LGBTQ Getaway

A Lot of Pride for a Small Town

For decades, our residents have welcomed LGBTQ visitors with open arms, making Saugatuck and Douglas the most gay-friendly small towns in Michigan. We are proud of our reputation as a place where people from all walks of life can come and find themselves simply by being who they are. Whether you’re interested in revelry or relaxation, come and discover the open-minded charm that makes Saugatuck/Douglas a favorite destination for so many in the  LGBTQ community.

3-Day Fall Getaway

Day 1

Once you’ve gotten settled, make your way to downtown Saugatuck and Douglas and spend the day exploring our many art galleries and boutiques. Check out our LGBTQ-owned galleries, such as Amazwi Contemporary Art, Mixed Media Gallery, Saugatuck Art Traders, and Roan & Black. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, some distinctive home décor, or the latest fashions, you’ll find all that and more in our many downtown shops, including the LGBTQ-owned Brackett & Co., Kindel & Company Lifestyle Mercantile, Upscale Mercantile, The Pink Patio, Laffing Glass, Woosah Outfitters, Tuck’s Christmas Shop, and the Lakeshore Pet Boutique. After dinner in downtown Saugatuck, hit The Annex piano bar for some live (and lively) entertainment, available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A couple window shopping in downtown Saugatuck. Golden fall trees and colors are in the background. — Downtown Saugatuck

Day 2

In the morning, head over to Crane’s Orchards in Fennville for the ultimate autumn experience of picking apples and winding your way through an intricate corn maze. Then, spend your afternoon indulging in wine tasting, where you’ll sip award-winning Southwest Michigan wines while savoring the stunning vineyard views and fall foliage. Arrange for a private tour of the wineries with the LGBTQ-owned Coastal Tours, who will drive you to local wineries like Modales, Michigan Wine Co., and Fenn Valley Vineyards. Just before the sun goes down, head to Oval Beach and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline as you watch the sunset paint the sky. For some exciting nightlife, dance the night away at The Dunes Resort, the largest LGBTQ resort in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country. Their Club dance floor is open every weekend year-round

Man standing in vineyard holding a glass of wine at Modales — Modales

Day 3

Spend the day hiking at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where you’ll be surrounded by the fall leaves in all their colorful glory. Along with the miles of sandy, forested trails, the park also boasts 2.5 miles of secluded shoreline for you to admire.

Extend Your Stay

Get On The Green

Enjoy a fun-filled round at LGBTQ-owned Saugatuck Mini Golf, where you can put your way through a beautiful and challenging miniature golf course.

DIY Fun

Create your own scented candle at Garsnett Beacon Candle Co., make your own moss ball Kokedama at Puddingstone, or take a classic French cooking class at Lulu Cadieux.

Explore Our Queer History

Visit the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center in downtown Douglas and see the exhibition “A Century of Progress—100 Years of LGBTQ History,” highlighting the progress, challenges, and setbacks of the LGBTQ community in our two Lake Michigan towns.