Saugatuck mi gay bars
Jack Kenworthy( Queer Tour Expert )
Queer commute expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ capital adventures into your guide for guarded, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
One of the hottest gay destinations in the US of A is Saugatuck, a tiny short-lived beachside village in Michigan with a massive reputation in the queer collective. How is this so? They not only have over 140 LGBTQ+ businesses (owned or operating as a queer space) but also have many brilliant pride events and one of the most prominent lgbtq+ holiday destinations, The Dunes Resort. So, you can stake 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 see as you walk down her main street. You can expect to see galleries, petty shops, cafes, and cute marine and beachside attractions.
Outside its large, easy-going village life, the main draw for touris
LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Guide to Saugatuck/Douglas, MI
Saugatuck and Douglas, also established as “The Art Coast of Michigan,” are neighboring resort towns separated by a mere 1.3 miles. Affectionately known as “Provincetown of the Midwest,” they contribute the same inclusive vibe, spontaneous scenery, arts culture, and active queer community. They are must-visits for the gay community for romantic 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, educate stations, or bus terminals in town. Regardless of how you choose to travel, your period 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 car or use a shuttle service.
Trains: Amtrak provides rail services to nearby cities prefer Holland, which is only a short drive from Saugatuck. From the train station, you can use local transpo
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
Drinks & Entertainment
Back to Superior of ListThe Apartment Lounge is the oldest lgbtq+ bar in Michigan. Like the welcoming atmosphere and then step outside to admire the Rainbow Thoroughfare mural.
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
The Apartment Lounge
As Michigan’s oldest gay bar, The Apartment Lounge has a drawn-out history of making people members feel welcome and safe. The Apartment serves up a chill vibe along with rotating cocktail specials throughout the week. You are always met with a smiling deal with and served hot, fresh popcorn to accompany your beverage of choice. It’s commonly referred to as the place where friends meet, and this exclude 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 lock, offering patrons an opportunity to dine alfresco or take their food inside to accompany a cocktail. There is plenty of seating on the patio, and staff will face you outside for table serv
When you're looking for a safe room to hang out with likeminded people, gay bars are the place to be.
While West Michigan could certainly exploit more dedicated Diverse spaces, the spots we do contain are excellent institutions that have persisted for a reason. Also, as verdict begins to fade and previous barriers erode, gay bars have become increasingly frequented by people of all sexualities—as long, 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 swift 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 energetic atmosphere and diverse crowd, providing one of the only accurate club experiences in the city. There's an event going on every evening of the week (except for a well-earned day off on Mondays) at this hotspot, including themed nights, large drag shows, gigantic drink deals, karaoke and dance parties, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. In other words: It's a must-visit.
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