8 LGBTQ-Welcoming Mid-Sized Cities to Visit

Mid-size cities and towns often strike the perfect balance between big-city energy and small-town warmth, offering LGBTQ travelers a welcoming atmosphere without the hustle of a major metropolis. These destinations boast thriving queer communities, diverse cultural scenes, and inclusive neighborhoods while still maintaining an approachable, laid-back charm. With growing Pride celebrations, locally owned LGBTQ-friendly businesses, and a strong sense of community, they’re becoming go-to spots for travelers looking for both connection and comfort.

Cleveland, Ohio

From the incredible food scene and nightlife, to the city’s vibrant arts and culture, Cleveland is an underrated must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. For queer folks who might find mega-cities overwhelming, Cleveland offers a more laid-back, community-focused atmosphere. Cleveland’s neighborhoods set it apart, each offering a mix of boutique shops, incredible restaurants, trendy bars and cultural spots (like W Sports Bar – a queer, women-owned sports bar) where diversity is celebrated. Cleveland’s LGBTQIA+ culture focuses on community and inclusion, as locals exude a “come as you are” attitude along with that traditional Midwest friendliness. Cleveland is also home to Studio West 117, a first-of-its-kind neighborhood created for and by the LGBTQ+ community. Studio West hosts drag brunches and bingo, RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties, karaoke parties, “gayme night,” and more. They’ve previously hosted RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Jaida Essence Hall, Sasha Colby, Yvie Oddly, Lala Ri and Cleveland Queen Onya Nerve. In addition, Gordon Square Arcade has become an LGBTQ hub, with an entire row of LGBTQ businesses. Travelers will also be happy to know that the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, one of the oldest queer community centers in the nation, is turning 50 this year. For Pride in the CLE®, the entire community jumps at the opportunity to celebrate during a multi-day celebration that combines entertainment, education, and activism, raising awareness and good vibes for the city’s LGBTQ+ population. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Located halfway between Chicago and Detroit, Grand Rapids, Michigan offers LBGTQ travelers a welcoming and diverse getaway. A walkable downtown with 300+ restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and entertainment venues – including three LGBTQ bars – is just minutes from world-class trails, lakes, beaches and golf courses. Rainbow crosswalks brighten Uptown GR, a trendy district lined with LGBTQ-owned shops and restaurants. The city’s 37-year-old Pride Festival was extended to two days for the first time in 2025, and many surrounding suburbs have launched their own Pride celebrations in the past few years. LinkedIn calls Grand Rapids the #1 U.S. City on the Rise and USA Today hails it as America’s Best Beer City, the nation’s Craft Beverage Capital and a Top 10 City Where You Can See Amazing Art. Come experience it for yourself!

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis offers LGBTQ+ travelers a vibrant cultural scene and a strong commitment to inclusion. Downtown features popular LGBTQ+ nightlife spots like Metro Nightclub, Indy’s go-to karaoke spot, and Tini’s Bar, known for its theme nights and delicious cocktails. Also downtown is the Mass Ave Arts District, known for its diverse range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. Newest restaurant to join the district is Dusk Lounge, a high-end mediterranean restaurant and club. On the northside of Indy is Broad Ripple Village, recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood with a diverse community and many welcoming local businesses. Our downtown hotels such as The Alexander, JW Marriott, and the InterContinental, along with locally owned establishments, ensure all visitors feel comfortable and at home. Annual events like the Indy Pride Festival and Parade, along with the WORD-OF-MOUTH music and drag celebration, draw large crowds each year to celebrate the community. In 2025, Indy Pride celebrated its 30th anniversary and has been recognized as a Top Ten Pride event and featured by Gaycation Magazine as a must-visit festival. Whether visiting for a weekend or a major event, Indy provides a warm Midwestern welcome for every identity and orientation.  You can find our complete LGBTQ+ Indianapolis City Guide here.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison sees you. We see your beauty, your individuality and your queerness. Madison is a place where you can see yourself, because when you're here, you’re with family. Wisconsin's capital city is an LGBTQ+ friendly destination where you can lead with your authentic self. Our community has been a longtime trailblazer, from becoming the first US city to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1975, to becoming one of the earliest cities to recognize domestic partnerships in 1991, and beyond. Queer travel can be whatever you want it to be, and here's a list of 30+ LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Madison to start planning your trip and find places where your dollars will go directly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Queer culture is celebrated far beyond Pride Month (although our OutReach Magic Pride Fest held each August is pretty awesome). Here's a list of LGBTQ+ events that include gay markets, recurring drag shows, open mic nights and more. We can't wait to welcome you.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento’s Midtown neighborhood is a vibrant LGBTQ+ hub, home to queer-owned businesses, buzzing bars, art galleries, and locally loved cafés. The city hosts the Sacramento Pride March and Festival each June, which has grown into one of the most colorful celebrations in the region, while still retaining its grassroots spirit. Beyond Pride, Sacramento regularly hosts LGBTQ+ theater, drag performances, and events like Out at the Fair and the Sacramento Rainbow Festival.

Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington, the state’s second-largest city, is a welcoming destination with a thriving culinary, arts, and music scene, and many outdoor adventures. The city is often overshadowed by Seattle on the other side of the state, but this only adds to Spokane’s allure and appeal. For a city of Spokane’s size, the LGBTQ+ scene is bustling–from drag shows at The Globe Bar & Kitchen to nonstop dancing at nYne Bar & Bistro. Individuals no longer have to rely on a one-day-only Pride Parade in June or a singular gathering place. Even businesses not advertised as queer spaces– Andy’s Bar & Grill, Baby Bar, or Boots Bakery– offer opportunities to congregate. Individual neighborhoods like the Perry and Garland Districts outside the downtown core host Pride celebrations throughout the summer months. Historically, the eastern side of Washington state has been viewed as more conservative, but Spokane serves as a shining beacon of diversity within hundreds of miles around it. Plan your trip now at https://www.visitspokane.com/

Tempe, Arizona

Tempe is a vibrant and welcoming destination located in the heart of Greater Phoenix, and just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and is also home to Arizona State University. Our city takes great pride in being a welcoming destination that prides itself on our diverse blend of cultures, sunny weather, beautiful scenery and endless ways to enjoy your stay. Here, visitors are invited to experience the intersection or urban sophistication and Sonoran Desert recreation. In Tempe, you’re invited to spend the day paddleboarding around Tempe Town Lake, taking in the unique landscape with a hike up “A” Mountain, immersing yourself in our arts and culture scene, indulging in our rich culinary landscape with an alfresco dining experience and capping off the day with iconic golden hour views from one of our many rooftop venues.  Since 2014, the City of Tempe has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for earning a perfect score on the Municipal Equity Index, which measures inclusive policies for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, HRC selected Tempe as the city from which to launch this annual report. As such, HRC President Kelley Robinson visited Tempe to present Mayor Corey Woods with an award honoring the city’s 10 years of perfect Municipal Equality Index scores on by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Through the City’s Diversity Office and the Tempe Tourism Office, Tempe continues to lead with progressive ideas and programs that are shaping the future for all. Additionally, HRC cited Tempe as an “All-Star City,” which is described at a city that scores highly on the index despite a lack of state-level non-discrimination laws. In recent years, the Downtown Tempe Authority has launched the Tempe Pride Party, and annual Pride festival that takes place each June at Centerpoint Plaza. For more information, visit https://www.tempetourism.com/the-spirit-of-tempe/

Topeka, Kansas

Topeka truly stands out as an LGBTQ‑friendly city. In 2024, Topeka earned a perfect score of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index, reflecting exemplary non-discrimination laws, inclusive municipal practices, and strong leadership on LGBTQ+ equality efforts. The rainbow-striped Equality House, painted across from a longtime source of anti‑LGBTQ sentiment, serves as a bold symbol of peace and inclusion, while vibrant landmarks like the NOTO Rainbow Walk and thoughtful local pride initiatives continue to affirm Topeka’s commitment to visibility and acceptance. Topeka welcomes you!