History Hike from Oval Beach

About the Event

Journey into history with us on a hike co-sponsored by the Radar Hill Hiking Club. During this 3.5-mile walk through the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, we will explore the rich history of the Kalamazoo River mouth between 1820 and 1920. This area was once a bustling hub for traders, settlers, and sailors.

We will meet at 1:30 pm at the north end of Oval Beach parking lot (at the end of Perryman Street in Saugatuck). Amateur historian Chris Clark will lead the two-hour-plus trek, sharing information about early settlement, the old channel, lighthouses, piers, Fishtown, and even a shipwreck!

Wear appropriate shoes, as the hike will involve sandy terrain, some short climbs, and perhaps some mud. It may be warm, so please bring water. Sorry, dogs aren’t allowed in the Harbor Natural Area.