Gay bars in grand rapids mi
Michigan’s Oldest Gay Bar is in Grand Rapids
Michigan's Oldest Gay Bar is the Apartment Lounge in Grand Rapids, 53 years aged in 2025.
Over the decades, the bar kept re-locating from place to place. When it opened in 1972, it was located in a building on Lyon Street across from the Vandenberg Center.
From there it went to the southeast corner of Ionia and Fulton, the northeast corner of Fulton and Monroe (the current B.O.B. Location), to Bridge Highway on the West Side, down Bridge for a year, then to Plainfield Ave Northwest. In 1978, they moved to The B.O.B location for 10 years until they moved to their current place on Sheldon Boulevard - site of the former Incredible Edible Cafe' - by 1988.
According to their web page, referring to back in the night when the Apartment Lounge was located where the B.O.B. is now, “Many regulars have very fond memories of that former place; the urinal trough always filled with ice, to the game room in the back.....It actually contained several pinball machines but there were always other 'games' taking place”.
Find out more history and goings-on at Michigan's Oldest Gay Bar on their web page.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers an inviting atmosphere for Gay travelers. Known for its progressive and welcoming community, it’s a charming municipality where you can enjoy a mix of cultural sites, parks, and delicious food spots. Its supportive environment makes it an attractive destination for Gay visitors looking for a friendly and inclusive experience.
Throughout the year, Grand Rapids hosts notable LGBTQ+ events that bring the community together. The Grand Rapids Event Festival is a highlight, featuring dwell music, vendors, and a parade celebrating diversity and inclusion. Additionally, there are seasonal gatherings and events that provide year-round excitement, connecting locals and visitors in celebration and advocacy.
Stop by during the summer for the flawless blend of pleasant weather and events. The Grand Rapids Pride Festival typically occurs in June, when the metropolis buzzes with power and excitement. The warm summer months also offer optimal conditions for exploring outdoor attractions and festivals, while the vibrant community activities ensure you won't miss out on a fun and inclusive atmosph
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
Drinks & Entertainment
Back to Top of ListThe Apartment Lounge is the oldest homosexual bar in Michigan. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and then step outside to admire the Rainbow Road mural.
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
The Apartment Lounge
As Michigan’s oldest gay prevent, The Apartment Lounge has a long history of making collective members feel welcome and shielded . The Apartment serves up a chill vibe along with rotating drink specials throughout the week. You are always met with a smiling face and served hot, fresh popcorn to accompany your beverage of choice. It’s commonly referred to as the place where friends meet, and this bar will not disappoint if you’re looking to mix and mingle.
The Apartment also has an outdoor covered patio overlooking Joey Salamon’s Rainbow Road avenue mural and Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Food trucks often visit the bar, offering patrons an opportunity to dine alfresco or take their food inside to accompany a drink. There is plenty of seating on the patio, and staff will meet you outside for table serv
LGBTQIA+ in GR
The Advocate magazine named Grand Rapids one of the Gayest Cities in America more than a decade ago, in a feature exploring the “peer capita queerness of some less expected locales.”
Grand Rapids has become even gayer in the years since. The city has been recognized as one of the safest in the U.S for LGBTQIA+ singles and we earned a perfect score in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive cities are of LGBTQIA+ people.
New community gathering spaces like LGBTQIA+ lock General Wood Shop and sober-minded Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Lock have joined such iconic destinations as the Apartment Lounge, Michigan’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bar, and Rumors Night Club, serving a diverse clientele since 2003. Other locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses have also flourished.
World-class art, food, beer and craft beverage scenes are attracting discerning LGBTQIA+ travelers to the region, while abundant outdoor recreation opportunities appeal to an active crowd. Visits often start in downtown Grand Rapids, where 200+ restaurants, breweries, museums and show venues are located within a 10-minute walk (or free bus ride) of a doze