Historic Sites
Beyond the locations that the History Center offers, there are several popular historic sites in the Saugatuck-Douglas area. Some are buildings that one can visit, and others are noted with historic markers.
Root Beer Barrel
A concession stand inside a unique structure, it was closed for decades and reopened in 2016 after restoration by the SDHC and Friends of the Root Beer Barrel.
Felt Estate Home and Gardens
This 12,000-square-foot mansion and the surrounding 44 acres have a unique history, beginning as the summer home of Chicago inventor Dorr Felt. Laketown Township owns the property and it has been restored by the Friends of the Felt Estate.
Chain Ferry
Since 1857 this hand-cranked ferry has carried folks across the Kalamazoo River. It is the only remaining hand-cranked ferry of its kind in the United States.
Mt Baldhead Radar Station
The Saugatuck Gap Filler Radar Annex atop Mt Baldhead is a rare surviving fragment of a Cold War early warning defense system operating from 1957-1968. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your next visit to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center or the Museum at Mount Baldhead.