Bike Along The Art Coast
With miles of coastline, lush pine forests, and rolling green fields, the Art Coast is the perfect spot for a cycling-centric getaway. Whether you’re organizing a leisurely pedal around town or mapping out a challenging route with plenty of elevation, read on for tips on planning a biking adventure in Saugatuck/Douglas.
For the Casual Cruiser
There’s no need for a car when you’re staying in Saugatuck /Douglas. There are plenty of places in the area to rent bikes. Check out In the Elements in downtown Saugatuck. They’ve got an array of hybrid and tandem bikes, tricycles, and e-bikes. If you’d like bikes delivered directly to your doorstep, try Big Lake Outfitters. Or, if you want to fuel up on coffee and baked goods before you hit the road, head to Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes.
Once you’ve got your gear, cruise around our bike-friendly downtown shopping districts. Bikes are even allowed on our Chain Ferry, so you can easily cross the river and visit Oval Beach. Looking for a little more distance? Check out these causal bike paths:
The Saugatuck-Holland Bike Trail
This 11-mile route is among the most popular with visitors, offering gorgeous views of the local scenery. Two options include a bike lane along 64th Street or paved trails on the side of 62nd Street (which the locals call the Beeline Trail). If you are up for a challenge, cruise from downtown Saugatuck to the South Side of Holland and back!
Spend the day exploring boardwalks over marshy areas and well-marked bike lanes throughout Douglas. Following this trail, you can safely travel 20 miles throughout Allegan County.
If you’re in town during the fall, you won’t want to miss the Lakeshore Harvest Ride. This annual fundraiser benefits Friends of the Blue Star Trail, which promotes the construction and maintenance of the trail. Choose from 15-to 60-mile routes with stops, including wineries, microbreweries, orchards, art studios, and more.
For the Avid Cyclist
If you’re the type who won’t leave home without their carbon fiber performance bike strapped to their car, Saugatuck/Douglas won’t disappoint. Check out ridewithgps to plan a route or explore routes recommended by others. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
The Hutchins Lake Loop – 50 Miles
If you’re staying in downtown Saugatuck, hop on this route anywhere along Water Street. This 50-mile loop will wind you around Kalamazoo Lake, through Douglas, and along the lake. Then you’ll shoot down to Fennville, back up through New Richmond Bridge State Park, and around Holland. Finally, you’ll close the loop and head back to downtown Saugatuck. When you’re done, you’ll need a cold beverage, so visit one of the many bars and breweries along Water Street when you return.
Lakeshore Resort Loop – 26 miles
If the Hutchins Lake Loop feels daunting, try this route, which is about half the distance. You’ll begin along Lakeshore Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Lake Michigan shoreline. After pedaling east through Douglas, you’ll drop down 66th Street toward Fennville. Here, the route loops around a rural area dense with wineries and cider mills. If you get sidetracked, we understand. Eventually, you’ll head north through the countryside, east to Saugatuck, and across the Kalamazoo River back into Douglas.
Tip: www.ridewithgps.com allows you to download routes to your smart devices and provides step-by-step directions for each route. Apps such as Strava have similar capabilities, but you’ll need a subscription for full access.
