MLive says: “You'll have to work for this view, but it's worth it. Take the 300 steps up to the top of Mount Baldhead and you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Saugatuck. As with many beautiful spots in Michigan, it will look a little different during each season. Since so much of the view is of trees, the view is extra special during the autumn months. But, if you go during the warm summer months, you can reward your hard work walking up the steps by heading to nearby Oval Beach.”
June 22, 2019
I’ve spent some time in Saugatuck at the State Park, and recently a friend took me downtown on our way to Chicago. I’d never heard of Mount Baldhead, though, despite it being a popular spot. I arrived in Saugatuck around 10 am and parked at Mount Baldhead (which was quite a feat on such a beautiful busy day). I packed my backpack with water and snacks and my camera and took off up the staircase (300 steps up!). It was a nice little workout, especially on a deliciously hot day.
Once you reach the top of the staircase, there’s a nice wooden viewing deck where you can see the Kalamazoo River, and some options for hiking trails out to the lakefront. I took my time to enjoy the views, and cool down in the shade of the pine forests covering the dunes. The hiking trails are relatively short no matter which way you go, but absolutely gorgeous. I hiked them all.
I realized that I could walk down to Oval Beach from where I was, but I hadn’t brought my beach stuff with me! Instead I walked back to my car and decided to drive to and park at the beach. I felt pretty dumb because it costs $10 to park there, and I was like a five minute walk from the beach when I was up in the dunes! Could have saved myself $10 if I had left my beach stuff in my bag! And I would have gotten another gorgeous hike back out to the car.
When I got back to my car, before driving over to the beach, I walked around the park area at the base of Mount Baldhead. There’s a historic pumphouse museum on the river, and some really beautiful gardens. I was most impressed with the litter/pollution display on the deck outside the museum, really calling attention to littering issues in the Great Lakes. Good job, Saugatuck. Take a look:
Oval Beach is a nice spot, but super busy. I was pinched between two families on the beach that both had young, loud, terrible children. Every time I go to a public beach it reaffirms my decision to never have children. Ever. One of the dads on the beach actually said to his wife, “Well, now that we’ve arrived, everyone’s day will be ruined.” Then he started pointing to singles on the beach, myself included, and saying, “Her day is ruined,” “His day is ruined,” “Good luck reading that book now.”
Luckily, I got a good swim in, snacked on strawberries and plantain chips, and got some sun bathing in regardless. I took a long walk down the beachfront to look at lakefront houses, and then packed up after about 1.5 hours, not really loving the crowds. I didn’t take any photos at the beach because it was too busy to walk around with my camera/leave it in my bag unattended to go swimming. It’s a pretty spot, though! Maybe just don’t go on a Saturday afternoon.
Outside of Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach, there are tons of lovely spots in Saugatuck and along the lakeshore in Allegan County to explore and enjoy. I’ll absolutely be back.
