MICHIGAN, USA — Saugatuck, Michigan, has been a destination for travelers since the end of the Civil War. It's true that art lovers have made this one of the Midwest's most popular stops for painting, glass and ceramics — but this town simply isn't the Michigan Mecca that it seems to be without water.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, less than 1,000 people call this place home. But in the summer, on any given day, 10,000 people are here. Many of them are in boats they own or hop on for a memorable ride.
The Star of Saugatuck II offers daily cruises on Lake Kalamazoo and into Lake Michigan.
Local businessmen bought the vessel five years ago to keep it from leaving the town. Manager Julie Ziemann said that move has changed the town because it kept a 40-year legacy in place.
"It's great to hear the stories and see the smiles on their faces and have them bring their grandchildren here. And, actually, you talked to Captain Steven, he had a picture of his mom and him when he was 5 actually driving the first Star of Saugatuck. It's a multigenerational thing," Ziemann said.
Chuck's Big Adventure: Star of Saugatuck
The town offers retro boat rides, space for small boats and large yachts and even a nearby tall ship.
For Ziemann, the water sports and opportunities help fill out the whole unique tourism experience.
"We have so many great restaurants, the art community and we have the water. It's great to see people on the water that have never seen the water before, that don't realize how big Lake Michigan is," Ziemann said.
The town is separated by the Kalamazoo River, but a shortcut to get across the river is a little known and very rare type of transportation.
The hand-cranked Chain Ferry is one of only two remaining in the world. Manned by two hard-working sailors, the ferry takes passengers across the river at $3 a pop, bypassing the road that goes around the town and giving riders a unique and one-of-a-kind experience. Dan Antel has been part of the Chain Ferry crew for seven years.
"The Chain Ferry was established in 1857. Back then, this was the only way that they could cross," Antel said.
This is the third Chain Ferry, and the current boat was christened in 1956. The boat is hand-cranked and a 400-foot chain is strung along the river.
"It really kicks up on July 4th, and it is the big starting point because the kids get out and the people slowly start to trickle in the town," Antel said.
Many tourists have a day of shopping, dining or just walking around downtown, and then taking the ferry to cross the river and visit nearby Mt. Baldhead and its wonderful view of Lake Michigan.
Both the Star of Saugatuck and the Chain Ferry make up the waterborne fabric of this longtime tourist town. Whether the crowds are large or small, visitors still flock to the water, the boats and the peace they bring on a summer day.