You’re standing on the dock in Saugatuck, Michigan. The sun is bouncing off the Kalamazoo River, and you see it. It’s bright. It’s loud. It’s got a personality that’s honestly a bit hard to ignore. We're talking about the Ugly Anne. If you’ve spent more than five minutes in this town, you’ve probably heard the engine rumbling or seen that distinct silhouette cutting through the water toward Lake Michigan.
People always ask if it’s worth it. They see the sleek, modern powerboats and the expensive sailboats and wonder why anyone would choose a boat named after being "ugly." But that’s the thing. Ugly Anne boat tours aren't about being fancy. They’re about that specific, salt-of-the-earth Great Lakes charm that you just can't manufacture with a fiberglass hull and a corporate script. It’s a 1947 wooden tugboat. It’s got history. It’s got a bit of grime in the right places. And it’s arguably the best seat in the house for a sunset.
What Actually Happens on the Water
Let’s get the logistics out of the way because most people overthink this. You board at the dock right near the heart of downtown Saugatuck. The boat itself is a classic Mackinaw-style fish tug. These boats were built to handle the absolute chaos of the Great Lakes, which means they are sturdy. Really sturdy. When you hop on, you aren’t getting a climate-controlled cabin with white glove service. You’re getting benches. You’re getting the wind in your hair. You’re getting an unfiltered view of the "Art Coast of Michigan."
The tour usually snakes down the Kalamazoo River. It’s a slow burn. You pass the heavy hitters—the massive summer "cottages" that cost more than most people's entire neighborhoods—and the historic Singapore site. If you didn't know, Singapore is Michigan’s famous ghost town that’s currently buried under the sand dunes. The captain usually gives you the lowdown on that. It’s not a dry history lecture. It’s more like a friend telling you a weird story over a beer.
Speaking of beers, the Ugly Anne is pretty laid back. They have a liquor license. You can grab a drink, sit back, and watch the drawbridge open. Watching that bridge operate from the water level is one of those small thrills that never really gets old, even for locals. Then, the boat hits the "channel." This is where the river meets Lake Michigan. Depending on the weather, this is where things get interesting. If the lake is calm, it’s like glass. If there’s a swell, you feel the power of that 1947 engine working against the waves.
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The Tugboat History Nobody Tells You
Most people just think "cool old boat." But the Ugly Anne is a working piece of maritime history. It was built by the Wiinikka family in South Haven. Think about that. 1947. This boat was built right after World War II when the fishing industry in the Great Lakes was everything. It spent decades as a commercial gill netter. It has seen thousands of pounds of whitefish and perch cross its decks long before it ever carried a tourist with a camera.
The transition from a working fish tug to a tour boat wasn't just a paint job. It required preserving the soul of the vessel while making it safe for families. When you look at the lines of the boat, you’re looking at a design meant to break ice and survive November gales. That’s why it looks "ugly" to some—it’s functional. It’s a tank. In a world of plastic boats, the Anne is a steel and wood survivor.
The current owners and captains treat it like a family member. You can tell. They know every quirk of that engine. They know exactly how much space they have to clear the pilings. It’s a level of seamanship you don't always find on the more "commercial" corporate tours. Honestly, watching the captain maneuver that heavy girl into a tight dock space is worth the ticket price alone.
Why the Sunset Cruise is the Only One That Matters (Mostly)
Look, the daytime tours are great for families. The kids love the noise and the sights. But if you want the real Ugly Anne boat tours experience, you book the sunset trip. There is something almost spiritual about being on a 75-year-old tugboat when the sun starts to dip below the horizon of Lake Michigan.
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The sky turns these wild shades of violet and orange. Because the boat is lower to the water than the big paddlewheelers like the Star of Saugatuck, you feel more connected to the lake. You’re right there. The spray is real. The cold air coming off the big lake hits you. It’s visceral.
- Pro Tip: It gets cold. Even in July. The Lake Michigan breeze does not care that it was 90 degrees on land. Bring a hoodie. Seriously.
- Timing: These cruises sell out fast. Especially in peak July and August. If you try to walk up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to be disappointed.
- Vibe: It’s social but relaxed. You’ll talk to the people on the bench next to you. It’s that kind of boat.
Addressing the "Ugly" Elephant in the Room
Is it actually ugly? No. Not if you love machinery. But if you’re looking for polished teak and gold-plated fixtures, you’re in the wrong place. The paint might have a chip. The engine is going to be loud. You might smell a hint of diesel or lake water. That’s the point.
The Ugly Anne represents a side of Michigan that is disappearing. As Saugatuck becomes more "boutique" and upscale, the Anne remains a stubborn reminder of the town’s blue-collar, fishing-village roots. It’s authentic. People use that word a lot in travel writing, but here it actually fits. There’s no pretense. You’re on a tugboat. Enjoy it.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re planning to head out, don't just show up and wing it. Saugatuck parking is a nightmare in the summer. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes just to find a spot within a six-block radius of the dock.
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Check the weather. If the Small Craft Advisory is up, the Anne might stay in the river. That’s not a bad thing—the river tour is beautiful—but if your heart is set on the big lake, you want a relatively calm day. The captains are pros; if they say the lake is too rough, trust them. You don't want to be on a tugboat in six-foot swells unless you have a very strong stomach and a love for chaos.
Also, talk to the crew. Ask them about the boat’s history. Ask them where the best place to get a burger is after the cruise (hint: it’s usually the Mitten Brewing Co. or The Butler). They live and breathe this water, and they have the best recommendations that aren't on some "Top 10" list.
Immediate Next Steps for Your Visit
Don't leave your Saugatuck itinerary to chance. To get the best experience with the Ugly Anne, follow these steps:
- Book Online Early: Use their official site to snag a sunset spot at least a week in advance if you're visiting on a weekend.
- Check the Wind: Use an app like Windy or SailFlow to check Lake Michigan conditions. A west wind over 15 knots means the lake will be "spicy."
- Pack a "Boat Bag": Include a windbreaker, polarized sunglasses (to see past the glare on the water), and cash for tipping the crew. They work hard to keep that old girl running.
- Arrive Early: Grab a coffee or a drink at a nearby spot like Uncommon Coffee Roasters and walk the boardwalk before boarding. It builds the mood.
The Ugly Anne isn't just a boat ride. It’s a connection to 1947, to the fishing history of the Great Lakes, and to the raw beauty of the Michigan coastline. It’s loud, it’s old, and it’s perfect.