The Gay Scene Off Campus

Battle Creek

Battle Creek is only a 30 minute drive if you head towards Kalamazoo on 94.

Partners Bar- Don't be expecting this big luxurious bar but if you like a friendly crowd and comfortable setting, then this is the place for you. Partners is a 2 story bar, with socializing upstairs and dancing in the basement. The bar is quite small but is quite comfortable.  18+ welcome. Phone : (269) 964-7276

Ann Arbor

 Ann Arbor isn't very far from Albion's campus. In fact, it is only about a 45 minute drive if you were to take 94!

The Necto - A bar in Ann Arbor that has gay nights every Friday. This two story club is welcoming to everyone with a very welcoming crowd. The upstairs tends to play a lot of techno and remixes, While the downstairs, "the red room" plays 80/90s/ and today's current music. If you go on Fridays, there is no cover before 10 o'clock!

The AÚT Bar- It's an alternative lifestyle scene but that should not in anyway be construed as a bad omen to those hetero folks out there. Nestled in the corner of Kerry Town just across from the farmer's market and a block off north Main, this is definitely a great stop for anyone spending a day in Ann Arbor. If the quaint bricked streets and old town charm isn't your fancy, you will be sure to love the great food and friendly atmosphere. The downstairs sports a humble eatery (smoke free environment) while the upstairs has a small bar, juke box and even a pool table nestled in the back. As the place is an old converted Ann Arbor house, there are only two bathrooms (both unisex) but they are kept spotless and the place is hardly big enough to warrant any more. During the summer of course, the back patio is open which caters to the Ann Arbor sidewalk cafe flavor. A great stop after having a day's shopping, a stop at the farmers market or wandering the art fair! - Kathy Lynn, 03/06/2002

Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti is right around the corner from Ann Arbor and therefore isn't very far from Albion as well.

Club Divine-Located in the heart of Ypsilanti's Entertainment District. Cutting edge DJs, original theme nights and an outrageously friendly staff, Club Divine is a haven for the mildly decadent, fun-loving party crowd! Cover varies. They hold their pride nights on sunday. 18 and over. 21 and over on Saturday.

Kalamazoo

The Metro- Although the Metro is not classified as a "gay bar," It is openly considered as a "gay friendly" bar. The bars clientele is largely is missed but over half the individuals there can be part of the LGBT community. During the day, the Metro serves as a restaurant, but at night, it becomes a club for those 18+. The club has lots of variety of music and plays more than just techno. It can be found to be full of students from Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College.

Lansing

Like Ann Arbor, Lansing is also a 45 minute drive. One can take 94 towards Ann Arbor, then jump on 127 towards Lansing!

Spiral- Spiral is a nice place with great decor and atmosphere. The great thing about Spiral is the fact that their dance floor is a separate room allowing for easy socializing. The club tends to play mostly techno but once and a while you will hear a remix of a song you may know. The club offers a bunch of cozy couches and seats, and during a summer, they have a patio with a firepit that many people hang out at.

X-cel - X-cel is owned by the same people as spiral. The place is a lot smaller than spiral but is located closer to downtown. The bar offers both a socializing room that is separate from the dance floor and also an awesome dance floor with a bunch of stages. However, be warned... if you go before 12 on Tuesday, you will likely find male strippers. However, after 12 on Tuesdays and on Thursdays, the place is a great location for dancing!

Club 505- This is known as the lesbian bar in Lansing. However, you must be 21 to enter this bar. Furthermore, since the creator of this site, me, is under 21, I don't know much about it. Phone: 517-374-6312

Esquire- this club is located right down the street from Spiral. Fair warning, this club has a reputation of being an "old man" bar. However, the people I speak to about it usually have nothing but good to say about it. It is more of a laid back scene than Spiral. Just be sure to call and make sure that it isn't leather night if you go! HAHA! Phone: 517-374-6312