Family Fun in the Fall

Places to Stay

The AmericInn and Best Western are traditional hotel options, but families with younger children will most certainly appreciate the added draw of indoor pools. For a stay that feels more like home, try a child-friendly vacation rental from Mill Pond Realty Vacation Rentals, Jaqua Vacation Rentals, VueStay Vacations by Casago, Quaint Cottages, or other vacation rentals found here. Or, for a more traditional inn experience that welcomes children, the Maplewood Hotel, built in 1860, is located in the heart of Saugatuck and within walking distance of all downtown Saugatuck attractions.

Things to Do

If you know anything about the Midwest, you know that a visit to the local apple orchard is a must. Our area resides along a 30-mile stretch known as Michigan’s “Fruit Belt”—an agricultural region of abundance where apples and pumpkins are plentiful in the fall. Enjoy some apple picking, as well as fresh cider and donuts, at Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze. Then challenge your family through their 20-acre, intricately designed corn maze. The corn maze is available September through October, and maze designs are changed each year. Other fun fall activities at Crane’s include a tractor-driven hayride and a cow train that the little ones are sure to enjoy.

Just down the road, Bella Vista Farm offers another wonderful u-pick experience with more than 20 varieties of apples, pumpkins, specialty gourds, and seasonal produce, making it easy to a full afternoon filling a basket with fall favorites to take home.

For the quintessential Saugatuck water experience that family members young and old will enjoy, take a ride on the Star of Saugatuck Cruise. This 51-ton double-decker paddlewheel boat traverses the Kalamazoo River into Lake Michigan, giving you scenic views of the harbor, surrounding natural areas, and brilliant fall color from the water. Cruises start in May and run through October, offering a fun and different perspective on fall colors.

For an activity the kids will never forget, head up the 303 steps to the top of Mt. Baldhead for a bird’s-eye view of the Kalamazoo River, downtown area, and Lake Michigan in all its autumn splendor. You’ll also catch a close-up glimpse of the Mount Baldhead Radar Tower, a Cold War relic dating back to the 1950s and one of the most iconic sights along the Saugatuck shore. After taking in the view, kids will love running down the sandy dune on the west side of the mountain, which will bring you to Oval Beach, recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 25 Beaches in the World.” Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy while admiring the scenic shoreline—you may need some energy for the trip back!

If the Mt. Baldhead climb feels a bit too strenuous, check out the Beach Trail at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. This 1.2-mile loop is the shortest of the four trails and offers the most direct access to the beach. Depending on when you visit, Lake Michigan often stays warm enough for a quick swim into early fall, making it easy to pair a scenic hike with a little beach time.

Rent bikes from In the Elements Rental, Big Lake Outfitters or Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes and explore our bike-friendly towns. Biking from Saugatuck to Douglas is a breeze when you use the bike lane along the Blue Star Highway. Or ride along the Beach to Bayou Trail, which is a short but sweet (less than 2 miles) trail that starts/ends at Wade’s Bayou on Kalamazoo Lake and runs down Center Street, taking you to the waters of Lake Michigan at Lakeshore Drive.

Where to Eat

You’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants throughout Saugatuck/Douglas. Start the day with breakfast in Saugatuck at Ida Red’s Cottage, a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and comforting homestyle fare. Over in Douglas, Vicki’s Family Diner serves hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. For lunch, The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry offers fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, a juice bar, and house-made desserts. If you’re looking for a meal with a view, The Southerner pairs Southern-inspired favorites with scenic riverside dining overlooking the Kalamazoo River, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.

Scooter’s Café and Pizzeria is a longtime local favorite offering indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of Kalamazoo Lake. Looking to pair dinner with a little friendly competition? Alley’s Pizza at Lakeview Lanes serves pizza and salads alongside eight lanes of bowling. For more than 60 years, The Butler has welcomed families with fresh seafood and classic American fare—including the famous Butler Burger—on its scenic waterfront patio. And with craft beer for the adults and plenty of kid-friendly menu options, Saugatuck Brewing Company is another great choice for lunch or dinner.

And no family vacation in Saugatuck/Douglas would be complete without a visit to Kilwins Chocolates for a sweet treat. Watch fudge and caramel being made the old-fashioned way in shiny copper kettles, on marble slab tables, and crafted with wooden paddles. Family members of any age will enjoy trying their original recipe ice cream in handmade waffle cones or a hand-dipped caramel apple. Then swing by Retro Bakery, where from-scratch cookies, muffins, cupcakes, brownies, cake pops, and other nostalgic baked treats are made fresh and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.