Top 10 Fall Things to Do in Saugatuck Douglas
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Set your GPS to the point where the Kalamazoo River meets Lake Michigan, and you’ll find the perfect destination for an unforgettable fall getaway – the Art Coast of Michigan.
In Southwest Michigan, the three towns of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville unite as thriving and inclusive communities for artists and art appreciators. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting — relaxed coastal towns with modern flair. It’s a place that accepts you as you are while inspiring you to grow and try new experiences.
With award-winning wineries and stunning nature views, the Art CoastTM is the ideal fall destination for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life. The tree-lined streets in the walkable downtown areas are brimming with art galleries, unique shops, innovative restaurants, and charming inns and cottages.

Put on your coziest sweater, and let’s start planning your perfect fall weekend to the Art Coast of Michigan!
Thank you to the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten to showcase the beautiful fall season on the Art Coast of Michigan.
10 Magical Fall Experiences in Saugatuck Douglas
With so much to see and enjoy during the fall months in the Saugatuck Douglas area, these 10 experiences top our list to make the most of your weekend getaway.

1. Enjoy fall festivities at a local apple orchard.
For all the quintessential fall activities, Crane Orchards in Fennville is a must-visit location. With over 20 varieties of apples, you’ll have no trouble picking your fill fresh from the orchard. For even more fall fun, take a hayride around the farm or see if you can make your way through the latest corn maze design.

Right next door, Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery will satisfy all your fall treat cravings. Choose from a variety of homemade goods — fresh cider and donuts, pies, strudels, breads, fruit preserves, and more. The menu also includes hard cider and fruit wines, as well as tasty soup, sandwich, and salad options.
Can’t decide on just one flavor of homemade pie? Order a pie flight and sample four delicious flavors!

2. Savor the season on a vineyard tour.
With rich soil for growing crops, the Art Coast has several outstanding vineyards and wineries. The fall harvest season is an excellent time to tour a vineyard and learn about the growing and production process while sipping on wines. Take a vineyard tour at one of these wineries in Fennville:
- Book an Extended Tour at Fenn Valley Winery and ride on their “grape train” for beautiful vineyard views and detailed insights on winemaking.
- Go on a guided walking tour and learn about Modales Wines’ commitment to sustainable and organic farming methods.
- Reserve a private tour with Michigan Wine Company, and discover the secrets to creating small-batch Michigan wines.

3. Marvel at fall colors on a scenic hiking trail.
Surrounded by towering sand dunes, mature forests, and beautiful coastline views, the Saugatuck Douglas area has a variety of hiking trails to immerse yourself in the changing fall palette. These Saugatuck trails are perfect for a fall hike:
- A pet-friendly hiking option, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers four trails, 2.5 to 5.5 miles in length, through wooded dunes out to the Lake Michigan shore.
- Climb the 303 steps of Mount Baldhead for a bird’s eye view of the Kalamazoo River. Head back down the steps or continue on for a challenging, 1-mile hike through the dunes.
- Just north of Oval Beach, wander through the designated coastal dune trails of Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area.
After Labor Day, parking at Oval Beach is free!

4. Explore new flavors of local craft beverages.
The Art Coast craft brewery and cidery scene is top-tier, often featuring locally grown ingredients. The start of a new season provides an opportunity to try out artisanal flavors that have been recently added to the menu. Check out old favorites and limited-time seasonal brews and ciders:
- The oldest craft brewery in the area, Saugatuck Brewing Company has large indoor and outdoor dining spaces where guests can sample tasty brews and play games. The food menu includes traditional brewpub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- Located in downtown Saugatuck, Mitten Brewing Company is known for its specialty beer and pizza flights.
- For brews with a view, head to Waypost Brewing’s outdoor beer garden and taste your way through the craft lagers and farmhouse ales.
- Walk the trails and sip on cider at Virtue Cider, or reserve a cozy greenhouse to enjoy your cider and appetizers inside.

5. Cruise along the colorful fall coastline.
Early fall is a delightful time to cruise along the Kalamazoo River or the Lake Michigan coastline. Several outfitters offer boat tours and rentals through September and into early October. Bundle up and experience a Michigan autumn out on the water:
- Take a narrated sightseeing tour on an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat aboard the Star of Saugatuck. Start your voyage on the Kalamazoo River, and make your way out to Lake Michigan if the weather permits.
- Rent your own classic fiberglass runabout boat from the 1950s and ’60s at Retro Boat Rentals. Retro-fitted electric engines make for a quiet and eco-friendly boat ride!
- Go on a leisurely pontoon Fall Color Tour with TFD Adventure Co., and enjoy leaf peeping in a whole new way.

6. Indulge in a variety of culinary experiences.
Travel throughout Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville, and discover an array of fabulous culinary experiences — top-notch dining at every price point. Here’s a small sample of all the amazing dining options throughout the Art Coast:
- An elevated steakhouse with an intimate atmosphere, Bowdies Chophouse is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, like a well-planned fall getaway.
- In Fennville, Salt of the Earth offers a rustic farm-to-table dining experience, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Every dish is made with love from scratch — from pierogies and artisanal breads to hanger steak entrees and gelato for dessert.
- Enjoy a relaxed meal riverside at The Southerner, known for Southern cooking favorites like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and baked beans.
- A small plates restaurant with an innovative menu, Borrowed Time in downtown Douglas is designed with adventurous foodies ages 21 and older in mind.
- Dine at Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions for seasonally driven eats based on locally sourced ingredients from West Michigan farms.
- For a delicious lunch spot, visit The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry for homemade baked goods, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and a juice bar.

