Cruise Saugatuck Waterways on a Retro Boat

As the summer season winds down and the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Michigan happen a little earlier each day, it's not too late to enjoy time out on Saugatuck's waterways. A great place to rent a fun watercraft is Retro Boat Rentals on Water Street, about a mile from The Hotel Saugatuck. As the name suggests, these boats will take you back to a simpler time and slower pace – perfect for a relaxing late summer getaway in West Michigan.

Retro Boat Rentals meticulously maintains a fleet of rare, classic fiberglass runabout boats. You will look like a cool cat cruising the Kalamazoo River in one of these vintage mid-century boats with retro-fitted electric motors. With their flashy fins and headlights, fun retro colors, and shiny chrome details, these boats are right out of the jet-age era. You won't travel at jet speed, though. The Kalamazoo River is a no-wake area, so the retro boats are meant to go around 4 mph.

For boats that can handle a small crowd, rent one of Retro's donut boats, duffy boats or pontoon boats. While the electric-powered donut and duffy boats travel the same easy-going speed as the retro boats, the gas-powered pontoon boats can go faster and therefore can venture out into Kalamazoo Lake. Ride down to the cove area right before Lake Michigan and jump overboard to do a little swimming alongside your boat. (Some boats are better for swimming from than others, so if you plan to go for a dip during your ride, be sure to ask for a boat ladder.)

Complete your retro boat adventure by ordering food from The Old Boat House to take out on the boats, and pick out beverages they pack in a cooler for you to enjoy on the water. Or after your boat ride, enjoy a casual lunch or dinner on their large patio along the Kalamazoo River where time can stand still just a little longer as you watch the retro boats cruise by.