Over the years, the area has seen many changes. Anything that was left has either been buried by the dunes or scavenged for lumber and firewood. “If an archaeological dig was done they would find traces of the settlement right where it was located,” said Jack Sheridan, a member of the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society.Īn estimated 10 buildings were moved to downtown Saugatuck. Welcome Center Address: 95 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, Michigan 49406. Without the trees, the sand began to bury the city, and it was soon vacated and abandoned. If you have ever taken a Duck boat ride (I’ve done that in the Wisconsin Dells and Mobile Alabama), you’ll understand what the dune ride experience is like. This is a must-do activity in Saugatuck MI. Little did Singapore residents know that by deforesting the area, they were bringing the dunes to life. Frosty, our Saugatuck Dune Rides driver, shares a bit of history during our ride. But they were cut to help rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871 nearly destroyed that city almost 100 miles away. Until about 130 years ago, this Lake Michigan port town was near what is now Saugatuck.įounded in 1836, it was made up of 23 buildings and about 100 people, according to Kit Lane, author of “Buried Singapore: Michigan’s Imaginary Pompeii.” Tracks from the recreational activity became more established through the years. Hear the tale of the village of Singapore and how it became buried beneath one of the giant sand dunes more than 100 years ago. Through October 18 th, you can enjoy 40-minute dune rides among the scenic hills of Saugatuck’s wooded sand dunes.
In 1954 the area was purchased for dune buggy rides. A long sandy beach and 300-acre natural area attract enthusiasts, birdwatchers and hikers year-round. These images from the aerial imagery library at Michigan State University document the evolution of the landscape. Spartan Newsroom - News and information from student journalists at the Michigan State University School of Journalism
#SAUGATUCK DUNE RIDE CODE#