City of Saugatuck
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Chain Ferry

EST. 1857
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Diane, is the only remaining hand cranked chain ferry of its kind remaining in the United States.  Diane is guided across the Kalamazoo River by a chain that is connected to both sides. It is hand cranked by trained operators and departs each dock every 10-15 minutes based on demand. 

2022  Summer Hours

Hours will vary based on weather conditions:  
May 27th, 28th & 29th- 10am-8:30pm
May 30th- 10am- 3pm
June 1rst-9th-
  • Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm
  • Friday-Sunday 10am-8:30pm 
July Daily- 9am-9pm
August Daily- 9am-8:30pm
September 1rst-2nd- Closed
September 3rd-5th- 10am-4pm
September 6th- Closed for the Season

Any changes in hours due to weather will be posted on Saugatuck Chain Ferry’s Facebook Page.
528 Water Street
Cost
​It is $2 per person to ride the chain ferry one way.  Children under 2 are free.  Dogs, bikes, strollers are also free.  You may not take any motorized vehicles on the chain ferry.  Tips are appreciated for the operators.  

​Capacity
26 total passengers, a bike will count as a half person. NO smoking or vaping is allowed on the vessel.

​The Chain Ferry is managed by the Star of Saugatuck LLC. Please call 269-857-4261 with any questions.

Capacity

​26 total passengers including the 2 operators. A bike will count as a half of a person.  No smoking is allowed on the vessel. ​The chains have a considerable amount of slack built into them, in order to sink below the surface as the ferry moves away, allowing other vessels to pass without becoming grounded or trapped.

The Saugatuck Chain Ferry has been in use since 1857 (according to the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society), although the present ferry was built in the 1960’s and is owned by the City of Saugatuck. It was originally used to carry horses across the river.  It is currently most commonly used for folks to visit the other side of the river with ease from Downtown Saugatuck. People choose to hike the dune-wooded trails, climb Mount Baldhead, visit the History Museum, or walk to Oval Beach. For some, it is just a fun experience and ride it over to the other side and then return on the next trip.

Currently Diane is staffed & managed by the Star of Saugatuck, LLC, who took over operation in 2019. All current chain ferry staff are trained and certified in CPR. The operators must also be in good physical condition in order to hand crank the Ferry across the river up to six times an hour. The Ferry will shut down for high winds, fog, lighting, & heavy rain. The crew also takes a 30 minute lunch break, the white board on each dock will post when they will return.  ​

Links

  • ​Chain Ferry Facebook Page
  • Star of Saugatuck Website
  • Saugatuck Douglas History Center Article ​
  • Parks & Recreation 
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Saugatuck City Hall
102 Butler St. 
PO Box 86
Saugatuck, MI 49453
​(269) 857-2603
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Photography by
Kim Zahnow
Erin Wilkinson.
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©2021 City of Saugatuck, All Rights Reserved. All images are used with explicit permission. 
  • Home
  • About
    • Boards & Committees >
      • Board of Review
      • City Council
      • Eurasian Water Milfoil Study Group
      • Fire District Board
      • Historic District Commission
      • Interurban Board of Directors
      • Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Authority
      • Kalamazoo Lake Sewer and Water Authority Board
      • Saugatuck-Douglas District ​Library Board of Trustees
      • Parks and Public Works Committee
      • Planning Commission
      • Tri-Community Non-Motorized Trail Study Committee
      • Tri-Community Recycling Ad-Hoc Committee
      • Zoning Board of Appeals
    • City Charter
    • City Projects >
      • Strategic Planning
      • Campbell Road Project
    • Employment
    • Floodplain
    • Harbor Management
    • History of City Hall
    • Ordinances
    • Social District
    • Trash & Recycling
  • Parks & Recreation
    • Oval Beach
    • Mt. Baldhead Park
    • Chain Ferry
    • Coghlin Park
    • Cook Park
    • John Woollam Trail
    • Jones Park
    • Mildred Peterson Nature Preserve
    • Riverside Cemetery
    • Rose Garden
    • Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
    • Village Square Park
    • Wicks Park
    • Willow Park
    • 5 Year Master Plan
  • Calendar
  • Departments
    • City Manager
    • Assessing
    • Building
    • Clerk and Elections
    • Department of Public Works
    • Law Enforcement
    • Planning/Zoning/HDC
    • Treasurer
  • Forms
  • Links
    • Area Information
    • Consumers Energy
    • Fire Department
    • Library
    • Minutes & Meeting Info >
      • 2021 Council Meeting Info
      • 2020 Council Meeting Info
      • 2019 Council Meeting Info
    • Michigan Gas Utilities
    • Michigan Township Services
    • Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
    • Saugatuck Douglas Art Club
    • Schools
    • Sewer and Water
    • Tax Parcel Records Search
    • Tourism
  • Contact