Saugatuck-The LGBT Summer Destination of the Midwest

We would like to wish everyone happy holidays and best wishes in the new year.  Now many of our thoughts involve what gifts to buy, what food to prepare, and how we or our loved ones will be traveling over the coming week.  Although it seems far away now, summer will be here soon. After the holidays is a good time to start tossing around ideas about where you may want to spend a summer vacation. Have you heard of Saugatuck?

Saugatuck’s Gay Side

We’ve always enjoyed the little  Michigan town of Saugatuck.  Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the town had its start as a port for the lumber trade.  After that industry dried up it found new life as an artist colony and a summer entertainment destination.  You can’t have scenic beauty, art and entertainment without attracting the LGBT+ community. Therefore, by the 1970’s Saugatuck and the nearby town of Douglas had become the premier summer resort for Midwesterners living an “alternative” lifestyle.  Although some call the area the Provincetown or Fire Island of the Midwest, the scene is much more lowkey and laid back.  There is enough nightlife to keep you entertained for a few days. However, it’s more a place to relax with other open minded individuals than to bar hop nonstop.

The Beach

The main draw in town is the beach. After sleeping in and having a delicious brunch, many visitors make their way to it at some point.  The gorgeous sand dunes may remind you of Cape Cod.  The shockingly clear blue water of the lake may remind you of the Caribbean. (At least until you get in.  Although swimmable, it’s quite a bit colder).  Conde Nast even featured Saugatuck’s Oval Beach as one of the 25 best beaches in the World.  On the plus side, since it’s a lake there is no need to worry about sharks or stingrays if you occasionally have irrational fears like I do.  If you tire of the water there are miles of trails through the dunes, through the wooded hills, and along the lake.  Or, rent a boat, go golfing, or spend some time in the town’s small historic museum before heading to a summer concert.  Be sure to take the chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River.  This is a small ferry boat, attached to a chain, that is hand cranked across the river.  It originally used to transport horses, but now visitors find it a charming way to cut across town.

Saugatuck’s Artistic Side

Saugatuck still maintains remnants of its artistic past with over a dozen galleries to explore.  In addition to the art there are dozens of independently owned small shops offering a wide variety of goods from the typical resort town souvenirs to hand crafted objects and clothing.  You will also not be wanting for a wide variety of restaurants and places to get a drink if you need a break from exploring the shops and the area’s cute Victorian architecture.  If you don’t want a break there is always the Dune’s Resort in nearby Douglas.  This is the epicenter of gay life in the area.  The resort offers an always popular pool, several bars ranging from casual to dance club, and a show lounge that features local and nationally touring acts that are popular with the LGBT+ community.  Although you can of course stay there, many also enjoy the areas charming B&Bs and get day passes/pay the cover charge to play at the Dunes.

While the area does attract visitors from elsewhere, it is still mainly a draw for friendly Midwesterners.  The closest major airport is in Grand Rapids, which is about 40 miles away.  But if you are traveling from outside the Midwest it is also possible to fly to Chicago or Detroit to enjoy either of those cities.  Then rent a car to get to Saugatuck and enjoy the surrounding area.  There are also train and bus options from these cities if you would prefer not to have a car.  We would be happy to discuss these with you if Saugatuck seems like an option that you would like to explore.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).