Art on the Move: A Walking Tour of Public Sculptures in Saugatuck & Douglas

Saugatuck and Douglas may be small towns, but they’re overflowing with big artistic energy. Known collectively as the “Art Coast,” this region of Michigan has long drawn artists and creatives to its Lake Michigan shoreline. While the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and local galleries showcase work from around the country, you don’t even need to step inside to experience the area’s creative pulse. Public sculptures and murals dot the streets, parks, and meadows here and are an important part of Saugatuck's storied past.

This self-guided walking tour is one of our favorite things to do in Saugatuck and will take you through some of the area’s most iconic public art installations and the talented artists behind them.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

400 Culver St.

A short walk from downtown, your journey begins at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, a cultural anchor in the Art Coast. Its exterior garden features several striking sculptures, each with a distinct voice and vision:

Kickstart by Kevin Barrett is a dynamic, abstract form in polished aluminum that plays with movement and reflection. Barrett, a Brooklyn-based sculptor, is known for creating large-scale works that bridge industrial precision with fluid motion.

Nokomis by Jason Quigno brings a sense of grounded elegance with its smooth, flowing lines carved from stone. A Native American sculptor from the Grand Rapids area, Quigno’s work often honors the spirit of his Anishinaabe heritage.

Untitled II by Johnny Blue delivers bold color and contemporary whimsy. Blue, an interdisciplinary artist, merges vibrant palettes with surreal elements that provoke curiosity and wonder.

Inside the center, you’ll find rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and performances. Whether you're popping in for a quick visit or planning an afternoon around a current show, it's a natural extension of your walking tour.

Saugatuck High School - Not Sevens by Zack Wallerius

401 Elizabeth St.
Created with help from Cynthia McKean, this steel sculpture plays with geometry and open space, evoking a sense of motion and balance. It’s just a short walk from the heart of town, offering a quiet moment to appreciate large-scale design before continuing on to downtown area.

Wicks Park – Seurat in Saugatuck by Carol Miron

502 Water St.

Wicks Park features a recreation of Georges Seurat’s famous Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Artist Carol Miron brought this mural to life in 1977, and it has since become a cherished local landmark. The serene park and grassy knoll often mirror the leisurely vibe of the mural itself.

Dockside Marketplace – Smile! You’re in Saugatuck Mural

340 Water St.

Next, head farther down Water Street and you’ll find the cheerful Smile! mural on the Dockside Marketplace building. Bright, playful, and Instagram-ready, it’s a popular backdrop for visitors documenting their time in Saugatuck.

Village Square Park – Big Temptation by Romero Britto & Girl With Puppet by Patricia Daggett-Sinclair

Butler St. & Main St.

Two pieces await you at Village Square Park: the whimsical, pop-art sculpture Big Temptation by Romero Britto, and Girl With Puppet, a heartfelt tribute to puppeteer Burr Tillstrom (creator of Kukla, Fran, and Ollie).

Meander Through Town for More Sculptures

Continue your walk along Butler Street and keep an eye out for several smaller sculptures scattered throughout downtown:

• Check by Gert Olsen at 102 Butler St.
• Whispers by Lameck Bonjisi and Fountainhead by Clyde Ball at 115 Butler St.
• Sunning Bear by Gert Olsen at 502 Water St.

Each of these works adds personality and texture to the downtown landscape, reflecting a mix of abstract, natural, and figurative styles.

Coghlin Park – Family of Man IV by Cynthia McKean

60 Griffith St

End your Saugatuck stroll at Coghlin Park, where the vibrant red silhouette of Family of Man IV rises against the backdrop of Kalamazoo Lake. Created by sculptor Cynthia McKean of CMC Design, this piece represents the cyclical nature of human existence and serves as a dramatic entry point into the area’s public art scene. Cynthia, whose studio is located on Mason Street in Saugatuck, is also known for several other notable works across the region, including Sea Gulls II at Douglas Beach and Roari, inspired by elementary students.

More to Discover with Cynthia McKean

1000 Mason St.

Throughout your tour, you may notice a recurring name: Cynthia McKean. Her studio, CMC Design, on Mason Street, is home to several more pieces, including Friends, Rising Phoenix, and The Eighth Fire, which you can view from the road or explore online. Her work, deeply rooted in local stories and natural themes, exemplifies the creative legacy of the Art Coast.

Cross the Bridge into Douglas

When you’re ready for the next leg of your art walk, follow the Blue Star Highway or hop in the car for a quick ride across the bridge into Douglas.

Douglas Beach – Sea Gulls II by Cynthia McKean

Located at the top of the stairs leading to Douglas Beach, this sculptural group of gulls captures a playful moment in flight. It’s one of several pieces McKean has contributed to the region, and it ties into her broader focus on nature and transformation.

Douglas Visitors Bureau – Big Fish by Stephen Rubinkam, Jeff Blandford & Josh Russell

Outside the visitors center, you’ll be greeted by Big Fish, a 12-by-8-foot sculpture featuring vivid rainbow hues and a layered scale design. Created in collaboration with local artists, it’s a joyful piece that nods to the area’s lakeside setting.

Douglas Elementary School – Roari by Cynthia McKean

Drive by the front of the school to spot Roari, a magical creature imagined and inspired by student ideas. It’s a fun example of community-driven art that also showcases McKean’s playful side.

Optional Drive: Fennville Art Installations

If you're up for a scenic drive after your walking tour, head 15–20 minutes south to explore the public art installations in Fennville. While fewer in number, these pieces expand the Art Coast’s footprint and make a creative detour during your visit.

A Creative Way to Explore the Art Coast

This walking tour offers a fresh lens on two towns already beloved for their natural beauty. As you wander from one piece to the next, you’ll find yourself immersed in an outdoor gallery that blends sculpture, storytelling, and small-town charm, all just steps from your suite at The Hotel Saugatuck.

Plan your stay at our Saugatuck Hotel, where every stay prepares you for a day of exploring our local art. Experience Michigan’s Art Coast at its most inspiring.