the big lake. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy the sail! Book online at https://www.sailingsaugatuck.com/

The Star of Saugatuck paddleboat was designed and built is Saugatuck and makes multiple cruises daily (including a sunset cruise) up the Kalamazoo River and out onto Lake Michigan. https://saugatuckboatcruises.com/

Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the last hand cranked chain ferry in the US and will take you across the river from Wicks Park (one block away) to the dunes side where you can walk the dunes trail to Oval Beach or access multiple hiking trails. Old school, line up, cash only $3.00 :)

Whatever your preferred mode of water transport, get out there!