Saugatuck (/ˈsɔːɡəˈtʌk/ SAW-gə-tuck) is a city in Allegan County, Michigan. According to the 2020 census, its population was 865. The city is located within Saugatuck Township but governs itself independently.
Originally, Saugatuck was a town known for logging and shipping. Along with the nearby city of Douglas, it became famous for art and tourism during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, Saugatuck had the Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted musicians and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular spot on Lake Michigan from its opening in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.
Today, visitors enjoy Saugatuck’s art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenic views, unique shops, and attractions like Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which is well-known worldwide. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Allegan State Game Area, and the city of Holland. Saugatuck is a welcoming place for visitors from the LGBT+ community, similar to areas like Fire Island Pines and Provincetown, Massachusetts.
History
William C. Butler was the first European-American settler in 1830 in a place called "Kalamazoo village." In 1833, he purchased land and had a map of the village layout created. In 1836, the state government changed the name of the area from Kalamazoo, which was previously called Bronson in honor of Titus Bronson, to Newark, the name of the township. Later, the first postmaster suggested the name Saugatuck, which is a Native American word meaning "stream outlet," for the post office. This name was officially used when Saugatuck was incorporated as a village in 1868 by the County Board of Supervisors. The village was later officially recognized as a village by the legislature during its 1869–1870 session.
In 1893, the rules for the village were changed. In 1895, the village began using general laws for its government. A phone company called the Saugatuck and Ganges Phone Company was created 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 on the Saugatuck city website show that the city was officially incorporated in 1984.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 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 way of making money is through tourism. Although only about 1,000 people live in Saugatuck year-round, the town's population grows to nearly 3,000 during the summer. Many visitors come from nearby cities like Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. Some 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 Saugatuck, visitors can explore over a dozen art galleries, small shops, and restaurants. A large paddle-wheel boat called the Star of Saugatuck offers daily tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked boat, leaves from Wick's Park and takes people across the river to walk to the beach, a historical museum, or to 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 space for renting for events.
Nearby is Douglas, Saugatuck's sister city. Historic churches in Saugatuck help keep the town's oldest buildings preserved and support a lively community. The oldest church is the First Congregational Church, which was founded in 1860. Douglas is home to the SS Keewatin, a coal-fired steamship that once belonged to the Canadian Pacific Railway. The 105-year-old ship was a floating museum in the harbor until it was recently moved back to Canada.
Since the 1970s, Saugatuck and Douglas have been popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers from cities like Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids, as well as other Midwestern cities. Some people refer to Saugatuck as 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 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. People of Hispanic or Latino heritage made up 3.8% of the population.
There were 513 households, with 14.4% having children under 18 living with them. Of these, 37.0% were married couples, 8.0% had a female head of household without a husband, 2.3% had a male head of household 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 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. People of Hispanic or Latino heritage 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 head of household 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 household income in the city was $44,317, and the median family income was $64,582. Males had a median income of $46,160, while females had a median income of $26,485. The average income per person 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.