7. Stroll through quaint downtown areas and specialty shops.
The Saugatuck Douglas area is a paradise for shoppers who appreciate specialty shops and boutiques with unique and handcrafted goods. With many shops located in converted historic homes, making a purchase feels like an exchange between old friends. Get an early start on your holiday shopping or find a souvenir from your trip at these shops:
- Discover beautiful and affordable jewelry pieces at Blue Wildwood Jewelry Boutique.
- A gourmet kitchen shop, The Butler Pantry offers specialty food items, bakeware, kitchen tools, and so much more.
- Shop for fair trade goods crafted by artisans all over the world at Lucia’s World Emporium.
- A fascinating collection of curated decor, jewelry, clothes, and more, Endora Bohemian is the perfect gift shop for creative souls.
- For pet parents, Lakeshore Pet Boutique carries a fantastic assortment of premium cat and dog toys and treats to pamper precious four-legged friends.
- A dream for treasure hunters, you could spend hours browsing for antique furniture, vintage collectibles, and more in the 24,000-square-foot Saugatuck Antique Pavilion.

8. Revel in Saugatuck Douglas’ dynamic art scene.
A trip to the Art Coast isn’t complete without engaging your creative side. Shop for a one-of-a-kind painting from a local artist in an art gallery or studio, discover a new art exhibit, or take a workshop to create your own art.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) is one of the pillars of the local art community, which supports a variety of year-round artistic endeavors. Located in a refurbished former pie factory, the center hosts rotating art exhibits, theater and concert productions, film festivals, and educational programs for all ages.
If the SCA building is closed, you can still enjoy walking through the outdoor foliage and sculpture garden!

Art Galleries
One of the greatest joys of visiting the Art Coast of Michigan is strolling through art galleries, taking in the diverse talents and artistic styles, and finding new pieces to add to your collection. A few recommendations of art galleries to explore include:
- Choose a new treasure from Amazwi Contemporary Art, which features vibrant art and craft from modern African artists.
- Admire an impressive collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures from a range of local and international artists at Water Street Gallery.
- For an intersection of wine tasting and art appreciation, browse through 24 rooms of curated art at J. Petter Galleries to find your next artistic investment.

Art Studios
For a unique and intimate look at the artistic process, as well as finished art pieces, plan a visit to an artist’s studio.
Set in the idyllic countryside, Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm is home to Dawn Soltysiak’s pottery studio and gallery. Peruse this large gallery collection of handmade pottery and fine crafts from over 30 Michigan artists.
At Dawn Stafford’s Peachbelt Studio and Gallery in a historic one-room schoolhouse, you’ll often find Dawn creating her next breathtaking oil painting in addition to her completed works on display.
The Art Coast of Michigan is home to nearly 30 art galleries and studios!

9. Play a round of golf on picturesque courses.
If your perfect fall day involves a challenging golf course with scenic views and stellar clubhouse services, these Saugatuck golf clubs are calling your name.
Built by the legendary Arnold Palmer, Ravines Golf Club boasts a phenomenal 18-hole course in wooded surroundings, attentive staff, and a spacious banquet room for hosting events.
Designed in the classic resort style, Clearbrook Golf Club is a well-maintained public golf course with a superb on-site restaurant, The Grill Room at Clearbrook.

10. Celebrate the fall season at a special event.
Trying to determine the best dates for your fall getaway? Plan your visit around one of these festive events:
- Mt. Baldhead Challenge
September 7, 2024
Compete in a one-of-a-kind fitness course through sandy dunes, forested trails, and neighborhood streets. 10K+ or Half Marathon distances.
- Lakeshore Harvest Ride
September 14, 2024
Participate in a bike tour through the scenic countryside of Southwest Michigan. Individual bike routes between 15 to 67 miles.
- Douglas Oktoberfest
October 12, 2024
Come and see this beloved downtown street fair with musical entertainment, rides, games, food vendors, and more.
- Fall Gallery Stroll
October 12-13, 2024
Connect with local artists as you browse through their latest art pieces.
- Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults
October 26, 2024
Enjoy this adults-only parade as a spectator, or don your costume and become part of the parade yourself.
Places to Stay in Saugatuck Douglas
For the full Art Coast experience, take your time to see it all and spend a few nights in town. You’ll find a warm welcome at any local accommodation — whether it’s a cozy inn or bed and breakfast, a downtown hotel or motel, a beach resort, or a vacation rental.
Find the perfect place to stay with the complete Saugatuck Douglas lodging guide.

Plan Your Fall Getaway to the Art Coast of Michigan
In life, we rarely regret the new opportunities we take, but often regret the ones we let pass by.
Make the time. Take the trip.
Autumn on the Art Coast of Michigan is one opportunity you don’t want to miss. From apple picking and wine tasting to color tours and art exhibits, the Saugatuck Douglas area is truly magical in the fall. Your fall getaway memories on the Art Coast will warm your heart long after you return home.