Douglas – Root Beer Barrel

501 W Center St

Douglas, MI 49406

The Douglas Root Beer Barrel is a lovingly restored icon of Douglas history and culture. It’s a distinctive local landmark that takes us back to early Baby Boomer days when cars had long fins and lots of chrome, when root beer was more popular than cola, and when Saugatuck’s Oval Beach was already a prime summertime destination for both residents and tourists.

The story of the Barrel begins in Flint, Michigan, when two friends, Joe Decker and Harold Kelly, decided they could make their fortunes on the other side of the state by selling frosty mugs of root beer and foot-long hot dogs to people after a day at Oval Beach. They had the perfect spot on Center Street just east of Ferry. But they knew that an eye-catching gimmick would help lure people out of their cars. And so, hour by hour, stave by stave – 125 in all – this superb example of American roadside architecture came into being and opened for business in 1952.

Fennville – Sgt. Donaldson and Analilia Salinas Poppy Fields

5897 124th Ave

Fennville, MI 49408

The poppy field was planted by Joan Donaldson and John Van Voorhees to honor their late son. The sheer scale of the poppies, stretching across the landscape, creates a stunning visual impact that immediately commands respect and contemplation. Each vibrant red bloom stands as a poignant reminder, evoking a sense of solemn beauty and profound gratitude. You can feel the weight of the history and the stories it represents in every gentle sway of the flowers.

This memorial isn’t just seen; it’s felt. It provides a peaceful and reflective space to honor those it commemorates, allowing for personal moments of remembrance amidst a collective act of tribute. It’s a truly powerful scene that leaves an indelible impression.

Poppies bloom from late spring through early summer.

Holland – Big Red Lighthouse

2398 Ottawa Beach Rd

Holland, MI 49424

Don’t miss Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse, and Holland’s favorite, “Big Red.” For a great view of Big Red, visit Holland State Park, and walk along the boardwalk to the north pier (wheelchair accessible). You can also view Big Red from Mt. Pisgah, where the dune staircase takes you 157 feet above sea level.

Holland – Windmill Island Gardens

Windmill Island Gardens

1 Lincoln Ave

Holland, MI 49423

Many visitors to Holland are looking for signs of Dutch heritage and find examples all throughout town. However, THE place to go to get a taste of this area’s Dutch history and culture is Windmill Island Gardens!

Fortunately, a group of City Fathers in the 1950s and 60s recognized the importance of keeping the heritage alive as well as providing a place where community-members and visitors could gather. They were able to procure the last working windmill allowed to leave the Netherlands in 1964. The historic windmill ‘de Zwaan’ is the highlight of our park and stands amongst 36 acres of exhibits, gardens, and natural areas. The mill still turns and grinds grain into flour and a tour up 5 floors is the highlight of any visit to the park.  

Visitors can also enjoy: Tunes from a working street organ – a gift from the City of Amsterdam after World War II. Rides on an antique kid’s carousel – with hand-painted horses and other animals. 150,000 tulips in bloom for several weeks in late April and early May. Thousands of annuals and perennials in bloom through spring, summer, and fall.

Annual themed garden plantings beginning in June through early October. Replica structures, including a wayside inn, fisherman’s houses, an orphanage, and a working mailbox.

The historic Little Netherlands display showing life in the low-countries in the 1840’s when Holland was founded.

A permanent ‘Tulip Grove’ carved from old-growth oak trees. A gift shop featuring Dutch treats, including cheese tasting as well as a wide variety of souvenirs. A ‘Welkom’ movie explaining how Holland was settled and the Island came into being.

Beautiful walking trails featuring natural areas and wildlife including many bird species that call the Macatawa River delta home.

Saugatuck – Chain Ferry

Saugatuck Chain Ferry

528 Water Street

Saugatuck, MI 49453

The only remaining chain driven ferry in the country, it has been in use since 1838. Three pullies keep it in line as it is being pulled across the Kalamazoo River. The operator turns a crank on the inside and this pulls the ferry along the chain. You can hop the ferry for a ride across the river and then take the walking trail to Oval Beach.

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours are subject to captain availability. The chain ferry operates in fair weather only – it does not operate in Strong winds, heavy current, electrical storms or heavy rain.

FARE: $3.00 PER PERSON EACH WAY – CASH ONLY Children 3-10 years old are

$1 EACH WAY. Children 2 and under, pets and bicycles are FREE. Pets must be on a leash.

South Haven – South Pierhead Lighthouse

South Haven Lighthouse

60 Water St

South Haven, MI 49090

The South Haven South Pierhead Light is a lighthouse in Michigan, at the entrance to the Black River on Lake Michigan. The station was lit in 1872, and is still operational. The tower is a shortened version of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, and replaced an 1872 wooden tower. The catwalk is original.