“I was born in Saginaw, Michigan. I grew up in a house on Saginaw Bay.” — Lefty Frizzell, from the song ‘Saginaw, Michigan’

Looking for riverfront charm, cultural attractions, and family fun? Head to Saginaw! Located in east-central Michigan, Saginaw offers a mix of nature, history, and local flavor. With its scenic riverwalk, renowned art museum, and interactive children’s zoo, Saginaw is a welcoming destination that offers a surprising variety of things to see and do.

Saginaw, MI Highlights:

  • For Families: Visit the Saginaw Children’s Zoo – Ride the hand-carved carousel, feed animals, and enjoy interactive exhibits and gardens.
  • For Art Lovers: Explore the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum – Discover works from the famed sculptor and enjoy rotating exhibitions at Saginaw Valley State University.
  • For Nature Lovers: Stroll the Saginaw Riverwalk – Scenic riverside trails perfect for biking, jogging, or a peaceful walk through the city.
  • For Science Fans: Enjoy the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum – Interactive STEM exhibits that are fun and educational for young kids.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History – Learn about local industry, Native American culture, and more in a historic French chateau-style building.

Best Time to Visit Saginaw, MI

The best time to visit Saginaw is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is warm and perfect for enjoying outdoor events, parks, and waterfront activities. Winter brings snow and indoor fun like museum visits and cozy cafés.

How to Get to Saginaw, MI

  • By Car: Located off I-75 and US-10, Saginaw is about 1.5 hours north of Detroit and 2 hours from Lansing.
  • By Plane: The nearest airport is MBS International Airport (Saginaw/Bay City/Midland), about 20 minutes from downtown.
  • By Bus: Indian Trails and Greyhound offer intercity bus service to and from Saginaw.

Where to Stay in Saginaw, MI

  • Recommended for Families: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Saginaw – Spacious suites, indoor pool, and breakfast included.
  • For Budget Travelers: Red Roof Inn Saginaw – Affordable lodging with basic amenities and quick access to the highway.
  • For Comfort: Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw – Modern rooms, restaurant on-site, and close to shopping and dining.

Best Things to Do in Saginaw, MI

Castle Museum


Explore local history and admire unique architecture on an easy weekend trip.

Castle Museum

© Castle Museum

Formerly known as Saginaw Post Office or Castle Station, the Castle Museum in downtown Saginaw, Michigan is a historic building and current home of the Saginaw County’s Historical Society.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is comprised of three floors filled with displays and exhibits, such as an automotive industry exhibit, the lumbering exhibit, an archeology exhibit, a Saginaw cyclecar from the year 1914, and the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame. There are also changing special exhibits.

Castle Museum, 500 Federal Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-752-2861

Children's Zoo at Celebration Square


See playful animals and enjoy fun attractions with kids during a summer outing.

Children's Zoo at Celebration Square

© Children's Zoo at Celebration Square

The Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, also known as the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, is home to a wide array of animals. The zoo is open full-time to visitors between the months of May and September, as well as part-time from October to April.

Animals at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo include miniature horses, river otters, pygmy goats, prairie dogs, capuchin monkeys, and many more mammals, along with a variety of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The Zoo offers more fun for children besides the animals with its miniature train, the carousel, and Fossil Find, in which kids can dig for fossils.

Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, 1730 S. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-759-1408

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum


Look at inspiring sculptures and discover artistic sights on a quick visit.

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

© Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum near Saginaw is an art museum focused on the works and life of the sculptor Marshall Fredericks.

Affiliated with University Center’s Saginaw Valley State University, the museum is located inside the Arbury Fine Arts Center and there is no fee for admission.

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is made up of a Main Exhibit Gallery featuring around two hundred works of art and temporary exhibition galleries that showcase changing exhibits of Michigan, regional, national, and international artists from the museum’s collection. There is also a Sculpture Garden and the Sculptor’s Studio.

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI, 48710, Phone: 989-964-7125

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge


Walk along nature trails and see wildlife during a peaceful fall trip.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

© Megan/stock.adobe.com

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses around twenty-five miles of central lower Michigan, just south of the Saginaw Bay. Established back in 1953 as a preserved habitat for migratory waterfowl, the wildlife refuge is more than 9,000 acres in size and offers a peaceful place just outside of the city of Saginaw.

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, also known by locals as the “Shiawassee Flats,” is situated within the Saginaw Bay watershed, one of Michigan’s most productive and largest wetland ecosystems.

The refuge is a great place to view a variety of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 6975 Mower Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-777-5930

Hoyt Library


Visit a historic library and admire grand architecture on a quiet retirement outing.

Hoyt Library

© patpitchaya/stock.adobe.com

The Hoyt Library is located in downtown Saginaw, offering historic architecture, a vast collection, and a variety of activities and events held throughout the year.

This historic library was constructed by Eric Pinchet in the Richardson Romanesque architectural style during the late nineteenth century and houses numerous Mid-Michigan area genealogical records.

The library is one of the city’s beautiful historic buildings, with an oak interior throughout the building, along with an entrance almost identical to the Canterbury Cathedral.

Hoyt Library, 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-755-0904

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Fashion Square Mall


Shop brand-name stores and explore affordable fashion during a quick trip.

Fashion Square Mall

© Volodymyr/stock.adobe.com

The Fashion Square Mall is a “neighborhood mall” in the city of Saginaw, Michigan, providing the community with plenty of shopping opportunities.

The shopping destination also happens to be the Great Lakes Bay Region’s largest enclosed shopping center.

Home to many popular stores, the Fashion Square Mall includes Encore Shoes, Buckle, American Eagle, H&M, Macy’s, and JCPenney to name a few.

