Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area - Sagatuck, Michigan - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Taken from website: "Hiking trails loop through the dunes, around wetlands, to the north shore of the Oxbow Lagoon, along the Kalamazoo River channel, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering scenic views at every turn. At the beach, look for migratory shorebirds including gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and terns.

This area has historic significance as the site of the original mouth of the Kalamazoo River. In 1906, the present channel was constructed and blowing sand closed the original river mouth, creating the Oxbow Lagoon. Visitors can still see the old pilings from the original river opening extending out into Lake Michigan.

A fishing settlement known as Fishtown was located on the north side of what is now the Oxbow Lagoon. The site was abandoned when the original mouth drifted closed soon after the opening of the present channel.

For much of the 20th century, this area was in private ownership and was not open to the public.

Due to the natural and historic significance, the Land Conservancy partnered with the City of Saugatuck to permanently protect this treasured natural area. In December 2011, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area transferred to Saugatuck to become a city park.

For the first time in a century, this area opened to all members of the public for hiking and the enjoyment of its outstanding scenic and natural features. Grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Coastal & Estuarine Land Conservation Program, along with generous donations from more than 600 private donors were crucial in achieving this goal."

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 173 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Taken from website: "Hiking the trails through the open dune and wetland landscape of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area can get hot during the middle of a summer day, but all trails lead to the water’s edge on the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, the Kalamazoo River, or the small Oxbow Lagoon. Trail length: 2.5 miles" What points of interest are there?: Lake Michigan Oxbow Lagoon Wildlife(state threatened and endangered) Rare Vegetation Scenic Views What activities are available?: Hiking List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): No known hazards Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   01/26/2019 theHostas visited it