The Great Lakes region can best be explored by car. And the gay scene is not only at home in the big cities: while they are home to clubs, saunas and entertainment, small towns invite you to take a dip. They are also home to the true landmarks.

Detroit

You can hardly feel a more positive, optimistic mood anywhere in America than in the long infamous metropolis of Detroit. Just a few years ago, its inner city was considered completely deserted and very dangerous. But that is changing at a breathtaking pace, with new shops, bars and hotels opening everywhere. “Seeing the old buildings, once built with strong materials, restored and reused, shows how the city is revitalising,” says gay photographer Mark Hall, who documents the change. Detroit can be explored on a bicycle tour that leads across the city along converted railway lines. Everywhere on the walls there are commissioned works by hip graffiti artists – and slogans with which the inhabitants celebrate their city.

Cleveland

Once dominated by coal, steel and refineries, Cleveland has long ceased to be a grey industrial city and is now a true cultural metropolis. The city on Lake Erie is particularly well known to music lovers. The Cleveland Orchestra is regarded as one of the best symphony orchestras in the US. Even more popular than classical music is noisy guitar music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame takes its visitors into the world of rock in a breathtakingly designed building consisting of two staggered glass pyramids. The Hall of Fame accepts a few new members each year who have made music history. One-hit wonders don’t stand a chance to be accepted. Among those honoured are Queen, Madonna and Abba.

Indianapolis

The White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis is not just a green space for stressed-out city dwellers as place where to relax. It is rather the cultural heart of the city: concerts, theaters, markets, sports and cultural festivals are highlights here. Whether family picnics or baseball games, jogging or pedal boating – the Indys, as the inhabitants of Indiana’s capital call themselves, regularly make the cultural park their second home. The Eiteljorg Museum on the edge of the parkis not only worth a visit on rainy days. It displays the art of the Native Americans and shows the “frontier” in American art – and thus offers an important glimpse into the American soul.

Douglas and Saugatuck

The many small towns characterise the Great Lakes region even more than the big cities. Located exactly halfway between Detroit and Chicago, the gay community has chosen the small towns of Douglas and Saugatuck as their favourite summer resorts. The atmosphere is thus open and liberal. Douglas is home to one of the largest gay resorts in the entire Midwest called Dunes. It is named after the famous dunes that stretch along the shores of Lake Michigan. Those who travel along the coastline will enjoy the magical sunsets when then sun seems to sink into the lake and also find a large number of historical lighthouses that may adorn holiday photos. These are the true landmarks of the region.

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