With the weather getting warmer and the summer months approaching, it won’t be long before the road trip season is in full swing. And then it will collapse All US adults are eligible For COVID-19 vaccinations, it is far safer to travel in 2021 than it was last year. There is more good news: there is no need to leave the state. It’s not just possible to go on a road trip within Michigan, our state coast, scenic drives and natural sights guarantee that it will be beautiful.
At Pride Source, we’ve compiled a list of our top five LGBTQ-friendly road trip destinations on the other side of the mitten. We even calculated the travel time from our Ann Arbor office as a reference. You’re welcome.
1. Detroit
Downtown Detroit skyline from Hart Plaza. Leonid Andronov on Bigstock.
Filled with historical structures like The guard building, Sights like Hart Plaza and must see how Eastern marketDetroit has no shortage of social, out-of-the-way attractions for vacationers and day-trippers alike. Called Motor City for a reason, Detroit is full of automotive history that can be viewed both on foot and in the comfort of a drive. Notable stops for history buffs are the Ford Piquette Plant, the GM Renaissance Center, the Russel industrial center and the Indian Village neighborhood. Those who want a more nature-oriented trip should check this out Detroit Riverwalk or take your time to enjoy the nearly 1,000 hectares Belle Isle Park.
And of course there are plenty of LGBTQ-approved nightlife options in town such as the Menjo Entertainment Complex, Woodward Cocktail Bar, and more. It is also the place of Motor City Pride, Michigan’s largest Pride celebration, attended by thousands annually.
Driving time from Ann Arbor: 45 minutes
2. Saugatuck / Douglas
Sunset on Lake Michigan shot from the dunes of Saugatuck, Michigan. Photo by Michael Deemer via Bigstock.
The neighboring towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, arguably Michigan’s premier LGBTQ-friendly getaways, have more than 100 LGBTQ-owned and affirmative restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
“Whether it’s scenic natural beauties, a thriving art scene, or disco balls and drag queens you’re looking for, you’ll find this here along with some amazing experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” reads the official Saugatuck website.
City-recommended LGBTQ-approved places to stay in Saugatuck are: The Dunes Resort, Blue Star Motel and Hidden garden houses. Once in town, art fans can enjoy local galleries such as Water Street Gallery or the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ ongoing series of events and exhibitions. Or the more adventurous could give it a try Saugatuck Dune Ride. Outside of the city, beach lovers are sure to find a slice of Lake Michigan shoreline to enjoy. Saugatuck recommends Oval Beach as being particularly friendly to LGBTQ visitors.
Travel time from Ann Arbor: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, Michigan, July 9, 2016. Photo by Michael Deemer via Bigstock.
While this trip requires a little more travel than driving, the quick ferry ride across Lake Huron is well worth it to see bustling downtown Mackinac Island, natural wonders like Arch Rock, and preserved historic buildings like Fort Mackinac. With the island banning almost all motorized vehicles, road travelers can enjoy the fun of traveling to the ferry and then travel back in time to enjoy bikes and horse-drawn carriage rides on the island. And while many take short day trips to the island, Mackinac has Nightlife options and Overnight stays, also. When asked if the island city is LGBTQ-friendly Lavender magazineMary Slevin, executive director of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau said:
“Because we are a tourist city, we open our eyes a little more and learn from the people who come to visit. We are exposed to people from all walks of life and around the world, so there is a certain wisdom that comes with the territory. There is a motto here with the year-round people: If your head and heart are not connected and you are not who you are, then you cannot make it here emotionally. I think it’s a great motto in life. “
Travel time from Ann Arbor to Mackinaw City: 4 hours
Ferry ride to Mackinac Island: 16 minutes
4. Cross the city
Traverse City, Michigan. Photo via Bigstock.
Wine and liquor lovers will find plenty to do in this city as Traverse City is home forgive– –win Wineries, Microbreweries and Distilleries. Many of these places also offer tastings and private tours that can be booked in advance. And for those who don’t drink, a trip to the Leelanau Peninsula offers breathtaking views and gives way Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Up North Pride calls Traverse City “One of the most beautiful, cutting-edge, and unique LGBT vacation destinations in the United States.”
And for those looking to stay closer to town, Traverse City is brimming with a mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques, giving avid shoppers hundreds of options when buying souvenirs too.
Driving time from Ann Arbor: 4 hours
5. Ferndale
Ferndale Pride 2018. Photo Andrew Potter.
Ferndale is just a short drive away and is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in Metro Detroit. Home of Affirmations LGBTQ + Community Center, the host of Michigan second largest Pride Festival Filled with dozens of LGBTQ businesses, visitors can feel confident that homophobia has no place on their trip. With numerous restaurants, theater and nightlife options, visitors can spend a day or night in an affirmative city. Indeed it has consistently received a perfect human rights rating from the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index.
In one Royal Oak Tribune pieceDave Garcia, Executive Director of Affirmations, spoke more about the city’s acceptance and the resulting continued economic growth.
“There’s a reason Affirmations is here in Ferndale,” he said. “It shows that cities that embrace the LGBT community will thrive, while cities that don’t thrive will not thrive.”
Driving time from Ann Arbor: 45 minutes