There are also over one hundred speciality retailers in the shopping center and a 10-screen movie theater. As for dining options, Fashion Square contains a Food Court with several options, as well as TGI Friday’s.

Fashion Square Mall, 4787 Fashion Square Mall, Saginaw, MI 48604, Phone: 989-793-6401

Dow Event Center


Catch a live show and enjoy exciting attractions on a weekend night.

Dow Event Center

© Dow Event Center

Formerly named the Saginaw Civic Center and the Saginaw County Event Center, the Dow Event Center is an indoor event venue in the city of Saginaw, Michigan, consisting of several different parts, including The Arena, Huntington Event Park, The Red Room, The Theater, The Garden Room, and The Atrium. Dow Event Center has also housed multiple hockey teams over the years and is currently the home of the Saginaw Spirit, which is part of the Ontario Hockey League. The Arena regularly hosts sporting events, concerts, exhibits, and conventions, while the Theatre hosts the Broadway In Saginaw Series and other theater events.

Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 989-759-1330

Temple Theatre


Admire vintage style and see performances during a romantic evening.

Temple Theatre

© Temple Theatre

Also known by the nickname of the “Showplace of Northeastern Michigan,” the Temple Theatre is one of the most distinguished buildings in Saginaw, Michigan. Featuring seating for more than 1,700 people, the theater has hosted several legends over the years since it originally opened back July of 1927, ranging from George Carlin to B.B. King. The Theatre is also home to the only Barton Butterfield Special organ in its original condition in the world. The most historic theater in the region, legendary performers, famous performing groups, and contemporary stars grace the Temple Theatre stage every year.

Temple Theatre, 201 N. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607, Phone: 877-754-7469

Pride and Country Village


Browse country shops and savor homemade treats on a family-friendly trip.

Pride and Country Village

© Pride and Country Village

The Pride and Country Village in Saginaw is the largest “village of unique shops” in the state of Michigan. Located minutes away from charming Frankenmuth, the shopping village is conveniently accessed just outside of the main area of Saginaw from Interstate 75. The Pride and Country Village is a one-of-a-kind shopping destination offering unique merchandise ranging from accessories and clothing to bath and body products to gifts and home furnishings.

Pride and Country Village, 5965 E. Holland Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-754-5807

Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza


Honor local heroes and walk along monuments on a meaningful visit.

Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza

© Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza

The Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza is dedicated to the men and women of the military from Michigan’s Saginaw County who lost their lives, whether by virtue of military conflict or war, serving the United States. The Veterans Memorial Plaza has its official dedication at the Memorial Day service on May 30th of 2005 with a mission of providing a place for people to come and pay their homage to all veterans of Saginaw County. The Plaza’s origins date back to 2000 when the community wanted to restore Michael Jeffers Park, site of a World War II monument, to its original design.

1574 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601, Phone: 989-752-4000, See the Map

Where to Eat in Saginaw, MI

  • Recommended for Families: Tony’s Original Restaurant – Famous for their huge sandwiches, generous breakfasts, and casual family-friendly vibes.
  • For Local Flavor: Pasong’s Café – Cozy spot for homemade Asian-American fusion with vegetarian options.
  • For a Casual Meal: Fralia’s – Downtown deli known for soups, sandwiches, and friendly service.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Summer Fun: Friday Night Live (July–August) – Weekly outdoor concerts in Morley Plaza featuring live music, vendors, and food trucks.
  • For Art & Culture: Saginaw Art Fair (June) – Showcasing local artists, food booths, and entertainment along the riverfront.
  • For Holiday Cheer: Holidays in the Heart of the City (December) – Tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and family festivities downtown.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Saginaw, Michigan:

  • For History & Architecture: Bay City (20 min) – Explore historic downtown, shop antique stores, and stroll the riverwalk.
  • For Wine & Views: The Sunset Side of Michigan Wine Trail (30 min) – Sample local wines and scenic landscapes in surrounding communities.
  • For Nature: Chippewa Nature Center (Midland) (30 min) – Walk forested trails, visit a nature center, and explore riverside boardwalks.
  • For Culture: Dow Gardens (Midland) (30 min) – Beautiful 110-acre garden with seasonal flowers, fountains, and a canopy walk.
  • For Lakefront Relaxation: Saginaw Bay & Bay City State Park (25–30 min) – Picnic, hike, swim, or birdwatch by Lake Huron’s peaceful shores.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Question: What makes Saginaw, Michigan a diverse city?
    Answer: Saginaw is diverse, featuring areas like Old Saginaw City and Riverfront Saginaw, along with natural attractions such as the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Question: What opportunities does Saginaw offer for adventures?
    Answer: Saginaw provides abundant opportunities for both outdoor and indoor adventures for locals and visitors alike.
  • Question: What are some iconic locales in Saginaw?
    Answer: Iconic locales in Saginaw include the Dow Event Center, the Temple Theatre, and the Saginaw Art Museum.
  • Question: What family-friendly attractions can be found in Saginaw?
    Answer: Family-friendly attractions include the Children’s Zoo and other engaging activities.

At a Glance:

Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Hampton Inn & Suites Saginaw – A modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and great amenities. Visit the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail – Explore the scenic trails by biking or hiking through this beautiful natural area.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and enjoying the local parks. Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw – A comfortable stay with excellent service and an indoor pool. Attend the Saginaw County Fair – Enjoy rides, local food, and entertainment during this annual summer event.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, and fewer tourists. Holiday Inn Express Saginaw – Conveniently located with great amenities for a relaxing fall getaway. Explore the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge – Take a hike through beautiful forests and enjoy birdwatching during the fall season.
Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, perfect for cozy indoor activities and enjoying holiday events. Super 8 by Wyndham Saginaw – A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and easy access to local attractions. Visit the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History – Learn about the region’s history with exhibits and events during the winter months.

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