Saginaw

Travel Guide
Saginaw showing a sunset
This Michigan city features beautiful heritage architecture, a tranquil river, pleasant riverbank parks and a thriving arts community.

Saginaw is a stately city in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region featuring fine turn-of-the-century gothic and art deco architecture and a lively downtown area along the river. Cruise down the meandering Saginaw River or explore central Saginaw on foot to find a cultural hub, historic buildings, scenic waterfront parks and an exhilarating sports arena.

The river coursing through Saginaw is one of the city’s most distinctive features. Join an informative and scenic cruise tour down the Saginaw River and take in the city’s sights from the water. Drop a fishing line at the city’s pier on a warm summer’s day or try your luck bringing in some walleye at the annual Shiver on the River ice fishing contest, held in late January. Stroll along the river to find several serene public parks, such as Hoyt Park and Celebration Square. In winter, Hoyt Park features a large outdoor skating rink. 

Enjoy a picnic among the lush natural beauty of Ojibway Island, an oasis in the heart of downtown Saginaw. Ojibway Island hosts concerts and events, such as the Country Music Fest, throughout the summer months.

Nearby, find Saginaw’s bustling cultural center. Learn about Japanese traditions and history at the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House. Experience a show, film, musical or concert at the lovingly renovated Temple Theater, home to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. The Dow Event Center offers a range of exciting events and sports matches, including ice hockey and indoor football.

Discover the city and surrounding region’s heritage at Castle Museum, located in one of the city’s finest buildings. Have a family-friendly learning experience at Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum and Children’s Zoo.

Explore the surrounding wetlands and see waterfowl species at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Saginaw is located in Central Michigan, 103 miles (165.7 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. Flights arrive regularly to the Midland-Bay City-Saginaw International Airport. Saginaw is best explored by car as the city has limited public transportation. Visit in summer to experience the city’s warm weather and lush wetlands or in winter to enjoy the holiday season celebrations.

Where to stay in Saginaw

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum showing art, interior views and a statue or sculpture

University Center

Travelers like the museums in University Center, and Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

University Center
Lexington

Celebration Square

You'll enjoy the live music and zoo in Celebration Square. You might want to make time for a stop at Japanese Cultural Center or Ojibway Island.

Celebration Square
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd, Saginaw, MI
The price is CA $114 per night from Mar. 26 to Mar. 27
CA $114
CA $126 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (933 reviews)
"The shower head needs to be cleaned, we had NO water pressure!"

Reviewed on Jan. 28, 2024

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
2.5 out of 5
3325 Davenport Ave, I-675 Exit3, Saginaw, MI
The price is CA $96 per night from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21
CA $96
CA $107 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Awesome place to stay the night(s)."

Reviewed on Mar. 13, 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Saginaw
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Saginaw
3 out of 5
5270 Cardinal Square Blvd, Saginaw, MI
The price is CA $127 per night from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26
CA $127
CA $141 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
freindly but not so clean
"well the pull out bed box under the couch was nasty. the mattress was stained up. and the space needed to be vacumed BADLY! The Elevator felt like it was off track. Abig clunk as it arrived on the 1 st. floor was startling. Needs Attention."

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Saginaw
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
Saginaw
Stay at this vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Nice quiet neighborhood Worked out great for our fishing trip"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
"Updated Tranquil 3-Bedroom Haven" In Saginaw Twp, Family Friendly!
"Updated Tranquil 3-Bedroom Haven" In Saginaw Twp, Family Friendly!
Saginaw
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kokomos Family Fun Center and Fashion ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Family fun
"The house was beautiful and clean.The neighborhood was nice.We enjoyed our stay here"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

"Updated Tranquil 3-Bedroom Haven" In Saginaw Twp, Family Friendly!
Cute house in quiet neighborhood close to restaurants short drive to Frankenmuth
Cute house in quiet neighborhood close to restaurants short drive to Frankenmuth
Saginaw
Stay at this vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and fenced yards. Popular attractions Kokomos Family Fun Center and Fashion Square Mall are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Quick family trip
"We enjoyed a wonderful stay in Saginaw. Frankenmuth was only about 25 minutes away but we enjoyed the food in Saginaw best. For gluten free friends try Timbers and Harvey’s. Both just minutes away from the house. The house was well stocked and ready for our arrival. Very roomy and comfortable. The ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 5, 2024

Cute house in quiet neighborhood close to restaurants short drive to Frankenmuth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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