Saginaw

Travel Guide

Saginaw featuring outdoor art
Saginaw showing a sunset
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum which includes a park and a fountain
Japanese Cultural Center showing a garden
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

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 centre. Learn about Japanese traditions and history at the Japanese Cultural Centre and Tea House. Experience a show, film, musical or concert at the lovingly renovated Temple Theatre, home to the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. The Dow Event Centre 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 kilometres) 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

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
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Southwest Saginaw

Though Southwest Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hoyt Park and Japanese Cultural Center.

Southwest Saginaw
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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
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Cathedral District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cathedral District and surrounding area, you can visit Temple Theatre and The Dow Event Center.

Cathedral District
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Covenant

While there might not be top attractions in Covenant, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Temple Theatre and Saginaw Art Museum.

Covenant
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Northmoor Disctrict

While Northmoor Disctrict might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Temple Theatre.

Northmoor Disctrict
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2501 Tittabawassee Rd, Saginaw, MI
The price is CA $151 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $151
CA $168 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"I would stay here again great location and rooms"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
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 $94 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $94
CA $104 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
Great stay 5/5
"Dope hotel, it’s an older style design but very clean and taken care of. Super nice room, had lots of space. I’m not sure if there was an issue with the a/c in the hallways but it was very hot walking through the hotel. As for the room itself it was very cool and comfortable so the heat was only ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Comfort Suites Saginaw

Comfort Suites Saginaw

2.5 out of 5
5180 Cardinal Square Boulevard, Saginaw, MI
The price is CA $131 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $131
CA $145 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fashion Square Mall and Kokomos ...
8/10 Very Good! (752 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and went above and beyond to make sure stay was everything we had expected."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Comfort Suites 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.
9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard

9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard

3 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy patios, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Apple Mountain Golf Course and Kokomos Family ...
9 Mi to Svsu: Family Home w/ Deck & Yard
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!

3 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy a pool table, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
Persons Whom Appreciate the Fine Arts Prefered.

Persons Whom Appreciate the Fine Arts Prefered.

2 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Children's Zoo at Celebration Square ...
Persons Whom Appreciate the Fine Arts Prefered.
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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