Saugatuck mi gay

Many of the main gay bars are found at The Dunes Resort, which has been labeled the gay cultural center of the village. The space also played host to cabaret acts, striptease, and all sorts of queer events. The roads leading to Saugatuck have beautiful scenery, especially the views of Lake Michigan.

Buses: Budget-friendly transportation that allows you to “leave the driving to us,” the closest bus station to Saugatuck/Douglas is in Holland, about a 12 mile drive away.

How LGBTQ+ Welcoming Is Saugatuck/Douglas

Saugatuck/Douglas are small towns with big hearts for the queer community.

For most of her life, she lived with a partner, Mabel “Jims” Warren, with whom, historians say, she enjoyed a romantic relationship.

“It seems pretty clear that she would probably identify as a lesbian today,” says Gollannek, noting that her identity wasn’t wholly unique in the local community.

“We have a number of examples like that, looking back to the 1920s and ’30s, where we can point to women in relationships with some pretty strong evidence to say ‘these are same-sex couples.’”

While the area’s gay male history has tended to be more visible, according to Gollannek, queer women vacationed and moved into the area over the same spans men have, but tended to live out their identities in ways that were “more subtle” and “less conspicuous” throughout the area’s early history.

While queer women’s activities in the area included the establishment of businesses like Hunn’s from the 1930s, they extended, too, to the establishment of women-run queer campgrounds in the area much later, in the 1970s, and to ownership of many local businesses today.

Throughout the 1950s, queer culture found traction not only via Saugatuck’s beaches, which remained popular, but unofficially within business settings, as well.

Part of this experience includes a guide that will tell you about the region’s history and lead you through navigating your boat, with various stops for a break and photo ops. 

Saugatuck Douglas Antique Market

Saugatuck offers a brilliant shopping experience with various shops down her main street; however, it’s even more special when they make an entire event with it.

The cruise has scenic views and light-hearted narration that adds fun to the journey, making it a nice mix of relaxation and discovery.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts – Explore art exhibits, enjoy live shows from concerts to plays, and participate in interactive workshops where art and performances come to life.

They also have their game room open every day when their bar is available, with a pool just a small sample of what you can try!

The Deck

One of three outdoor bars, The Deck is a great way to make the most of summer and experience an outdoor party surrounded by fellow gay people. You’re going to find that these twin cities have a way of staying with you, long after your vacation ends.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links.

If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. It is a stunning coastline with a seemingly endless flat golden shore and cooling fresh salty water.

You will be taken on a 40-minute drive through the local dunes with an entertaining guide who will take you through the best sights and amusing tales, with never a dull moment. From the airport, you can rent a car or use a shuttle service.

Trains: Amtrak provides rail services to nearby cities like Holland, which is only a short drive from Saugatuck.

The event combines art viewing with casual strolls around town, often complemented by light refreshments and the chance to meet the artists. 

Explore Saugatuck/Douglas and Discover Your Ultimate Queer Escape

For the LGBTQ+ traveler, the towns of Saugatuck and Douglas are more than just a getaway, they provide a space to celebrate and be yourself, surrounded by a community that embraces diversity.

The atmosphere is upbeat yet intimate, perfect for both a quiet dinner or gathering with friends. You will be treated here to free breakfast, a gym, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, mini golf, an expansive garden, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot to chill, chat, and drink a cold one. 

Annual Events and Festivals in Saugatuck/Douglas

Like many small towns, Saugatuck/Douglas likes to celebrate the things they’re famous for through their annual events and festivals.

Scooter’s Café & Pizzeria – Scooter’s Café & Pizzeria is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or grabbing late-night bites and drinks.

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.

By 1961, the area was supporting businesses like the Blue Tempo, a bar that hosted a robust queer clientele, albeit grudgingly, alongside a sizable straight patronage.

“The owner was clearly bigoted. It also has many small shops and galleries like Saugatuck, so you can see how they relate!

Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels in Saugatuck, USA

Being gay-friendly accommodation means that the establishment is welcoming and inclusive to guests who identify as LGBTQ+.

Hire a board and go paddle boarding, but if you are a complete newbie, they have lessons to get you started. They are found right up along the docks of Saugatuck, with outdoor seating looking out on the ocean, making it the perfect place to stop by for a meal day and night. 

The BARge

This cocktail lounge and boatel is always a brilliant time along the shoreline not far from Saugatuck.

If it’s a sunny lunch or a romantic dinner, Coast 236 serves up yummy dishes.

The Belvedere Inn & Restaurant – With a menu that’s a seasonal, creative fusion of local and international flavors, The Belvedere Inn & Restaurant is a food lover’s paradise. While it’s uncertain all these men would identify as gay today, the reports mirror a later history from at least as early as the 1950s to the ‘90s, in which a nearby stretch of private beach became a popular bathing and cruising spot.