 There's something magical about summer in Saugatuck, Michigan. Mornings begin with the aroma of fresh coffee, afternoons are spent on award-winning beaches, and evenings end with unforgettable Lake Michigan sunsets. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking for a relaxing weekend away, there's no better place to stay than the historic Maplewood Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Saugatuck, the Maplewood Hotel offers the perfect blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and walkable convenience. Here's how to spend an unforgettable 48 hours exploring Michigan's beloved Art Coast.  Friday Evening: Arrive and Unwind Check in to the Maplewood Hotel and settle into one of our individually decorated guest rooms. Built in the 1860s, the hotel has welcomed travelers for more than 160 years, offering timeless hospitality in one of Michigan's most charming small towns. One of the greatest advantages of staying at the Maplewood is its location. Once you've parked your car, you can spend the weekend exploring downtown Saugatuck on foot. Take a leisurely stroll along Butler Street, where you'll discover boutique shops, art galleries, local bookstores, and inviting cafés. Saugatuck is known as Michigan's Art Coast®, with dozens of galleries showcasing everything from paintings and sculpture to handcrafted jewelry and glass art. As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of downtown's excellent restaurants before taking a relaxing walk along the Kalamazoo River. End the night with ice cream or a cocktail while watching boats return to the harbor.  Saturday Morning: A Homemade Breakfast Wake up to one of the Maplewood Hotel's favorite traditions—our complimentary homemade breakfast. Served each morning in our historic dining room or on the seasonal screened porch overlooking the park, breakfast is the perfect way to begin your day. Enjoy fresh fruit, yogurt, baked treats, hot coffee, and a rotating hot entrée prepared with care before heading out to explore. After breakfast, wander through downtown's locally owned boutiques and galleries or stop for a cup of coffee before beginning your day's adventure.  Saturday Afternoon: Experience Lake Michigan No trip to Saugatuck is complete without visiting beautiful Oval Beach, consistently recognized as one of Michigan's premier beaches for its expansive shoreline, soft sand, and stunning sunsets. Getting there is part of the fun. Ride the historic Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River and climb the famous Mt. Baldhead stairs for breathtaking panoramic views before descending through the dunes to the beach. Visitors can also drive directly to Oval Beach if they prefer. Spend the afternoon swimming, reading under an umbrella, walking along the shoreline, or simply relaxing while enjoying the refreshing Lake Michigan breeze.  Saturday Evening: Summer Nights in Downtown Saugatuck Return to the Maplewood Hotel to freshen up before another evening downtown. Summer evenings in Saugatuck are filled with energy. Browse galleries that stay open later, listen to live music, enjoy dinner on an outdoor patio, or catch a performance at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Throughout the summer, the community hosts festivals, concerts, art fairs, and special events that give every weekend its own unique atmosphere. After dinner, take one final stroll through downtown before returning to the peaceful surroundings of the Maplewood Hotel for a restful night's sleep.  Sunday Morning: Slow Down Before Heading Home Start your final morning with another delicious breakfast before taking one last walk through town. If time allows, rent bicycles and explore Saugatuck's scenic bike paths, visit another nearby beach, or browse a few more local shops before beginning your drive home. Many guests discover that one weekend simply isn't enough and begin planning their next visit before they even leave. Why Stay at Maplewood Hotel? At the Maplewood Hotel, you're not just booking a room—you're experiencing one of Saugatuck's historic landmarks. Guests love our:
Whether you're visiting for your first trip to Saugatuck or returning for another summer escape, the Maplewood Hotel is the perfect home base for exploring everything this beautiful Lake Michigan destination has to offer. Plan Your Summer Escape
Summer weekends fill quickly in Saugatuck, especially during festivals and peak beach season. Reserve your stay at the Maplewood Hotel and discover why generations of travelers have made our historic inn part of their favorite Michigan getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to Saugatuck—and helping you create memories that will last long after the weekend ends.
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Every historic building has a story, and the Maplewood Hotel is no exception. For more than 150 years, this landmark has stood in the heart of downtown Saugatuck, witnessing the community's transformation from a bustling lumber town into one of Michigan's premier vacation destinations. At the center of that transformation were Edward S. Pride and his wife, Laura Bird Pride, whose vision helped shape the Maplewood into the welcoming retreat guests continue to enjoy today. From General Store to Historic Hotel The Maplewood Hotel traces its roots to the 1860s, when the building was constructed during Saugatuck's thriving lumber era. Built on the site of the former Burns & Whitney General Store, it was originally a commercial building serving the growing community. In the 1870s, local businessman Edward S. Pride purchased the property and opened a furniture store. As Saugatuck began attracting visitors seeking the beauty of Lake Michigan and the peaceful surroundings along the Kalamazoo River, Pride recognized that the town's future extended beyond lumber and shipping. He expanded the building by adding living quarters to the rear and gradually transformed it into a summer boarding house—a common style of lodging during the Victorian era. This marked the beginning of what would become the Maplewood Hotel, welcoming travelers arriving by steamship and rail from Chicago and throughout the Midwest.  A Vision for Saugatuck Edward Pride was more than a successful businessman. He was a civic leader who served as Village President of Saugatuck, helping guide the community during a period of tremendous change. As the lumber industry declined, Pride recognized the growing importance of tourism. His investment in hospitality reflected the optimism shared by many local business owners who believed visitors would become the foundation of Saugatuck's future economy. That vision proved remarkably accurate. Today, more than a century later, visitors continue to come to Saugatuck for the same reasons they did during Pride's lifetime—beautiful beaches, scenic waterways, art, shopping, and a relaxing escape from city life.  Laura Bird Pride: The Heart of the Home Behind every successful Victorian boarding house was someone who made guests feel at home, and for the Maplewood, that person was undoubtedly Laura Bird Pride. Although relatively little has been written about Laura herself, women of her era were responsible for much of the day-to-day operation of boarding houses. From preparing meals and overseeing housekeeping to welcoming guests and ensuring every visitor enjoyed a comfortable stay, Laura would have played an essential role in the Maplewood's early success. Hospitality in the late nineteenth century was deeply personal. Guests often stayed for weeks or even months, becoming part of the household. The warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the Maplewood today reflects traditions established during those early years. The Next Chapter Following Edward Pride's passing, the property remained in the Pride family until 1923, when it was purchased by Frank and Carrie Wicks. The Wicks family commissioned renowned Chicago architect George W. Maher , a leading figure of the Prairie School movement, to redesign the hotel's front façade. His work introduced the impressive columns and timeless architectural details that continue to distinguish the Maplewood Hotel today. Over the decades, the building has welcomed generations of travelers while preserving its historic character.  A Living Piece of Saugatuck History Walking through the Maplewood Hotel today is like stepping into a living chapter of Saugatuck's history. Original architectural details, gracious common spaces, and thoughtfully restored guest rooms remind visitors that they are staying in more than just a hotel—they are becoming part of a story that has been unfolding for over 150 years. While modern amenities have been carefully added, the spirit of hospitality established by Edward and Laura Pride remains at the heart of the Maplewood experience. Every guest who checks in today follows in the footsteps of countless travelers who have discovered the charm of Saugatuck for generations. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, exploring the Art Coast of Michigan, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, your stay at the Maplewood Hotel connects you to a remarkable legacy of hospitality that began with one family's vision and continues to this day. We invite you to experience that history for yourself and discover why the Maplewood Hotel has remained one of downtown Saugatuck's most cherished landmarks for more than a century.  Sourced: Kit Lange, Pride Family, and Maplewood Hotel Archives
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