Saugatuck 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 separately.

Originally, Saugatuck was a town known for logging and shipping. It became famous as an art colony and a place for tourists during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, Saugatuck was home to the Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that brought 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 the view from Mount Baldhead. Oval Beach on Lake Michigan is especially well-known worldwide. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Allegan State Game Area, and the city of Holland. Saugatuck is a popular vacation spot for the LGBT+ community, with cultural features similar to Fire Island Pines and Provincetown, Massachusetts.

History

William C. Butler was the first European-American settler in 1830 of "Kalamazoo village," as it was originally named. He purchased land and had a village plan created in 1833. In 1836, the legislature changed the name of Kalamazoo, which was previously called Bronson in honor of Titus Bronson, to its current name. The community was renamed to match the name of the township, Newark. The first postmaster suggested the name Saugatuck, a Native American word meaning "stream outlet," for the post office. This name was used when Saugatuck was officially incorporated as a village in 1868 by the County Board of Supervisors. The village was later reincorporated by the state legislature during its 1869–1870 session.

The village’s charter was changed in 1893. In 1895, the village began using the village general law for its government. The Saugatuck and Ganges Phone Company was established for the village between 1893 and 1894.

In 1968, one hundred years after being incorporated as a village, Saugatuck considered becoming a city and separating from Saugatuck Township. However, historical records on the Saugatuck city website indicate that incorporation as a city actually occurred in 1984.

Geography

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

Tourism

Saugatuck’s main source of income comes from 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 from nearby cities, such as Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit, come to Saugatuck for summer weekends. 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.

Inside the town, 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. Another attraction is the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked boat that departs from Wick’s Park. It carries visitors 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. The town’s historic churches help create a lively community and protect some of the oldest buildings in Saugatuck. The oldest church, First Congregational Church, was founded in 1860. Douglas is also known for the SS Keewatin, a coal-fired steamship once used by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The 105-year-old ship served as a floating museum and was a regular sight 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 the area as the “Fire Island or Provincetown of the Midwest.”

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 925 people, 513 households, and 243 families living in the city. The population density was 783.9 people per square mile (302.7/km²). There were 942 housing units at an average density of 798.3 per square mile (308.2/km²). 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 of any race were 3.8% of the population.

There were 513 households, of which 14.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.6% were non-families. 43.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.43.

The median age in the city was 53.3 years. 12.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18% were from 25 to 44; 44.2% were from 45 to 64; and 21.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,065 people, 549 households, and 265 families living in the city. The population density was 893.6 people per square mile (345.0/km²). There were 928 housing units at an average density of 778.7 per square mile (300.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city 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 of any race were 4.32% of the population.

There were 549 households, out of which 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.7% were non-families. 41.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, 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 versus $26,485 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,382. About 6.7% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.