America 250: Discover the History That Shaped the Art Coast®
As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, travelers across the country are looking for meaningful ways to connect with the nation’s history. While destinations like Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston often take center stage, America’s story wasn’t built by a handful of famous cities alone. It was built community by community, generation by generation, in places like Saugatuck/Douglas, where the individual stories of Indigenous peoples, settlers, artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers reflect the larger American experience.
The Art Coast’s story may not be found in every history textbook, but it mirrors many of the same themes that define the American experience: creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship, community, and a deep connection to the land. A visit to the area offers the chance to step into those stories and discover how the past continues to echo through the places, traditions, and culture of the Art Coast today.
Follow the Footsteps of the Past
Long before Saugatuck/Douglas became a beloved vacation destination, the area’s location along the Kalamazoo River made it an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry.
In the mid-1800s, the region played a significant role in Michigan’s lumber boom, with sawmills and shipping operations helping fuel growth throughout the state. Just south of present-day Saugatuck, the once-thriving town of Singapore emerged amid the dunes before eventually being buried by shifting sands, earning its reputation as Michigan’s most famous ghost town.
Today, visitors can explore the very dunes where Singapore once stood aboard the Saugatuck Dune Rides (a piece of history in itself as noted here), gaining a firsthand appreciation for the landscape that both sustained and ultimately swallowed one of Michigan’s most fascinating lost communities.
Discover the Landmarks That Tell the Story
Some of the Art Coast’s most recognizable landmarks offer a tangible connection to the past.
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, the last remaining of its kind in the US, continues to carry passengers across the Kalamazoo River as it has for generations, offering a rare opportunity to experience a piece of living history. Nearby, at the summit of Mt. Baldhead, remains one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks—the historic radar tower, a reminder of the Cold War era and an iconic sight for those who have climbed the dune for its spectacular views.
History takes many forms here. In Douglas, the Root Beer Barrel has been welcoming summer visitors for decades. Originally built in the early 1950s, the oversized barrel-shaped stand remains a nostalgic reminder of America’s golden age of roadside attractions, serving classic favorites just minutes from Oval Beach.
The Felt Estate offers another fascinating window into the past. Built in the 1920s by inventor and businessman Dorr E. Felt, creator of the Comptometer—widely considered the first successful key-driven calculating machine—the grand mansion was designed as a summer retreat along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Over the decades, the property has served as a Catholic seminary, where Pope Leo XIV attended and graduated, as well as a state-owned correctional facility and police post. Thanks to a community-led preservation effort, today’s visitors can tour the historic estate and explore its evolving story.
Another local treasure is the Douglas Union School, a beautifully preserved Civil War-era schoolhouse that now serves as the home of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. Widely recognized for its architectural significance, the building offers visitors an opportunity to experience a remarkable piece of the region’s past while learning about the people and events that shaped it.
Explore the Community’s Creative Legacy
The Art Coast’s creative spirit can be traced back more than a century. Drawn by the area’s remarkable natural beauty, artists began arriving in the early 1900s, finding inspiration along the winding river and ever-changing shoreline.
That creative movement established the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency. Founded by students from the Art Institute of Chicago, Ox-Bow provided a place where artists could immerse themselves in both nature and their craft. More than a century later, the institution remains an important part of the community and continues to attract artists from around the world.
Visitors can still experience that legacy firsthand through the many galleries, studios, public art, performances, and cultural attractions throughout the community.
Stay Somewhere With a Story to Tell
One of the best ways to connect with local history is to spend the night in it. Throughout the Art Coast, historic homes, inns, and unique lodging properties offer guests an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, architecture, and character of another era while enjoying modern comforts. These properties offer more than a place to sleep—they offer a connection to the people who came before. Explore our guide here and discover some of the area’s most memorable historic stays.
Dig Deeper Into the Stories
Over the decades, the area’s creative culture helped foster a spirit of openness that welcomed people seeking inspiration, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. Artists, entrepreneurs, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and countless other free thinkers found a place where individuality was celebrated, helping shape the inclusive and welcoming character that continues to define the Art Coast today.
Want to learn more? The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center preserves and shares the stories that have shaped this community for generations. Through exhibits, archives, programs, and educational resources, the organization helps connect visitors with the people, places, and moments that make the Art Coast unique.
Historical photos courtesy of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
