Guests at GROW, visiting on vacation, often ask: “what should I do while I’m in Saugatuck?” I love nothing more than launching into a detailed diatribe on the many wonderful attractions our lakeshore town has to offer. I am a Saugatuck brand evangelist…and proud of it. But, if I have to give just one suggestion, I tell them to get up close and personal with that strange white lofted orb you see as you enter town: go climb Mount ‘Baldy’!
A Brief History
Mount Baldhead is a relic of the Cold War. In 1956, the United States Air Force leased the peak to construct a tower (similar ones were built around the country) to fill gaps in radar monitoring otherwise obstructed by various terrain. In return, they rebuilt wooden steps to the top of the mountain and planted vegetation to help stabilize the dunes. Though it was deactivated for military purposes by 1968, the site remains.
What to Expect
You can expect to get some exercise. At GROW, I run up and down the stairs from the kitchen to our walk-in cooler all day, and my legs still felt like Jell-o after doing ‘Baldy’. To get there during the season, you can take the chain ferry from downtown Saugatuck across the Kalamazoo river. Or, drive towards Oval Beach and follow the signs until you hit Mount Baldhead (about 10 minutes from GROW). There’s a parking lot at the foot. Here you can climb the 300 steps to the top where you’ll find some stunning views. Come back down the stairs, or take the trail on the opposite side down the sand dune and into Lake Michigan. (Just remember you’ll have to get back around to your car.)
Our Personal Experience
Alec and I first made it to Mount Baldy during our first off-season when his cousin came to visit. I always love having friends and family visit us for the first time; I get to pretend I’m on vacation myself! She’s a photographer and wanted to take advantage of snapping some classic Saugatuck/Douglas views from the top. Once we moseyed back down, she realized she had taken off her winter coat to shoot and…left it at the top. Being the chivalrous gentleman he is, Alec immediately volunteered to run up and get it. Lucky him, he got the experience twice in one day!
