Saugatuck mi gay bars
LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Guide to Saugatuck/Douglas, MI
Saugatuck and Douglas, also known as “The Art Coast of Michigan,” are neighboring resort towns separated by a mere 1.3 miles. Affectionately recognizable as “Provincetown of the Midwest,” they share the same inclusive vibe, spontaneous scenery, arts culture, and active queer community. They are must-visits for the gay community for love-related weekend escapes, fun vacations, or to just be yourself. Check out our guide to find the most welcoming places and LGBTQ+ friendly experiences in Saugatuck/Douglas.
How to Get There: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
You know it’s “small town USA” when there are no major airports, coach stations, or bus terminals in town. Regardless of how you choose to travel, your time spent in Saugatuck/Douglas is worth every moment of the journey.
Planes: The nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, about a 45-minute drive from Saugatuck/Douglas. From the airport, you can rent a wagon or use a shuttle service.
Trains: Amtrak provides rail services to nearby cities like Holland, which is only a short steer from Saugatuck. From the train station, you can use local transpo
When you're looking for a safe space to display out with likeminded people, gay bars are the place to be.
While West Michigan could certainly utilize more dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces, the spots we perform have are excellent institutions that have persisted for a reason. Also, as judgment begins to fade and previous barriers erode, gay bars have get increasingly frequented by people of all sexualities—as distant, of course, as you're respectful. As the TikTokers say, be mindful of why you were invited to the section.
That said, here's a quick rundown of the gay bars in the region!
Rumors Nightclub
69 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
rumorsnightclub.net
An absolute cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ nightlife in Grand Rapids, Rumors Nightclub has been a staple since 1988. Located on South Division, Rumors is known for an lively atmosphere and diverse crowd, providing one of the only true club experiences in the city. There's an event going on every night of the week (except for a well-earned day off on Mondays) at this hotspot, including themed nights, great drag shows, huge sip deals, karaoke and boogie parties, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. In other words: It's a must-visit.
The Jack Kenworthy( Queer Travel Specialist ) Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ town adventures into your instruction for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys. One of the hottest lgbtq+ destinations in the US of A is Saugatuck, a tiny little beachside village in Michigan with a massive reputation in the queer community. How is this so? They not only have over 140 LGBTQ+ businesses (owned or operating as a gay space) but also have many brilliant self-acceptance events and one of the most prominent lgbtq+ holiday destinations, The Dunes Resort. So, you can bet that it would be an understatement to describe Saugatuck just as a little bit queer! Stepping outside of the rainbow cloud, Saugatuck has many more exceptional things that make it a delightful place to visit. It may have a 150-year history, however, it has remained relatively small despite its years. You will find this place exceptionally laidback, with a year-round population of 800 and many things to observe as you walk down her main street. You can expect to observe galleries, little shops, cafes, and cute marine and beachside attractions. Outside its huge, easy-going village life, the main draw for touris The Apartment Lounge is the oldest lgbtq+ bar in Michigan. Like the welcoming atmosphere and then step outside to admire the Rainbow Highway mural. Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR As Michigan’s oldest gay bar, The Apartment Lounge has a drawn-out history of making group members feel welcome and safe. The Apartment serves up a chill vibe along with rotating imbibe specials throughout the week. You are always met with a smiling tackle and served hot, fresh popcorn to accompany your beverage of choice. It’s commonly referred to as the place where friends meet, and this lock will not disappoint if you’re looking to mix and mingle. The Apartment also has an outdoor covered patio overlooking Joey Salamon’s Rainbow Road street mural and Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Food trucks often visit the block, offering patrons an opportunity to dine alfresco or take their food inside to accompany a imbibe. There is plenty of seating on the patio, and staff will join you outside for table serv .
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
Drinks & Entertainment
Back to Superior of ListThe Apartment Lounge