Chain Ferry, Saugatuck MI
Aug 16, 2019 16:21:17 #
"The ferry in the [Lake Michigan] resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan is claimed to be the only remaining chain driven ferry in the US. It has been in use since 1838. Three pullies keep it in line as it is being pulled across the Kalamazoo River. This is an unusual operation to watch. When it is ready to cross the Kalamazoo River, the operator takes a can of compressed air and blows a very loud whistle (airhorn) alerting all boat traffic to stop. It is hand propelled! The operator turns a crank on the inside and this pulls the ferry along the chain. The ferry goes from the immediate downtown, and after a short distance of about 250' takes you to Oval beach. The ferry beats making the long drive around the lake and then having to look for a spot at the crowded parking lot. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day (give or take) Mon-Fri 11am – 8 pm and Sat – Sun, holidays 9am – 9pm."
The restroom building, painted in the style of Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte", is in the park just east of the Ferry landing. The town shops are across the street on the other side.
The restroom building, painted in the style of Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte", is in the park just east of the Ferry landing. The town shops are across the street on the other side.
Aug 16, 2019 16:39:03 #
Aug 16, 2019 16:43:06 #
Thanks! I've lived about an hour away for 25 years and this is the first time I've done more than drive through the town. I'll be back. Rated one of top 25 beach towns in America.
Aug 16, 2019 17:05:55 #
Aug 16, 2019 18:34:40 #
woodworkerman wrote:
Thanks for the pictures and "POINTING" out the Seurat painting. 
Thanks for looking, and thanks for the pun. I found out the original is at the Art Institute in Chicago, so now I have to go there, too. It's been too long.
Aug 16, 2019 18:56:55 #
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