Get Spooked for Halloween in Saugatuck-Douglas
Are you up for a hauntingly good time? Sure, autumn in West Michigan is the ideal retreat if you love to take in fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and the colorful changing leaves. But for thrill-seekers who like to celebrate the scariest holiday of the year, Halloween is the perfect time to visit, with an array of frightening, ghostly events to celebrate the mystery of Halloween. Spooktacular fun is waiting for you in Saugatuck-Douglas with a season full of spooks, delights, and scares!
For a ghoulishly good time on the waters of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan, the Star of Saugatuck hosts a spirited Boos Cruise. On Oct. 30, leave your land legs on the dock and hop aboard this authentic sternwheeler paddleboat. The 90-minute Boos Cruise is an adults-only Halloween party on the water, with drink specials and a costume contest. So be sure to dress up as your favorite spooky character. Not only does this cruise offer trick and treats, but passengers will enjoy sunset views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan in all of their colorful fall splendor.
Hauntings and History Nights at The Felt Estate
For a bit of history and mystery, head to The Felt Estate during Halloween weekend. Local lore says this historic mansion, an integral part of the West Michigan landscape, is haunted. Do you believe in ghosts? People who've experienced paranormal occurrences within the walls of The Felt Mansion share their stories with visitors. Find out for yourself if the legends are true during a 60-minute candlelight tour of the mansion, carriage house and grounds – in the dark of night. The ghosts won't mind if you imbibe in a beer, wine or soft drinks while you do a little paranormal investigating of your own.
A fixture in Saugatuck for over 100 years, the artists at Ox-Bow are coming for your soul when they open for Ox-Bow Goes to Hell over Halloween weekend. This artists' colony pulls out all the bone-chilling stops to create freaky sights and bizarre frights. You never know what's lurking around the corner when you travel through the woods on the Spooky Trail or explore the Haunted Cabins. Try your luck with games and activities at the Dark Carnival. Taste devilish potions and spirits at the Cavern Tavern, or party with the dearly departed at the Graveyard Rave.
When you think of a typical Halloween parade, you might picture an event geared toward young audiences. Well, the Adult Halloween Parade in Douglas is anything but typical. Held annually on the last Saturday before Halloween, this nighttime parade is not for kids or the faint of heart. The giant Pumpkin King mascot rises from the ashes at 10 p.m. to lead the march down Center Street. Over the years, the parade has grown to become one of the area's biggest events of the year, drawing thousands of spectators from all over. Watch from the sidelines or join the festivities in the parade route. Costumes of all kinds come together for an amazing spectacle – from superheroes and villains to ghoulish and gruesome beings, to zany and risqué characters. Come out for an undeniably fun time that's been entertaining crowds for over 20 years.
