Search This Blog

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Saugatuck Chain Ferry

The hand-cranked Saugatuck ferry is the last one of its kind in the US having begun its journeys in 1838. Boat traffic to stop for its crossing or risk getting snagged by the chain that connects the boat to both shores. The boat operator actually pulls the boat using a system of chains and pulleys--across the river. Open every day in the summertime, it takes you from town across the Kalamazoo River to the massive dunes where you can climb the 300+ steps up to the top of Mt Baldhead. The population of Saugatuck is 925 in the winter.  Summertime, it swells to 3,000. Budget Travel Magazine calls it the 4th coolest town in America!

No comments:

Post a Comment