The Midwest Has Entered The Group Chat
You already know the legends. The late nights in Ptown. The dance parties on Fire Island. Now imagine a place where the beach is just as beautiful, the nightlife just as vibrant, the community just as proud—but getting there is easier, staying is more affordable, and leaving is the hardest part.
Published February 28, 2025 • By The Dunes Resort
That’s Saugatuck/Douglas. And here’s why your next getaway belongs here:
Easy Access
One of the biggest differences shows up before you even arrive. Saugatuck/Douglas is an easy drive from much of the Midwest, and just a short hop from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. No ferry schedules to juggle. No marathon travel days. You can leave after breakfast and be cocktail-in-hand by late afternoon.
That ease also means flexibility. While destinations like Provincetown and Fire Island often require longer stays, Saugatuck/Douglas is just as magical for a long weekend as it is for a full week escape.
A Lighter Lift on the Wallet
Let’s be honest—affordability matters. Here, your travel dollars stretch a little further without sacrificing on fierce fun. Lodging, dining, and nights out tend to feel more approachable, which leaves room for one more round, one more show, and one more night out dancing.
Big Energy, Zero Pretense
At The Dunes Resort, you’ll find phenomenal entertainment, from internationally known DJs to standout cabaret performers. Recent seasons have featured music by Abel Aguilera, Susan Morabito, Tony Moran, Ralphi Rosario, Isaac Escalante, Dan Slater, and Grind—names recognized far beyond the Midwest. In 2026, expect music by Paulo, GSP, Mohammad, James Anthony, J Warren, Dan Darlington, Aaron Aanenson, Alex Romas, Brady Prince, and Sam Gee, who will be bringing powerhouse sets to our dance floor this summer. On the cabaret side, performers like Big Red, Amy Armstrong, Molly & Alex, Sutton Lee Seymour, The Rubi Girls, Hannaniah Whitley, and the Dunes Divas deliver the kind of sharp wit, show-stopping vocals, and stage presence that keep audiences coming back.
And the summer pool scene here at The Dunes? Well, it’s nothing short of legendary. Think sun-soaked afternoons, cocktails in hand, beats that carry across the water, and a fun-loving crowd that knows this is the place to be. It’s the kind of epic daytime party that rivals any East Coast hotspot.
And whether it’s a packed dance floor or a sun-drenched pool deck, there’s something refreshingly different about how it all feels here. You get that big, bold, joyful LGBTQ+ energy along with a heavy dose of that Midwest welcoming vibe. Here, everyone’s laid-back, friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious, where conversations start easily, and smiles feel genuine.
A Community Where You’ve Always Belonged
If authenticity matters to you, then you’ll love this destination. This isn’t an area that just discovered queer culture recently or is performative in its acceptance of it. LGBTQ+ folks have been an integral part of Saugatuck/Douglas for nearly a century—owning businesses, building community, and shaping the area into the inclusive destination it is today. From the rainbow sidewalks you’ll encounter to the year-round Pride flags proudly displayed around every corner, you’ll feel instantly welcomed from the moment you arrive.
An Arts Scene That’s Straight Fire
It might surprise you to know that culture and creativity run deep here along the lakeshore. Dubbed the Art Coast® of Michigan, the area is home to dozens of galleries, artist studios, and public art installations, making it easy to spend your days getting inspired by pieces you’ll talk about long after you’re home. And at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Broadway-caliber performances, nationally recognized artists, and thought-provoking exhibitions bring big-city talent to an intimate and accessible setting. For 2026, this line-up includes Into the Woods (June 19-July 12) and Once (August 7-30), two celebrated productions that prove this isn’t small-town theater—it’s the real deal.
Not Better. Just Beautifully Different.
Provincetown and Fire Island are iconic for a reason. But some places are about spectacle while others are about connection. Here, you get both.
Saugatuck/Douglas and The Dunes just hit different. It’s a refreshing change of pace that’s never a step down. Isn’t it time you discover for yourself why people keep coming back year after year?
Tell Us Your Story
As we celebrate 45 years, we want to hear from the people who made The Dunes what it is. This year, we’re collecting the moments—big or small—that shaped your connection to this place. Maybe it was your first time walking into a gay bar, or where you had your first kiss, or met the love of your life. Maybe there’s a legendary performance you still talk about, or a night you never wanted to end, or the moment you realized you found “family” here.
If The Dunes has been part of your story, we’d love for you to share it. Whether it’s a few sentences or a short video, share your story by emailing info@dunesresort.com or sending us a DM on Instagram. We’d love to celebrate it with you and share on social. After all, this anniversary isn’t just about our history—it’s about yours, too.
