Enjoying a Kalamazoo River Cruise

We first considered enjoying a Kalamazoo River Cruise while visiting in Saugatuck Michigan. On our first day in Saugatuck we sat out along the Kalamazoo River and savored the peaceful passing of small private boats up and down the river's edge. Then around the bend we caught our first glimpse of an old fashioned river boat and our imaginations went wild. It looked at the same time both majestic and just plain fun. We had to know more.

So we took ourselves to the downtown area of Saugatuck, which is really a quaint little riverside village that reminded us Bostonians of towns on Cape Cod like Harwich or Chatham in Massachusetts. Lots of cute shops, eateries and also what we were looking for which was the office and departure area for the "Star of Saugatuck II" a bona fide riverboat that seemed to offer great promise for travelers who had a little time and money to spend.

The on duty clerk gave us a brief description of the the course taken by the "Star of Saugatuck II". Leaving the dock the boat would cruise down the Kalamazoo River and those on board could enjoy passing by smaller boats making their way along the Kalamazoo and marveling at the homes, great and small tucked along the river's edge. He assured us that half the fun of being on a Kalamazoo River Cruise is the knowledge that you are seated on a real old fashioned "sternwheeler". You can hear the honest to goodness paddle turning and churning through the river water and you can't help but recall all those movies you have seen that featured a paddle boat or feel a sudden kinship with Mark Twain.

What we didn't realize,but what the clerk explained, was that the "Star of Saugatuck II" did not limit its cruising to the Kalamazoo River. Eventually your paddle boat will arrive at the entrance to Lake Michigan which looks for all the world like it should be called an ocean rather than a lake. At the entrance, the captain of the "Star Saugatuck II" makes a daily decision whether or not to venture out on to the lake, a choice dependent on the weather conditions present and predicted for Lake Michigan. If the water is calm enough, passengers will get to enjoy some of the beauty of one of America's five Great Lakes.

If the weather permits, the paddle boat then proceeds along the Lake Michigan shoreline, those on board catch a great view of several scenic lighthouses and let their imaginations play with the possibilities of what it must be like to need the assistance of a lighthouse while out navigating in the middle of Lake Michigan.

With a few more questions we learned that Kalamazoo River Cruises are available daily beginning in late May and running through September. In October you can still catch a cruise if you happen to be in Saugatuck on a weekend. You'll need to check at the "Star of the Saugatuck II" docking area for exact times and current prices. For romantics or those who start their day a little later than the norm, you may chose to sign on for an evening cruise on the Kalamazoo. If that's your pleasure and again the weather is cooperative you may have a chance to take in the magnificent sight of sunset over Lake Michigan.

You can add to the enjoyment of any Kalamazoo River Cruise by bringing along a pair of binoculars or just keeping your eyes open full for the possible presence of wildlife along the shores. The combination of being on a paddle boat and spotting wildlife is an irresistible duo that youngsters and oldsters alike can enjoy making it the perfect side trip for great family fun. The "Star of Saugatuck II" is equipped with all the safety devices required by Coast Guard regulation and all the snacks and refreshments required by your kids and grandkids.
There just isn't much that the clerk told us about enjoying a Kalamazoo River Cruise that didn't elevate our interest and lead us to suggest this cruise to our children and grandkids. What a great opportunity to just relax and enjoy American history, geography and beauty as it spreads out before you.

Sources: www.saugatuckboatcruises.com