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
Port Austin featuring a lighthouse and general coastal views

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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Saginaw

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum showing interior views, art 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
Default Image

Northwest Saginaw

Though Northwest Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum.

Northwest Saginaw
Default Image

Southwest Saginaw

Though Southwest Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 400 Court Street Studio and Children's Zoo at Celebration Square.

Southwest Saginaw
Autumn colors in the Huron Manistee National Forests along the Ausable River

Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
Hoyt Park which includes flowers and a garden

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 Children's Zoo at Celebration Square.

Celebration Square
Default Image

Northeast Saginaw

Though Northeast Saginaw might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Dow Event Center and Temple Theatre.

Northeast Saginaw
Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw

3 out of 5
4960 Towne Centre Rd Saginaw MI
The price is CA $120 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $120
CA $133 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
The front desk lady was sooo sweet! She had brown hair and eyes and super cute nails. And a really hard worker.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw
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 $144 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $144
CA $160 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
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! (1,000 reviews)
Lauren, Shannon and Kelly were super helpful in making my stay an awesome experience. They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

Fairfield Inn & Suites Saginaw

3 out of 5
5200 Cardinal Square Blvd Saginaw MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $121 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
CA $121
CA $134 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Bed was comfortable. However, two of the pillowcases had blood stains on them. The blackout blinds were off the track on one side and hanging, but the worst part was the plug in the bathroom wasn’t working had to blow dry my hair out under the television because that was the only accessible plug. ...

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Fairfield Inn & 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.
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 MI
Stay at this vacation home in Saginaw. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Kokomos Family Fun Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Everything was great - clean - easy to operate

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Cute house in quiet neighborhood close to restaurants short drive to Frankenmuth
Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
3184 Columbiaville Rd Columbiaville MI
Stay at this cabin in Columbiaville. Enjoy free parking and climate control. Popular attractions Lake Henson and Buttercup Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. My fiancé and I went overnight to celebrate his birthday and it was amazing. We arrived Just at check in time, it was a smooth process. The ambience was truly breathtaking!!! The pictures do it no justice!! BOOOOKKKK NOW!!!

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

Postcard Cabins The Thumb, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front

Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front

Fairgrove MI
Stay at this cottage in Tuscola County. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
It was a wonderful experience! It’s such a beautiful quiet place, perfect for a quick getaway to reset or to escape the daily grind with your significant other while enjoying the peaceful views in an intimate setting. Truly an amazing experience! Thank you for having us

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Cozy Quiet Island Light House on Water Front
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Saginaw

Other places like Saginaw

Explore a world of travel with Expedia