Outdoor Activities as Spring Awakens in Michigan

During the cold months of winter, many of us elect to stay indoors. Sitting by the fire, drinking hot cocoa, and watching a movie under a warm blanket, all perfect pastimes of winter. However, come spring we start to get cabin fever and the great outdoors is calling. You just need to know where to go!

In our small town of Saugatuck outdoor enthusiasts have their fair share of activities to take part in, no matter the season. You can fish on the frozen lakes, cross-country ski at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and snowshoe on any of the many winter hiking trails.

Stay at our award-winning Saugatuck, Michigan bed and breakfast, we are the perfect place to relax and rest after a full day in the great outdoors.

Go on Ice Fishing Adventures

On the shoreline of Kalamazoo Lake and only three miles from Lake Michigan's beaches, the Hotel Saugatuck is the home base for winter water sports. The fishing here during the warmer months is world-class, but ice fishing brings a unique thrill to winter!

The season for ice fishing typically runs from December to March with the thickest ice forming in January and February. Before you venture out onto the frozen water, remember that safety always comes first. Here are some tips to make your ice fishing trip a success:

• The minimum thickness of ice you should walk on is four inches. Eight or more is preferable. Ice thickness is not always uniform across a lake. Always check conditions first with lake officials or on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
• Take the right tools! Most bait shops sell or rent ice augers with built-in thickness gauges. Spud bars are another reliable option.
• Dress in layers.
• Bring safety gear like ice picks and flotation devices.
• Never go out alone!

Now is the time to visit us in Saugatuck! Every February, take part in Free Fishing Weekend. All fishing licenses will be waived. Every visitor can enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes for all species of fish. Just remember, all fishing regulations will still apply. If you miss this weekend, fret not! Free Fishing Weekend occurs twice a year, with the next opportunity taking place on June 8^th and 9^th, .

You may find yourself asking, “Where is the best place to ice fish in Michigan?” It’s a great question given that this state has over 11,000 lakes. Here are some of the top places we recommend:

• Muskegon Lake – an hour's drive north from our Saugatuck bed and breakfast, along Lake Michigan’s shore.
• Hamlin Lake – a two-hour drive north, along Lake Michigan’s shore.
• Houghton Lake – two and a half hours northeast, in the middle of “the Mitten”
• Lakes Mitchell & Cadillac – two hours northeast.

If all else fails, you can always ask a local for the best hidden places to ice fish. There is never a shortage!

Experience Farm-to-Table Dining and Embrace Local Food Culture

Among the many things to do in Saugatuck, MI, enjoying the local cuisine is a fan favorite. Our village is surrounded by family-owned farms in the nearby countryside of Michigan. The climate here is ideal for the growing season due to lots of moisture, moderate temperatures, and optimal soil. Because we are located near the state’s agricultural belt, you can’t miss the opportunity to savor rare dishes made from local produce and with Michigan love!

Less than a mile away from our bed and breakfast stands Everyday People Cafe. Enjoy seasonal dishes like the Fall Pasta featuring seasonal leafy greens, mushrooms and squashes.  A 15-minute drive from the Hotel Saugatuck will take you to Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery, a farm-to-table restaurant in nearby Fennville. The Crane family owns their own apple and peach orchards which serve as the main ingredients in their famous homemade pies and ciders. To experience a deeper connection to the local Michigan food scene, reserve a space at a Crane’s wine-tasting event and visit their orchards to pick fruit during the growing season!

For you seasoned anglers, what’s a better souvenir than a catch turned into a delicious home-cooked meal? Because Michigan is known for the sport, fish recipes are abundant. Consider smoking fish with a salt and sugar brine and a brown sugar glaze. If eating rockfish, cut it into fillets, crisp them up in panko, and fry in the oven to give it a delicious and crunchy crust.

Explore Michigan’s Winter Wonderland

Saugatuck is the perfect destination to experience the beauty of winter in a calm setting. Classic winter activities are just a stone’s throw away from our cozy bed and breakfast. The extraordinary Saugatuck Dunes State Park lives on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering up to 13 miles of sandy hiking trails over the dunes. The Beach Trail is an easier stroll that will take you straight to the lake’s shoreline. For those who opt for something more adventurous, strap on your pair of cross-country skis and hit the South Trail to experience just over five miles of sparkling, snowy magic.

Snowshoeing is another excellent thing to do in Saugatuck’s winter wonderland. We love to recommend the Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve along the Kalamazoo River. This two-mile trail leads you to the Crow’s Nest, an overlook with spectacular views of Lake Michigan, Oxbow Lagoon, and the river below. After strapping off your snowshoes, come back to our bed and breakfast to warm up by drinking hot cocoa with a loved one!

Finally, for those passionate about wildlife, there are several nature preserves and sanctuaries near the town. The Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary, located to the east of Saugatuck, is nestled into tall maple, dogwood, and hemlock trees. Several short trails scatter throughout for a great chance to spot winter wildlife like rare owls and waterfowl.

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Here in Michigan, we know how to have fun in the winter! The balance of the different things to do in Saugatuck will surely entertain any outdoor enthusiast. From fishing on a frozen lake to skiing over the shimmering sand dunes, your winter wonderland dreams will be fulfilled here. Cozy up by the fire in one of our cottages and delight in some local, artisanal wine. As spring arrives, you will witness the elegance of icicles melting and colorful flowers blooming. Book now and you look towards your springtime adventures. Whichever time of year you choose to visit, Michigan is always beautiful. Book your stay now!