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One of the best parts of a Saugatuck getaway is how little you need your car. Unlike many vacation destinations where you're constantly driving from one attraction to another, Saugatuck invites visitors to slow down, stroll its charming streets, and discover hidden gems along the way.
When you stay at the Maplewood Hotel, you're in the heart of it all. Start Your Day with Breakfast Begin your morning with a freshly prepared breakfast at the Maplewood before stepping out to explore downtown. Within minutes, you'll find yourself surrounded by locally owned shops, art galleries, and waterfront views that make Saugatuck one of Michigan's most beloved small towns. Explore Downtown's Unique Shops Saugatuck is known for its collection of independent boutiques and specialty stores. Browse for beachwear, home décor, books, artwork, and unique gifts as you wander along Butler Street. Every storefront offers something different, making shopping here feel more like an adventure than an errand. Discover the Art Coast of Michigan Known as Michigan's Art Coast, Saugatuck has long attracted artists and creatives. Several galleries are just a short walk from the Maplewood, offering everything from contemporary works and fine art to handcrafted jewelry and sculptures. Whether you're a serious collector or simply enjoy browsing, you'll find plenty of inspiration throughout downtown. Enjoy Dining Without Driving One of the greatest benefits of staying downtown is having some of the area's best restaurants within walking distance. From casual waterfront lunches and craft cocktails to memorable dinners, you'll never need to worry about parking or choosing a designated driver. Take a leisurely stroll to dinner, enjoy an evening cocktail, and walk back to the comfort of your room at the Maplewood. Experience the Waterfront A short walk brings you to the Kalamazoo River waterfront, where boats cruise through town and visitors gather to enjoy the scenery. Relax in Wicks Park, watch the boats pass, or take a ride on Saugatuck's historic chain ferry—the last hand-cranked chain ferry operating in the United States. The waterfront is especially beautiful in the evening when the setting sun reflects across the river. Walk to Douglas Feeling adventurous? Follow the scenic path along the waterfront to neighboring Douglas. The walk is enjoyable and offers beautiful views along the way. Once there, you'll discover additional galleries, shops, restaurants, and local charm. Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey Perhaps the greatest luxury of a stay at the Maplewood Hotel is the opportunity to slow down. Leave your car parked, forget about traffic, and enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring on foot. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, from art galleries to waterfront sunsets, nearly everything that makes Saugatuck special is just a short walk away. That's why so many guests return year after year—not just for the Maplewood's historic charm and hospitality, but for the walkable Saugatuck experience that begins right outside our front door.
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 Nestled along the banks of the Kalamazoo River and just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has evolved from a rugged frontier settlement into one of Michigan's most beloved resort communities. At the center of that transformation stands the historic Maplewood Hotel, a landmark that reflects more than a century of the town's changing fortunes and enduring charm.
The Early History of Saugatuck Long before European settlers arrived, the area served as a seasonal gathering place for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Potawatomi. The abundance of fish, game, and access to Lake Michigan made it an important location for trade and recreation. Permanent settlement began in 1830 when William Butler established a village at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. Originally known as Kalamazoo Village, the community quickly grew as lumber mills, shipbuilding operations, and wood-product manufacturers took advantage of the region's vast forests and strategic waterfront location. By the mid-1800s, Saugatuck had become an important lumber port, supplying timber throughout the Midwest, including materials used in rebuilding Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. As Michigan's great pine forests diminished in the late nineteenth century, Saugatuck reinvented itself. Shipping, fruit farming, tourism, and eventually the arts became major economic drivers. By the early 1900s, the town was attracting visitors from Chicago and throughout the Midwest who arrived by steamship to enjoy its beaches, dunes, and lively entertainment venues.  From Lumber Town to Art Colony Unlike many Midwestern communities, Saugatuck escaped the devastating fires that destroyed numerous nineteenth-century towns. As a result, much of its historic character survived. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, artists discovered the area's scenic beauty, helping establish Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas as one of the Midwest's most notable art colonies. Today, the community is known for its galleries, historic downtown, beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors continue to be drawn by landmarks such as Oval Beach, Mount Baldhead, the Chain Ferry, and the many historic buildings that tell the story of Saugatuck's past.  The Origins of the Maplewood Hotel The story of the Maplewood Hotel parallels Saugatuck's own transformation. The building dates to the 1860s, when it was constructed during the community's lumber-era prosperity. Originally serving commercial and manufacturing purposes, the structure was later adapted for hospitality as tourism became increasingly important to the local economy. In 1900, the building was converted into the Maplewood Hotel, becoming part of a wave of hotels and boarding houses that emerged to accommodate the growing number of summer visitors. The period became known locally as Saugatuck's "hotel boom," when entrepreneurs recognized the area's potential as a resort destination. A significant transformation occurred in 1923 when Chicago architect George W. Maher designed a new Colonial Revival façade for the property, giving the hotel much of the stately appearance it retains today. The renovation elevated the Maplewood into one of Saugatuck's premier accommodations and reinforced its role as a centerpiece of the downtown district.  A Tradition of Hospitality For more than 150 years, the Maplewood has welcomed generations of travelers. The three-story Greek Revival structure occupies a prominent location on Butler Street, adjacent to the village green in the heart of downtown Saugatuck. Its location allows guests to walk easily to shops, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront attractions. Throughout much of its history, the hotel has balanced historic character with modern comforts. Antique furnishings, vintage-inspired décor, fireplaces, and inviting common spaces preserve a sense of old-world hospitality while offering contemporary amenities. The property currently features fifteen uniquely decorated guest rooms and continues to operate as a boutique hotel.  The Maplewood's Place in Modern Saugatuck Today, the Maplewood Hotel serves as more than just a place to stay. It is a living reminder of Saugatuck's evolution from frontier settlement to lumber town, from shipping port to art colony, and ultimately to one of Michigan's premier vacation destinations. As visitors stroll Butler Street, explore galleries, or head toward Lake Michigan's dunes and beaches, the Maplewood stands as a tangible connection to the community's past. Its continued operation demonstrates how historic preservation can enrich a town's identity while supporting its modern tourism economy.  Conclusion
The histories of Saugatuck and the Maplewood Hotel are inseparable. Both emerged from the prosperity of the lumber era, adapted to changing economic realities, and found new life through tourism and culture. More than a century after its conversion into a hotel, the Maplewood remains one of the community's most recognizable landmarks—a place where visitors can experience not only the beauty of Michigan's west coast but also the rich heritage of one of its most distinctive towns. |
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Reservations: 1-800-650-9790
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