Saginaw

Travel Guide

Saginaw which includes outdoor art
Saginaw showing a sunset
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum featuring a fountain and a garden
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

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University Center

Travellers 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 Children's Zoo at Celebration Square.

Celebration Square
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Cathedral District

While Cathedral District isn't home to many top sights, Temple Theatre and The Dow Event Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cathedral District
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Northmoor Disctrict

While Northmoor Disctrict isn't home to many top sights, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Temple Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Northmoor Disctrict
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Southwest Saginaw

When in Southwest Saginaw, you can plan a visit to Japanese Cultural Center and Temple Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southwest Saginaw
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Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, Saginaw Art Museum and Mid-Michigan Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
Comfort Suites Saginaw
Comfort Suites Saginaw
2.5 out of 5
5180 Cardinal Square Boulevard, Saginaw, MI
The price is RM375 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
RM375
RM416 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (684 reviews)
"Quiet place close to attractions"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Comfort Suites 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 RM501 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM501
RM556 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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! (922 reviews)
"Clean!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saginaw by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Saginaw
Hampton Inn & Suites Saginaw
2.5 out of 5
2695 Tittabawassee Rd, Saginaw, MI
The price is RM448 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
RM448
RM497 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Hampton 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.
Postcard Cabins The Thumb
Postcard Cabins The Thumb
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.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"nice to live with peace"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2025

Postcard Cabins The Thumb
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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