A Triathlete’s Guide to the Art Coast®
Your vacation is a chance to step away from your everyday routine—but that doesn’t mean you need to take a break from your triathlon training plan. Along the Art Coast, scenic waterways, paved bike paths, wooded trails, and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline make it easy to stay active while still enjoying a well-earned getaway.
Whether you are prepping for your first sprint triathlon or building toward a longer-distance event, Saugatuck/Douglas offers plenty of opportunities to fit swimming, cycling, and running into your itinerary. You may even go home with new zest for the next phase of your training!
Start the Day with a Swim
On a calm summer morning, many of our Lake Michigan beaches provide an impressive setting for an open-water training session. Oval Beach offers a wide stretch of shoreline and convenient amenities, including summer restrooms and a concession stand. If you’re looking for a place that might be less busy, Saugatuck Dunes State Park has plenty of water access along with incredible views of the forested shoreline.
Conditions on Lake Michigan can change quickly, so check the weather, waves, water temperature, and beach conditions before heading out. Swim with a partner, stay close to shore, use a brightly colored swim buoy, and avoid swimming when waves, currents, or visibility make conditions unsafe. There are no lifeguards at area beaches, and all swimming is at your own risk.
If the lake is too rough—or your workout calls for measured intervals—make the short drive to the Holland Aquatic Center. In addition to lap-swim opportunities, the facility is home to Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics Masters, an adult program that welcomes recreational and competitive swimmers. Visitors can currently drop into a Masters practice for a fee, making it a great option for athletes who prefer the motivation and structure of a coached workout. Check the facility’s current schedule and drop-in policies before visiting.
Bike the Scenic Route
Cycling around Saugatuck and Douglas can be as relaxed or demanding as your training plan requires. For a shorter workout, follow the Beach to Bayou Trail from Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park through downtown Douglas toward Lake Michigan. You can add mileage by continuing along Lakeshore Drive, where stretches of lakefront scenery make the miles pass quickly.
For a longer endurance ride, the popular Saugatuck–Holland route connects the area with Holland’s south side. Riders can use the bike lane along 64th Street or portions of the paved Beeline Trail along 62nd Street for an approximately 24-mile round trip from Saugatuck. Sections of the Blue Star Trail also provide paved space for cycling, running, and walking, although the trail is still being expanded and is not yet one continuous route.
Experienced road cyclists looking for a hardcore training day can tackle the approximately 50-mile Hutchins Lake Loop. Beginning in Saugatuck, the route travels around Kalamazoo Lake, through Douglas and Fennville, past Hutchins Lake and New Richmond Bridge Park, and north toward Holland before returning to town. Because longer routes include shared roadways, review the course in advance and choose roads appropriate for your experience and comfort level.
Bringing your own road or triathlon bike will give you the best fit for a structured workout. If you would rather travel light, In the Elements Rental, Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes, and Big Lake Outfitters offer local bicycle rentals. Available models vary, so contact the rental provider ahead of time if you need a particular bike style, size, or pedal setup.
Take Your Run Off Road
Running is one of the easiest workouts to weave into a vacation—and along the Art Coast, every route comes with a change of scenery.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park has 13 miles of trails winding through forested dunes and sandy terrain. The softer surfaces, hills, and changing elevation make the park particularly well suited to trail runs and strength-building workouts. Remember that sand, heat, and steep terrain can make a familiar distance feel considerably harder, so adjust your pace and effort accordingly.
For a challenging stair workout, head to Mount Baldhead Park. Its 303 steps provide a quick dose of climbing before trails continue toward Oval Beach. You can also combine the stairs with nearby roads and trails to create a longer session with plenty of elevation.
Prefer pavement? The Beach to Bayou Trail offers a short, accessible route through Douglas that can be extended along Lakeshore Drive or through the neighboring downtown districts.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, stop by Blue Star Community Gym in Saugatuck. They offer day passes, along with group fitness classes, cardio and strength equipment, free weights, and an indoor track.
Build Your Plan Ahead of Time
You do not need to recreate your normal training week exactly to protect your progress. Instead, identify the workouts that matter most and build them into your vacation plans.
Your simple three-day plan might include:
Day One: A fast-paced run through Douglas followed by a relaxed out-and-back ride toward Holland. Be sure to stop at Dairy Dayz for a sweet treat on the way back!
Day Two: A trail run out to the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park followed by an open water swim if conditions allow. Be sure to bring your training buddy along!
Day Three: Recovery day! You may be tempted to train, but your body and mind deserve rest. Walk the beach, browse the galleries, enjoy a leisurely meal, or watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
