Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area

Located in Saugatuck, Michigan, the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a park and tourist attraction that offers a unique and diverse ecosystem for visitors to explore. Accessible from the adjacent Oval Beach Park, the natural area features hiking trails that loop through dunes, wetlands, and along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and spot migratory shorebirds at the beach.

The area is home to rare plant and animal species, including the prairie warbler and Blanchard’s cricket frog, making it a significant conservation site. The interdunal wetlands in the natural area are globally imperiled, making their protection crucial for the surrounding ecosystem. The historic significance of the area, including the old mouth of the Kalamazoo River and the abandoned fishing settlement of Fishtown, adds to its appeal.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has partnered with the City of Saugatuck to protect and preserve this treasured natural area, ensuring that it remains open to the public for hiking and enjoyment. Grants and donations have played a crucial role in achieving this goal, allowing visitors to experience the outstanding scenic and natural features of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area.