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.
![Radar Dome](https://mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/radar-dome-600x600.jpg)
![A view of the Root Beer Barrel in Douglas. with an interpretive sign to the left](https://mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Root-Beer-Barrel-SDHC-photo-by-Chris-Clark-1-600x480.jpg)
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.
![](https://mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2006-a-felt-mansion-grand-rapids-west-michigan-wedding-venue-best-brian-d-smith-33-copy-2-600x480.jpg)
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.
![](https://mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chain-Ferry-Dock-Saugatuck-Chain-Ferry-by-Nick-Amoscato-on-Flickr.-CC-BY-license-1-600x480.jpg)
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.
![Radar Station Wikipedia image by Mechanique57](https://mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Radar-Tower-Wikipedia-image-by-Mechanique57-600x480.jpg)
Mt. Baldhead Radar Station
The Saugatuck Gap Filler Radar Annex atop Mount Baldhead is a rare surviving fragment of a Cold War early warning defense system. In December 2022 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
NOTE: the building is closed to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your next visit to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center or the Museum at Mount Baldhead.