Dubbed the ‘Cape Cod of the Midwest’, the artistic idyll is a hidden gem that ranks among the best waterfront towns in America

This charming lakeside town has been called “the Cape Cod of the Midwest,” attracting tourists with its abundance of award-winning beaches, spas, and galleries.

Located in Saugatuck, right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is home to less than 900 people.

But the picturesque harbors and bustling city center are now being compared to the iconic Massachusetts town, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Just this spring, the city’s charm earned it a top position List of the 10 Best Small Coastal Cities in the US According to USA Today – only one community in Florida lost.

Located in Michigan, Saugatuck has earned the title of “the Cape Cod of the Midwest” thanks to its local lifestyle

The community of less than 900 residents is more of a village than a town and is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan

“This lakeside destination is home to award-winning beaches, spas, breweries, art galleries and more,” the website wrote of the runner-up, widely regarded as a four-season city.

Locals and visitors alike say that Saugatuck, while traditional and trendy, has much more to offer, including remote, uncrowded stretches of coastline.

State parks, vibrant art exhibitions and galleries also add to the appeal, as does an impressive culinary offering.

With its seafood restaurants and lighthouses, Saugatuck is more reminiscent of an East Coast fishing village. Except this Midwestern town is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago and four hours from Milwaukee.

The city boasts an abundance of award-winning spas and art galleries

The comparison to the Massachusetts city comes from the city’s picturesque harbors and quaint downtown. The city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony can be seen here

While it’s a romantic Michigan getaway for couples, it’s also popular with families thanks to the sculptures in Coghlin Park and the lively waterfront, including the Ox-Bow School of Art on the shores of the Great Lake.

Founded in 1908 by two artists from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this artists’ haven is part of the city’s rich history as an open-minded art scene with galleries, studios and festivals regularly lining the streets.

In addition to the annual Village Square Art Fair and Waterfront Invitational Art Fair, visitors can also enjoy watercolors, pottery and jewelry while strolling through town.

For those interested in making a permanent move to the city on Michigan’s “Art Coast,” Zillow currently offers approximately 50 lakefront homes for sale at affordable prices.

The city offers a unique charm more akin to Cape Cod than to the communities across the lake near Milwaukee and Chicago

Despite all this, it’s clear that Saugatuck is essentially a quiet fishing village, not all that different from the towns on the East Coast.

While the most palatial homes cost in the millions, a three- or four-bedroom property is likely to cost between $150,000 and $300,000.

However, home prices have risen sharply in 2024: in August, the average three-bedroom home sold for $605,000, up 6.6 percent from the same period last year.