The Douglas Dunes / Dunes Resort

Location: 333 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
Date: 1965, Motel Addition, 2004

Michigan’s First Gay Resort

This building was originally the drive-in Amity Motel (built in 1965) and then the Douglas Dunes, and was one of the area’s first double-decker motels. When new owners Mike Jones, Dan Esterline, and Greg Trzybinski purchased the property in 1998 it became known as the Dunes Resort. With many additions to the twenty-acre site, it has evolved into what the New York Times has called “the Fire Island of the Midwest.” The Dunes is a popular all-season gay and lesbian vacation destination as well as a gathering place for the large local gay and lesbian population. It is well known for its entertainment venues.