Easy Ways to Experience Nature on the Art Coast®
Not every nature escape needs to be an intense workout. While some travelers come to the Art Coast® ready to hike dunes and paddle waterways, others are looking for something a little more unhurried.
If you’re craving fresh air, scenic beauty, and a peaceful feeling—without breaking a sweat—this guide is for you. And if you are looking for something more active, explore our adventure-packed itinerary here.
Wander at Your Own Pace
Even a casual walk outdoors improves blood flow, boosts your mood, and lowers stress. That’s why starting your day with a low-intensity walk can work wonders for your outlook.
The boardwalk trails at New Richmond Bridge Park in Fennville offer a peaceful, flat path through wetlands and along the Kalamazoo River. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace—pausing to look for birds or watch the rippling water while enjoying a historic swing bridge built in 1879.
For something a little more tucked away, head toward the trails surrounding the Ox-Bow Lagoon near the Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency. The paths here are easygoing and shaded, with water views that feel almost meditative.
If you’re drawn to a more traditional park setting, Saugatuck Dunes State Park has a few flatter, shorter trail options where you can enjoy the forest without tackling the more demanding dune climbs. During the spring and summer months, be on the lookout for native wildflowers popping up along the paths.
Take a Slow Ride
If a leisurely bike ride is more your speed, check out the Beach to Bayou Trail. This smooth, scenic route connects some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes—from waterfront views of the Kalamazoo River to wooded stretches. Start near Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park in Douglas. It’s ideal for a relaxed ride, whether you bring your own bike or rent one locally from Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes or In the Elements Rental.
For a route the locals love, check out Lakeshore Drive, which runs along Lake Michigan. This quiet, tree-lined road is mostly flat with a few rolling sections and offers beautiful glimpses of the lake and dunes.
Interested in exploring Douglas and Saugatuck’s shopping districts after communing with nature? Pedal a cruiser bike past shops, restaurants, and ice cream stands. Easy to navigate bike paths connect both towns, or you can save time by crossing the Kalamazoo River on Saugatuck’s Chain Ferry.
Escape to the Lake
No Art Coast itinerary is complete without time on the Big Lake—and luckily, you don’t have to climb a dune to enjoy it.
Oval Beach is one of the most celebrated beaches in the Midwest, and it’s also one of the most accessible. With a direct route from the parking area, you can step onto the sand with ease. Bring a chair, a book, or simply watch the waves roll in.
Hopping on a local cruise gives you a front-row seat to the Art Coast at its most serene. The Star of Saugatuck—a classic paddlewheel-style boat—offers guided tours on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. For a more exclusive experience, Yacht Boat Charters or SeaSun Sailing offers private and small-group excursions.
If you’d like to captain your own vessel, try Retro Boat Rentals or Unsalted Boat Rentals for DIY cruising in small, easy-to-drive boats or pontoons. Be sure to plan your trip toward sunset, because the water is the best place to watch the sky as it shifts through shades of gold and blue.
