Located along the Saginaw River in Central Michigan, Saginaw offers visitors a vibrant downtown, unique museums, nature trails, family fun, and delicious dining. Discover the top things to do in Saginaw Michigan, and create lasting memories in this charming city. Please join Let’s save Michigan to learn more through Enjoy This 6 Fun Things To Do In Saginaw Michigan.
Cruise the Saginaw River
Address: Princess Wenonah Cruise, 301 Quincy St, Saginaw, MI 48602
Hours: Public cruises offered daily late May-mid October
One of the best ways to get acquainted with Saginaw is aboard the Princess Wenonah, a riverboat offering scenic 90-minute cruises along the Saginaw River. This replica 19th century-style paddle-wheeler boat departs downtown from the riverfront landing. Knowledgeable guides will narrate your cruise, explaining the significance of landmarks, history, and river ecology as you pass by.
It is such an experience to float beneath towering bridges dating back to the lumber boom era. You can also catch glimpses of ornate 19th century buildings – now home to museums, restaurants and shops. Riverside parks like Ojibway Island and Veteran’s Memorial Park provide opportunities to potentially see eagles nesting along the wooded shores.
Keep an eye out for Great Lakes freighters docked along the river’s shipping channel. The captain often slows down for prime viewing and photos of freighters, bridges, or wildlife sightings.
Up on the open top deck, feel refreshing breezes and enjoy panoramic views around bends in the river. Daily public cruises run from late May through mid October. You will have chance to listen to stories of Saginaw’s lively past centered around the river.
Cruising the Saginaw River offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage and architecture through an enjoyable, educational experience.
Browse the Art and History at Castle Museum
Address: Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, 500 Federal Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 9am-4pm
Located in Saginaw’s historic district, the Smithsonian-affiliated Castle Museum allows visitors to explore the region’s history and view art exhibitions housed in a stunning Victorian mansion.
The Castle itself is an ornate work of art, designed in 1898 by architect William Baum and full of intricate details. Inside, you can view original Tiffany glass windows, mosaic tile floors, carved woodwork, stone fireplaces and painted murals throughout 23 rooms.
It also displays chronicle various eras in Saginaw’s history from Native American archaeology and the 19th century lumber boom to industrialization and immigration.
Fine art galleries feature changing exhibitions showcasing works by Michigan artists. Media on display includes paintings, prints, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics. Popular recurring exhibits highlight antique dollhouses, Wedgwood China collections, Victorian costumes, and the WWII home front.
Knowledgeable docents provide added context on the collections and mansion. Temporary shows often focus on aspects of Victorian-era lifestyle. You will enjoy wandering the ornate castle rooms while admiring regional history and art makes for an engaging, educational experience unlike any other in the area.
Pedal Along the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
Address: Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, Trailhead parking at Haithco Park
Hours: 2080 McCarty Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
Stretching 22 miles between Saginaw and St. Charles, the paved Saginaw Valley Rail Trail provides a scenic bikeway through rural Michigan landscapes. Following a former railroad line, the relatively flat trail offers an accessible place to walk, run or bike through forests, fields, wetlands and small towns.
Along the route, you can take in views of the Flint River from a covered bridge, cross over truss bridges from the rail era, and watch for wildlife in the woods. Convenient trailheads with parking dot the route in towns like St. Charles, Brant, and Hemlock Park. Amenities include restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, and shelter areas are available for tired bikers.
Highlights along the way include scenic Marshfield Nature Preserve wetlands, truss bridges overpasses from the railroad age, and interpretive signs discussing the history and environment.
Cyclists will enjoy cruising beneath the leafy tree canopy shading much of the trail. For those looking for a workout, the paved surface provides an even terrain. The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail appeals to families, recreational bikers, avid cyclists, and nature lovers seeking an accessible outdoor escape.
See Unique Species at the Japanese Cultural Center
Address: Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House, Gardens and Pond, 1475 W. Center Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
Hours: Open Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm
Surrounded by peaceful gardens, the Japanese Cultural Center near Saginaw aims to foster appreciation of Japanese art and heritage. Stroll through the serene landscape and koi ponds dotted with torii gates, stone lanterns, and pagodas.
Inside the center, galleries display rotating exhibits of Japanese arts like bonsai, ikebana, origami, sumi-e ink painting, pottery, textiles and more. Notable collections include intricate Japanese dolls, Kimonos, and Samurai artifacts. Make sure to visit the demonstration area where you can watch artisans creating bonsai trees, flower arrangements, or brush painting.
Outside, you can try to feed the vibrant koi fish swimming in the ponds using coin-operated fish food dispensers. you can also relax on benches along the mossy moon bridge spanning a pond filled with water lilies. Demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities aim to deepen visitors’ understanding of Japan.
Play and Learn at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo
Address: Saginaw Children’s Zoo, 1730 S. Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601
Hours: Open daily late April-October
If you bring children, don’t forget to visit this small but amazing Saginaw Children’s Zoo. Designed specifically with kids in mind, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo provides close encounters with special animals from around the globe.
Here is a list of things your kids will enjoy:
- Say hello to the ring-tailed lemurs and watch them sunbathe and leap around their habitat.
- See slender-tailed meerkats pop out of their tunnels and upright on their hind legs scanning for predators.
- Observe the red pandas munching on bamboo and the tiger cubs playing together.
- Kid-height viewing areas let little ones see eye-to-eye with critters like lemurs, parrots, and monkeys.
Beyond mammals, the zoo has kid-focused exhibits for learning about reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects through touch experiences.
Budding herpetologists can interact with snakes and lizards at the reptile center. The indoor tide pools offer hands-on exploration of sea stars, urchins and anemones. Kids can watch beekeepers tending to honey bee hives on-site.
Additional amenities include a splash pad, playground, pony rides and train rides. With opportunities to discover and engage with animals at every turn, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo promises a memorable and educational family outing.
Tee Off at Apple Mountain Golf Course
Address: Apple Mountain Golf Course, 4519 N River Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
Hours: Season open late April-October
Surrounded by the woodlands and rolling hills of central Michigan, Apple Mountain is an acclaimed 18-hole public golf course that appeals to players at any skill level.
The front 9 holes present a more open layout with wider fairways, while the back 9 incorporates tighter tree-lined fairways that require more precise shot-making through forests of maple and pine.
The challenging but fair course design by Jerry Matthews has been cited among the top 10 public courses in Michigan by Golf Digest.
Strategically placed bunkers, slopes, and water features add complexity over the 6,700 yard course.
The practice area has a driving range, putting green, and chipping area to hone your game. You can stop for a meal or drink at the Eagle’s Nest Grill with patio seating boasting scenic views.
Golf attire is required. Apple Mountain’s natural setting provides a peaceful atmosphere to focus on your swing.
The course difficulty progresses, so amateurs can build confidence before navigating the more demanding back 9 holes.
With plush greens and well-groomed fairways, Apple Mountain offers a premier golf experience in the Saginaw area.
In conclusion, Saginaw, Michigan offers a delightful mix of activities that cater to a wide range of interests. From exploring the intriguing history and culture to immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor looking to experience the city’s unique charm, Fun Things To Do In Saginaw Michigan‘s diverse array of attractions promises an unforgettable time. So, pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to indulge in the six fun things to do in Saginaw, Michigan – a city that invites you to create lasting memories and discover new delights at every turn.
