Gay saugatuck
How the largest gay resort in the Midwest is in Michigan's "Bible belt"
This week Michigan Radio is airing a series called Community Vibe. We’re showcasing one interesting thing about different towns across the state.
Today we’ll visit the neighboring communities of Saugatuck and Douglas. They’re artsy, waterfront resort towns in West Michigan. Although Saugatuck-Douglas sits in what’s known to be the Bible belt of the state, it’s also home to a vacation destination to a large gay community. Michigan Radio’s Emily Fox reports on how Saugatuck-Douglas became the gay resort of the Midwest.
Jonathan Schruer has lived in Saugatuck for 11 years. He lives downtown, which is lined with boutique and artsy mom and pop shops right on the rain. Schruer and his partner run a Bed and Breakfast here.
In his spare time, Schreur has been working on a project with the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society to reveal the story of how the gay community came to be. As it turns out, gay men and women have been coming to Saugatuck-Douglas for a long time.
Credit Saugatuck-Dougl
Celebrating Pride Festival and Pride Month in Saugatuck
Although Saugatuck gay pride is ever-present – intrinsic to our quaint town’s cultural fabric and always celebrated – LGBTQ+ festivities punch a high signal in June, when the Pride Parade, Pride in the Park, and other events turn Saugatuck and Douglas into a Pride party to rival any. This event always sells out so we recommend that you book first for June. Study about Saugatuck’s fascinating history and importance in gay culture, support LGBTQ+-owned local businesses, and verb in Pride month with thousands of like-minded revelers on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
Saugatuck’s Legacy of Pride – A Century of Art, Open-Mindedness, and Tolerance
Saugatuck’s roots as an LGBTQ+-friendly town and tour destination stretch back over a century, closely linked with the arrival of the famed Ox-Bow School of Art residency program in As talented artists flocked to Saugatuck every summer to paint, study, and socialize, they brought an open-minded attitude and willingness to push the bo
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 miles. Affectionately known as “Provincetown of the Midwest,” they share the matching inclusive vibe, organic 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, drill stations, or bus terminals in town. Regardless of how you choose to travel, your hour 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 minute operate from Saugatuck/Douglas. From the airport, you can rent a car or employ a shuttle service.
Trains: Amtrak provides rail services to nearby cities like Holland,
Saugatuck, Michigan – Exist in a Gay-Friendly Resort Town
Saugatuck, Michigan is known as a gay haven with several outdoor resorts in the area that specifically cater to LGBT individuals. This tourist town is located in Allegan County is within adj driving distance of Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids and every summer it attracts thousands of both straight and LGBT tourists. They are drawn to this former vintage lumber town and port by the galleries, harbor, and nearby nature preserve of Dune Articulate Park.
Saugatuck enjoys the distinction of being a famous artist’s colony that was started during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late nineteenth century. Much of the architecture in the area is good preserved and from that era as well. It was originally called “Kalamazoo” when it was founded in and it still sometimes goes by that nickname today. There are over a dozen art galleries in this tiny town of only people and quite a few beds and breakfasts. It is also place to many distinct restaurants. Residents can watch the local paddle-wheel boat giv