This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Michigan
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published November 27, 2023
×
Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
The more hectic everyday life becomes, the more we fantasize about getting away from it all. If you’re craving a little escapism, check out the tiny town of Saugatuck. Packed with beauty, this hub of art may be the most relaxing destination in Michigan. You’ll leave a vacation here refreshed and maybe a little obsessed with staying again and never leaving.
Located near Lake Michigan along the whimsically named Kalamazoo River and Lake, Saugatuck is a button-nosed town with just over 800 full-time residents. Despite its size, this charming community is a mecca of culture, attracting travelers from all walks of life.
Once a lumber town and port, Saugatuck's relationship to Michigan's creative scene formed early when it became a center for America's 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement. This, along with the town's proximity to the lake, put Saugatuck on the map as a popular— if unlikely— tourist destination.
Saugatuck's bohemian reputation and embrace of eccentricity also made it a refuge for members of the LGBTQIA+ community long before they'd find acceptance in the country at large. These creatives had a sizeable impact on Saugatuck, which visitors can appreciate at places like the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
This artistic vitality imbues Saugatuck with unexpected vibrancy. The strong bonds between long-time residents and the tradition of acceptance are enough to make any traveler feel welcomed and at home.
After strolling down the charming streets, take in the views at Mount Baldhead Park situated on the west bank of the dazzling Kalamazoo River. Here, there's a popular loop where you can get to know other tourists and meet some locals!
Though it might be small, Saugatuck makes a mighty impression on travelers. It remains one of my favorite places in the Great Lakes State, a place that gives back to its residents and visitors as much as they give to it.
The older I get, the more it seems like life speeds up, and the more I appreciate those special places where visitors feel like they’ve escaped it all. To this end, Saugatuck may be the most relaxing destination in Michigan. You’ll be planning your next trip as soon as you leave. Maybe next time, you’ll stay for good.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
