Saugatuck is a city in Allegan County, Michigan. According to the 2020 census, the population was 865. Saugatuck is located in Saugatuck Township but has its own government and operates independently.

In the past, Saugatuck was a town known for its lumber industry and as a port. Along with the nearby city of Douglas, it became a famous place for artists and a popular tourist spot during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, Saugatuck had the Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that welcomed musicians and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a well-known attraction on Lake Michigan from when it was built in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.

Today, visitors enjoy Saugatuck’s art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenic views, unique shops, and the view from Mount Baldhead. Oval Beach on Lake Michigan is a famous spot for swimming. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan State Game Area, as well as the city of Holland. Saugatuck is also a popular vacation destination for the LGBT+ community, with a culture similar to places like Fire Island Pines and Provincetown, Massachusetts.

History

William C. Butler was the first European-American settler in "Kalamazoo village" in 1830. He purchased land and had a map of the village created in 1833. In 1836, the legislature changed the name from Bronson to Kalamazoo, which was later renamed Newark. The first postmaster suggested the name Saugatuck, a Native American word meaning a stream outlet, for the post office. This name was used when the village was officially established as Saugatuck in 1868 by the County Board of Supervisors. The village was re-established by the legislature in its 1869–1870 session.

In 1893, the village's charter was amended. In 1895, the village used general laws for its government. The Saugatuck and Ganges Phone Company was formed for the village in 1893–1894.

In 1968, one hundred years after becoming a village, Saugatuck considered becoming a city and separating from Saugatuck Township. However, historical records indicate that it officially became a city in 1984.

Geography

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the city has a total area of 1.47 square miles (3.81 km), which includes 1.18 square miles (3.06 km) of land and 0.29 square miles (0.75 km) of water.

Tourism

Saugatuck's main source of income is tourism. Only about 1,000 people live in Saugatuck all year, but the population grows to about 3,000 in the summer. Saugatuck is a popular summer weekend destination for people from Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. Some visitors are drawn to the many bed and breakfasts in the area. In 2010, Saugatuck was ranked fourth in Budget Travel magazine's list of the ten coolest towns in America.

In town, visitors can explore over a dozen art galleries, small shops, and several restaurants. The Star of Saugatuck, a large paddle-wheel boat, offers daily tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked boat, departs from Wick's Park and carries visitors across the river to walk to the beach, historical museum, or climb the stairs at Mt. Baldhead. The town also hosts art and music festivals throughout the year. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts provides equity theater, music concerts, art exhibits, educational events, a green market, and can be rented for events.

Nearby is Douglas, Saugatuck's sister city. Saugatuck's historic churches add to the town's character and preserve some of its oldest buildings. The oldest church is the First Congregational Church, founded in 1860. Douglas was home to the SS Keewatin, a coal-fired steamship once used by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The 105-year-old ship was a floating museum and a regular part of the harbor until it was recently moved back to Canada.

Since the 1970s, Saugatuck and Douglas have been popular destinations for gay and lesbian visitors from Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, and other Midwestern cities. Some people call Saugatuck the Fire Island or Provincetown of the Midwest.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the city had 925 people, 513 households, and 243 families. The population density was 783.9 people per square mile (302.7 per square kilometer). There were 942 housing units, with an average density of 798.3 units per square mile (308.2 per square kilometer). The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up 3.8% of the population.

There were 513 households, with 14.4% having children under 18 living with them. Of these households, 37.0% were married couples, 8.0% had a female householder without a husband, 2.3% had a male householder without a wife, and 52.6% were non-families. Forty-three point three percent of all households had only one person, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years or older. The average household size was 1.80 people, and the average family size was 2.43 people.

The median age in the city was 53.3 years. Twelve point five percent of residents were under 18; 3.7% were between 18 and 24; 18% were aged 25 to 44; 44.2% were aged 45 to 64; and 21.6% were 65 years or older. The gender distribution was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

As of the 2000 census, the city had 1,065 people, 549 households, and 265 families. The population density was 893.6 people per square mile (345.0 per square kilometer). There were 928 housing units, with an average density of 778.7 units per square mile (300.7 per square kilometer). The racial makeup was 95.21% White, 1.60% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.41% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up 4.32% of the population.

There were 549 households, with 18.2% having children under 18 living with them. Of these, 37.5% were married couples, 9.3% had a female householder without a husband, and 51.7% were non-families. Forty-one point five percent of all households had only one person, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years or older. The average household size was 1.93 people, and the average family size was 2.62 people.

In 2000, the population was distributed as follows: 16.8% under 18, 7.8% aged 18 to 24, 26.6% aged 25 to 44, 32.1% aged 45 to 64, and 16.7% aged 65 or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females aged 18 or older, there were 96.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,317, and the median income for a family was $64,582. Males had a median income of $46,160, while females had a median income of $26,485. The per capita income was $34,382. About 6.7% of families and 11.5% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under 18 and 5.4% of those aged 65 or older.