Saginaw Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

Southwest 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
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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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Adams

While Adams isn't home to many top sights, Saginaw Art Museum and Ojibway Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Adams
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Southeast District Saginaw

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

Southeast District 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £83 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£83
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (989 reviews)
Nice place!
"Very pleasant experience. Next time we’re visiting the Frankenmuth/Saginaw area, we’ll be back!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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 £54 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£54
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"For a 2- night stay, this property was ok. Perhaps update the old furniture in a couple lounge areas. The bed was much too soft for our comfort. We had to lay at the bottom of the bed horizontally for some comfort. Staff was friendly. There was noise from fireworks and can be expected this time of ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Saginaw Hotel & Suites
Comfort Suites Saginaw
Comfort Suites Saginaw
2.5 out of 5
5180 Cardinal Square Boulevard, Saginaw, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £68 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£68
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Saginaw. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Fashion Square Mall and Kokomos Family ...
8/10 Very Good! (733 reviews)
"Older hotel, but comfortable and clean. Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 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.
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
3 out of 5
Saginaw, MI
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy free parking, a pool table and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw ...
3 Mi to Dtwn Saginaw: Spacious & Updated Home!
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
Saginaw, MI
Stay at this holiday home in Saginaw. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions 400 Court Street Studio and Saginaw ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Great place
"Nice quiet neighborhood. Great location close to hwy and areas to explore. Owner even let me keep my motorcycle in the garage. Had all the amenities you could think of. Very clean and spacious. Would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Quiet three bedroom home in safe neighborhood short drive to Frankenmuth
Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown Saginaw!
Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown Saginaw!
3 out of 5
Saginaw
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Saginaw. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mid-Michigan Children's Museum and Saginaw Art Museum are ...
Cozy Home w/ Backyard ~ 3 Mi to Downtown 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.

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