The fascinating tale of Saugatuck: How this tiny town in Michigan became a ‘Mecca for Chicago gays’

When you think of famous LGBTQ+ summer party destinations, your mind probably takes you to the likes of Fire Island, or perhaps further afield, to the sun-soaked, European hedonism of Gran Canaria.

However, there’s a much less well-known candidate closer to home, especially if you live in the Midwest. Namely: Saugatuck in Michigan, an extremely well-kept secret, which, according to one visitor, is “the Provincetown of the Midwest and all the Chicago gays go up there on the weekends in the summer and party.”

Another commenter in the same LGBTQ+ travel advice Reddit thread described it as a “Mecca” for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, referring to the Islamic holy site of the same name. But what is it about Saugatuck that makes it so appealing to queer revellers? Let’s find out.

Welcome to… The Dunes Resort

Saugatuck, aka Saugatuck Douglas, a tiny town of only under 1000 year-round residents, has been a notable art colony and tourist destination for fans of the Arts and Crafts movement since the 19th century. It’s marketed as a top attraction on Michigan’s “Art Coast”, but the LGBTQ+ community aren’t just going there to see paintings.

Saugatuck is also home to The Dunes Resort, which markets itself as “one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated LGBTQIA+ resorts.”

The 81-room complex, founded in 1981, includes a lively gay nightclub that frequently hosts some of the top DJs in the US. There’s also a cabaret bar, which hosts drag shows and other live entertainment, an outdoor patio bar called the Tea Deck, a swimming pool, and a game room.

However, not everyone wants the Las-Vegas-On-A-Budget sort of vibe that the Dunes provides. In its 2022 profile of Saugatuck, Thrillist points out that  Campit Outdoor Resort just 10 minutes from Saugatuck also caters to the queer community, friends, and allies, as well as hosting the annual Saugatuck LGBT Music Fest.

However, it isn’t just the accommodation that makes Saugatuck such an appealing “gaycation” spot. It also sits on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, meaning you can enjoy scenic views and romantic beach strolls, or take a sunset cruise on the Star of Saugatuck paddle steamer.

There are several queer-owned businesses in the area too, so you can support the LGBTQ+ community by spending your hard-earned pink pounds in those establishments. They include Uncommon Coffee Roasters, Guardian Brewing for house-brewed beers and vegan food, and Coast 236 for a fish-focused dinner menu.

“Saugatuck is hard to describe. It’s a little bit of magic,” Mike Jones, the owner of The Dunes Resort, told Thrillist: “We’re right in the middle of Dutch Christian West Michigan, and yet one of the largest LGBTQ+ resorts in the country sits right here.”

Jones credits the fact The Dunes has been in the area for 40 years with helping to make the town of Saugatuck more inclusive: “There’s no shaming. There are no odd looks. People can truly come here and be whoever and whatever they want to be.” Sounds good to us.