Wikipedia says:
Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas, became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular destination on Lake Michigan from its construction in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.
Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, the view from atop Mount Baldhead, and tourist attractions as well as Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which enjoys a worldwide reputation. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan State Game Area as is the city of Holland.
Our Hip Reviewer notes:
This is truly a hip community, located along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, surrounded by picturesque sand dunes. Saugatuck is the epicenter of many western Michigan coastal communities offering a very laid-back chilled atmosphere, and amongst the population you will find an immense multitude of artists and a majority of open-minded people. The downtown is very eclectic, with many far-out shops, including the popular Shakedown Street, offering a variety of Grateful Dead and hippy-related merchandise. Coffee shops are also quite abundant here. There’s also a lot of very cool natural attractions, such as Mt. Baldhead and Oval Beach. The entire scene here reeks of peace. I must say that this town is the ultimate chill-spot.
I own a gift shop just outside of Saugatuck. I’ve been here for years and only just recently discovered that the building I occcupie was the Pottawatawie Campground store and office. This is the place where the 1968 and 1969 Saugatuck Pop Festival were held and I never knew it. https://makemyday.free.fr/69/mc5_posters_1969_37.htm
Since that time Saugatuck has become the Gay Capitol of the Midwest. The hippies that came here in the 60s and 70s are now the arrogant Baby Boomers who own all the Yaghts and Condominniums. All they want to here is Jimmy Buffet.
Generations of local children have been left in the dark. Their parents were to ignorant to realize how cool Saugatuck was back in the day. The Hippie Era is widely thought of as a dark time in Saugatucks history.
My son has a local Rock Band here in Saugatuck called the Smut Puppies. The SPs are like Hippies reincarnated. Grungy long haired Punk Rockers with big time takent. They are starting a revolution. Go to their web site and help them out https://smutpuppiesrock.com Thank You
the ox bow. lakeshore, good place to trip.
Was present at the 2nd festival remeber vivdly the Procol Haru m and Crazy World of Arthur Brown shows other shows are less vivid. Does anyone have access to a color poster for the festival?
Hey now Family,
This is Boomer, and I grew up here in Saugatuck.
My mom was down with the hippies, and so was
my grandma. My Grandma moved here from Chicago
in 1968. I was born in 1973. I went to church at
the Congregational Church, and I worked at the
Nursing Home.
I was on Beach MTV, and won second place for my
dragon sandcastle. I love the tourist….they are so
happy and friendly…I love walking around town and
talking to the vacationers….i get asked out for dinner
and invited into many hotel rooms…HA HA HA
There is a nude beach north of Oval Beach, and I just
cant get enough time to pass there…..so much to do.
If only Summer lasted 4 more months. HA HA
Love-IN-eWE
Boomer Sirius
There is an old saying, “if you remember the 60’s, you weren’t there”.
I’m a local that grew up through a load of era’s begining with ducktail hair to polished condo’s on the riverfront. I suppose Saugatuck has seen it all. So close to Chicago and (gulp) Detroit, it gets alot of influence from every type of character, good or bad. Some hippie flow and all that comes with it. Lots of $, Gay, Trans, Biker, some cosmo wannabe’s and a few with real bucks. Small town bordom and way too much fun in the warm months. The bars far outreach the local per capita population of around 800. You might be suprised by the crowd’s in the summer. No real camping facilities so far. Tons of expensive B&B’s and a huge gay complex in neighboring Douglas. Very cool beach w/lots of wooded hiking trails and great sunsets. My fav’s in town? Sandbar Saloon, Phil’s Saloon, Ida Red’s for eat’s, The Dunes for a throw down party (be advised that its gay) More eat’s at Elbo Room on the river. Oh, North end of Oval is pretty swishy for all you gay folks. Cop’s will NOT tolerate any hassle. Be on good behavior. Artsy Fartsy at OxBo art colony , also some nice galleries in town. You will freeze to death after November so forget this place until around spring. Ultra conservative “Holland” to the north invites a dreary reminder of “middle class values” and uninspired vision (They have HUGE industry on their riverfront, nice). South Haven to the south has great beaches and a downtown that is “trying”. Give em’ a shot.