LGBTQ Summer Getaway: Michigan's Fabulous Art Coast

Tucked along the Lake Michigan shoreline, just two hours from Chicago and three hours from Detroit, Saugatuck/Douglas is a welcoming and inclusive destination renowned for its small-town charm and stunning natural beauty. Known as the Art Coast of Michigan, this enchanting part of the country invites visitors to slow down, be themselves, and soak up the joys of summer.

Quench your thirst this season with stops at our craft breweries, cideries, and wineries, each offering flavors that are unique to our region. Whether you prefer dry reds, crisp whites, or sweet fruit wines, the beverage scene here delivers. Spend a full day tasting your way through Michigan Wine Company, Crane’s Winery, Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery, and Modales Wines. More of a hops enthusiast? Local breweries like Saugatuck Brewing Company and The Mitten Brewing Company offer everything from refreshing ales to bold IPAs. Virtue Cider rounds out the mix with its proper farmhouse cider, crafted using traditional techniques and Michigan-grown apples. Whatever your pour, there’s a patio (and a view) waiting for you.

No trip to the Art Coast would be complete without a stroll through our many galleries and artist studios. This summer, don’t miss our outdoor art fairs: the Waterfront Invitational Art Fair on July 5 and the Village Square Art Fair on July 26, both featuring incredible local and regional artists. Other beautiful sights to feast your eyes on include the area’s natural scenery. Take in a sunset at our award-winning Oval Beach or hike through the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where sugar sand meets forested trails and Lake Michigan views stretch for miles.

For an even more immersive experience, hop aboard a 40-minute open-roof, off-road Saugatuck Dune Ride through the rolling sand hills above the Big Lake. Offering dramatic vistas, local lore, and a few good laughs, this local attraction has been delighting visitors since 1954. Or cruise along the Kalamazoo River and beyond on the Star of Saugatuck, an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat, offering scenic daytime and sunset rides all summer long. And if you’re visiting in late July, join us for our quintessential summer event: the Saugatuck Venetian Festival, July 25–26. With live music from 80s tribute band Starfarm, a Dinghy Poker Run, Lighted Boat Parade, and fireworks over the harbor—it’s pure summertime magic, with a dash of camp and plenty of cheer.

Discover other can’t-miss summer happenings in the Art Coast of Michigan at www.saugatuck.com